With NLE Choppa and Lil Wayne teaming up for their latest single “Ain’t Gonna Answer,” we are treated to an authentically charged fusion of past and present. Their masterful collaboration lauds the influence of Weezy, Cash Money, the Hot Boys, and the unforgettable “Back That Azz Up,” setting up an audacious homage to the classic era of hip-hop.
Drawing inspiration from Lil Wayne’s past hits, the track cleverly embodies the ‘What we doing? Makin’ money/What they doing? Hating on us’ chorus from the iconic collaboration of Wayne and Baby in “Stuntin’ Like My Daddy.” The salute continues as they subtly acknowledge Tunechi’s somewhat hidden treasure, “Private Dancer.”
The music video, orchestrated by Zaeim, embraces the visual style reminiscent of the prime Carter II era. With a tasteful presentation of the Hollygrove sign, we are taken back to the nostalgia-filled days of Wayne’s artistry. There’s a subtle tribute to the memorable “Fireman” video, and this delightful mix of the past and the [present](link to the video) is juiced up with elements from Tha Carter III and IV’s album art. NLE Choppa hinted at these earlier this week, teasing the fans with promotional material on his Instagram.
Following a string of successful releases like “Champions,” “Mo Upfront,” and “23,” the new track forms an intriguing addition to the young rap star’s expanding music artillery. These releases are all compiled in NLE Choppa’s forthcoming album, Cottonwood 2, slated for an April 14 launch date. The album hosts a noteworthy lineup of guest artists including Pooh Shiesty, Rod Wave, and DaBaby, adding a multi-layered flavor into the new project.
The much-anticipated album, Cottonwood 2, will be Choppa’s first full-length release since his January 2022 album Me vs. Me. This project is positioned as a rightful sequel to his debut album, Top Shotta. With the footprints of his beginnings merging with the evolving path of his journey, the new album promises to portray Choppa’s music in its full-bodied form.
In this era of instant gratification, the NLE Choppa and Lil Wayne collaboration is a refreshing reminder that the music culture is a sum of its past and present. Their ability to fluidly blend their styles while paying tribute to their influences is indeed commendable. Such an approach helps keep the roots of the genre strong while expanding its horizons.
With “Ain’t Gonna Answer,” these two outstanding talents have put forth their appreciation for the pillars of the genre. They have remembered the music and the artists that have shaped them, channeling and celebrating them in a respectful and creative way. As fans and disciples of the art form, we can only applaud their effort and look forward to more collaborations like this, which weld the past and the present into a captivating musical experience.
As we gear up for the arrival of Cottonwood 2 on April 14, this homage-filled collaboration of NLE Choppa and Lil Wayne is bound to keep us at the edge of our seats. It is a dazzling reminder that the cobwebs of the past can still sparkle under the right light, especially when they are dusted off by tasteful and insightful artists like Choppa and Weezy.
