No Ceilings

Last updated

No Ceilings
Noceilings.jpg
Mixtape by
Lil Wayne
ReleasedOctober 31, 2009
Recorded2009
Genre Hip hop
Length72:34
Label Young Money, Cash Money
Lil Wayne chronology
Dedication 3
(2008)		No Ceilings
(2009)		 Rebirth
(2010)
Commercial release cover
Lil Wayne - No Ceilings.png

No Ceilings is a mixtape by American rapper Lil Wayne. It was scheduled to be released on October 31, 2009, but was leaked before the official date. No Ceilings was officially released on October 31, 2009, with 4 additional tracks. The mixtape is available as a free and legal download [1] and it received widespread acclaim from critics. An abridged version was officially released to streaming services on August 28, 2020, excluding ten songs.

Contents

Recording and release

Two Lil Wayne tracks, "Wasted" and "Swag Surf," were leaked onto the internet on October 11. These were followed by "Run This Town" on October 25. The majority of the mixtape was leaked out to the public on multiple websites October 26, 2009. The mixtape contains various freestyles over popular rap and R&B songs' instrumentals and features artists from his Young Money label including Nicki Minaj, Short Dawg, Gudda Gudda, Shanell, Jae Millz, and Tyga. It was officially released on weareyoungmoney.com via a live Ustream [2] [3] [4] [5] video and included higher quality audio as well as four additional tracks. The song "Single" was released on May 11, 2010 as a single on iTunes titled "I'm Single", and charted on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The single was also released on Wayne's I Am Not a Human Being album. The song "No Ceilings" was released to iTunes under the title "Pop That" on the Loyalty EP, which also included Birdman's new single "Loyalty", which featured Tyga and Lil Wayne. [6]

When police pulled over Wayne's tour bus after claiming to smell marijuana, the rapper pleaded guilty to "attempted criminal possession of a weapon." [7] Although pleading guilty still landed Wayne in Riker's Island Prison for a year, it greatly reduced his possible sentence. Wayne was dealing with his arrest and charges while writing the mixtape, and he actually mentions his arrest multiple times in lyrics throughout the tape.[ citation needed ]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Consequence of Sound Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [8]
FACT 3.5/5 [9]
MSN Music (Consumer Guide)A− [10]
Pitchfork 7.7/10 [11]
Rolling Stone Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [12]
Sputnikmusic4.5/5 [13]
Tom Hull – on the Web A− [14]

Reviewing in April 2010 for MSN Music , Robert Christgau hailed No Ceilings as Lil Wayne's best release since Tha Carter III and a "welcome alternative" to his contemporaneous rock album Rebirth (2010). Noting a richness and humor in his lyrics, the critic said that Lil Wayne "recycles beats from Dirty South throwaways whose originals you need never think of again, shows Fabolous how fabulous the 'Throw It in the Bag' remix might have been, holds his own with Jay-Z and the Black Eyed Peas, and eases the mixtape's title onto every track". [10] In another piece for The Barnes & Noble Review , Christgau elaborated on his praise, but also offered points of criticism: "[T]his is a gift except when some dolt like Tyga or Jae Milz [ sic ] gets a verse ... though the boasts are mostly prime and the rhymes fun enough, it's all pretty surface—there's nothing as tricky as 'Walk It Out,' much less 'I Feel Like Dying.' And the occasional references to his forthcoming [prison bid] are strictly by the book." [15] Christgau later ranked No Ceilings as the 18th best album of the year. [16]

Sequel

A sequel mixtape, No Ceilings 2, was confirmed on the 6-year anniversary of the original mixtape's release by Mack Maine on his Twitter page. Lil Wayne performed his freestyle over Future's "Where Ya At?" at an event prior to its release and two 30-second clips of that performance can be found online. He also recorded his freestyle over Drake's "Back To Back" before an interview.[ citation needed ]

Commercial release

On August 28, 2020, over 10 years from the initial free release, the mixtape was released to streaming platforms. [17] The commercial release omitted all 3 skits and 7 songs, presumed to be due to sample clearance issues. A bonus track titled "Kobe Bryant" was also included. It is a rework of Wayne's 2009 song with the same title.

Track listing

No.TitleOriginal instrumentalLength
1."Swag Surf"
4:10
2."Ice Cream"
3:25
3."D.O.A."
4:32
4."Skit #1" (featuring Gudda Gudda)
  • "Always Love You" by Gudda Gudda
1:18
5."Wasted"
4:13
6."Watch My Shoes"
  • "Watch My Shoes" by 3 Deep
4:39
7."Break Up" (featuring Short Dawg and Gudda Gudda)
3:48
8."Banned from T.V."
2:54
9."Throw It in the Bag"
2:55
10."That's All I Have" (featuring Tyga and Shanell)
  • "I Think I Luv Her" by Gucci Mane
3:55
11."Skit #2" (featuring Shanell)
  • "Save Me" by Shanell
1:39
12."Wayne on Me"
4:15
13."I'm Good" (featuring Lucci Lou)
  • Original instrumental, produced by MonstaBeatz
2:26
14."Poke Her Face" (featuring Jae Millz)
2:16
15."Run This Town"
2:49
16."I Got No Ceilings" (featuring Mack Maine)
3:46
17."Skit End"
1:36
18."No Ceilings (Pop That)" (featuring Birdman)
  • "Licence to Kill" by Gladys Knight
3:58
19."Oh Let's Do It"
3:46
20."I'm Single"
5:33
21."Sweet Dreams" (Beyoncé featuring Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj)
4:47
Total length:1:12:34

The mixtape's 2020 streaming edition excluded 10 tracks, 3 of them being skits, while adding the song "Kobe Bryant".

Charts

Chart performance for No Ceilings
Chart (2020)Peak
position
US Billboard 200 [18] 18

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">A Milli</span> 2008 single by Lil Wayne

"A Milli", abbreviated occasionally as "Milli", is a song by American rapper Lil Wayne. The song was released February 13, 2008, as the second official single from his sixth album Tha Carter III.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tyga</span> American rapper (born 1989)

Micheal Ray Stevenson, known professionally as Tyga, is an American rapper. After a number of independent releases, Tyga signed a recording contract with Young Money Entertainment, Cash Money Records and Republic Records in 2008. His major label debut Careless World: Rise of the Last King was released in 2011 and included the successful singles "Rack City", "Faded", "Far Away", "Still Got It", and "Make It Nasty". The album's success was followed up with Hotel California (2013) and Fan of a Fan: The Album (2015), in collaboration with singer Chris Brown.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Put On</span> 2008 single by Young Jeezy featuring Kanye West

"Put On" is a song by American recording artist Young Jeezy featuring Kanye West, from Jeezy's third studio album The Recession. The song was released as the album's lead single on June 3, 2008. The song received a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group, and was featured in the video games Midnight Club: Los Angeles and Skate 3.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Got Money</span> 2008 single by Lil Wayne featuring T-Pain

"Got Money" is a song by American rapper Lil Wayne featuring fellow American rapper and singer T-Pain, released as the third single from the former's sixth studio album Tha Carter III (2008). Both artists use the Auto-Tune effect in the song. The single was released as a digital download on iTunes on May 27, 2008. Lil Wayne and T-Pain performed the song at the BET 2008 awards and the 2008 MTV Music Video Awards. MTV also ranked the song as the number 19 Hip-Hop song of 2008.

<i>Rebirth</i> (Lil Wayne album) 2010 studio album by Lil Wayne

Rebirth is the seventh studio album by American rapper Lil Wayne, released February 2, 2010, on Cash Money Records, Young Money Entertainment and Universal Motown. The album's production was primarily handled by Cool & Dre, DJ Infamous, DJ Nasty & LVM, Kevin Rudolf, and J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League. Rebirth was promoted as Wayne's rock music debut, though it includes some hip hop tracks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Every Girl (Young Money song)</span> 2009 single by Young Money

"Every Girl" is a song by rap group Young Money released as the first single from their debut collaboration album titled We Are Young Money. It was legally released to the iTunes Store on June 11, 2009. Young Money Entertainment rappers Lil Wayne, Drake, Jae Millz, Gudda Gudda, and Mack Maine make appearances on the track. The video was shot on February 13, 2009, and was released on April 6 of that same year. The song was leaked to the internet on January 28, 2009, just a day after "Prom Queen" was officially released.

<i>Ice Cream Paint Job</i> 2009 single by Dorrough

"Ice Cream Paint Job" is a song by Dorrough from his debut album, Dorrough Music. The single peaked at number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100. It has been certified platinum by the RIAA.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BedRock</span> 2009 single by Young Money featuring Lloyd

"BedRock" is the second single by hip hop group/record label Young Money Entertainment from their debut collaboration album, We Are Young Money (2009). It is performed by acts that were signed under Young Money, including rap verses by Lil Wayne, Gudda Gudda, Nicki Minaj as her debut single, Drake, Tyga, Jae Millz, with the chorus performed by Lloyd. "BedRock" is also featured as a bonus track on the Japanese, New Zealand, and the "Complete Edition" 2020 reissue editions of Nicki Minaj's debut studio album, Pink Friday.

<i>We Are Young Money</i> 2009 compilation album by Young Money

We Are Young Money is the first compilation album by American hip hop record label Young Money Entertainment, and released on December 21, 2009 by Young Money Entertainment, Cash Money Records and Universal Motown Records. The album garnered a positive reception but critics were divided on the quality of the label's choice of artists. We Are Young Money debuted at number 9 on the Billboard 200 and spawned three singles: "Every Girl", "BedRock" and "Roger That". The album was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America for sales of over 1,000,000 copies in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">4 My Town (Play Ball)</span> 2009 single by Birdman featuring Drake and Lil Wayne

"4 My Town (Play Ball)" is the fourth single from rapper Birdman's fourth studio album, Priceless. The song features Young Money/Cash Money artists Drake and Lil Wayne. Drake's verse and the unmastered instrumental to the song was originally leaked and titled as "Play Ball" by Richie Wess and featuring Drake and Yung Dred, and then later placed on Soulja Boy's mixtape Paranormal Activity again as "Play Ball" featuring Drake.

<i>I Am Not a Human Being</i> 2010 studio album by Lil Wayne

I Am Not a Human Being is the eighth studio album by the American rapper Lil Wayne. It had a digital release on September 27, 2010, and on compact disc on October 12, 2010, by Young Money Entertainment, Cash Money Records and Universal Motown. It was recorded before Wayne's eight-month prison term for criminal possession of a weapon. Production for the album was by Wayne and several record producers, including Boi-1da, Cool & Dre, Streetrunner, Noah "40" Shebib and DJ Infamous.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Loyalty (Birdman song)</span> 2010 single by Birdman featuring Lil Wayne and Tyga

"Loyalty" is a song by American rapper Birdman. The song features Young Money/Cash Money artists Lil Wayne and Tyga. It is about loyalty and not forgetting where one has come from.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John (Lil Wayne song)</span> 2011 single by Lil Wayne featuring Rick Ross

"John" is a song by American rapper Lil Wayne, and the second single from his album Tha Carter IV. The song features rapper Rick Ross, and it peaked at number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100. "John" was released on March 24, 2011, on iTunes. The song uses the hook from Rick Ross' song "I'm Not a Star" from his album Teflon Don. The song title is a reference to English musician John Lennon. Lil Wayne performed the song at 2011's MTV Video Music Awards to the riff of Black Sabbath song, Iron Man.

<i>Sorry 4 the Wait</i> 2011 mixtape by Lil Wayne

Sorry 4 the Wait is a mixtape by American rapper Lil Wayne, named as an attempt to apologize for the continued delay of his ninth album, Tha Carter IV (4). Wayne said the mixtape would have about ten songs and be similar to No Ceilings, with him using other artists' tracks and making a cover track. It was released for digital download on July 13, 2011, and received generally positive reviews from music critics.

<i>Rich Gang</i> (album) 2013 studio album by Rich Gang

Rich Gang is the debut studio album by Young Money and Cash Money as the supergroup Rich Gang. The album was released July 23, 2013, by Young Money Entertainment, Cash Money Records and Universal Motown Records. The album contains contributions from several YMCMB members, including Birdman, Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Tyga, Mack Maine, Limp Bizkit, Bow Wow, Ace Hood, Jae Millz, Cory Gunz, Gudda Gudda, Caskey, Detail, Busta Rhymes and Mystikal. The compilation also features guest appearances from artists outside the labels, including Future, Meek Mill, French Montana, T.I., Yo Gotti, Flo Rida, Chris Brown, Rick Ross, The Game, Kendrick Lamar, and R. Kelly. The album was supported by the three singles "Tapout" which peaked at No. 45 on the Billboard Hot 100, along with the R. Kelly featured "We Been On" and "50 Plates" by Rick Ross. The album received generally mixed reviews from music critics and sold 40,000 copies in the US after three weeks of sale.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gudda Gudda</span> American rapper from Louisiana

Carl Eugene Lilly Jr., better known by his stage name Gudda Gudda, is an American rapper from New Orleans. He was originally a member of Sqad Up with Kidd Kidd and Lil Wayne. After forging a long-time friendship with Wayne, he signed to Young Money Entertainment, and later Republic Records.

Widner DeGruy, also known by his stage name Flow, is an American rapper from New Orleans, Louisiana. He began his music career with hip hop group, The Flamez and is the CEO of Flame Gang Music. In 2012, he signed to Lil Wayne's label Young Money Entertainment. That same year, Flow formed another group called L.A.T. with rappers Gudda Gudda and Kevin Gates. Flow would tour with labelmate Lil Wayne.

<i>No Ceilings 2</i> 2015 mixtape by Lil Wayne

No Ceilings 2 is a mixtape by American rapper Lil Wayne, released on November 26, 2015. The mixtape was self-released due to Wayne leaving Cash Money Records. It features guest appearances from Baby E, Curren$y, Euro, Future, Gudda Gudda, Hoodybaby, Jae Millz, King Los, Lucci Lou, Mannie Fresh, Shanell, Stephanie Acevedo, T@, Turk, & Yo Gotti.

<i>In Tune We Trust</i> 2017 EP by Lil Wayne

In Tune We Trust is the second extended play (EP) by American rapper Lil Wayne. It was released on July 5, 2017, under Young Money Entertainment. The four songs on the EP were recorded by Lil Wayne during his ongoing feud with Cash Money Records. Lil Wayne stated that he would give his fans new material before Tha Carter V is finally released. Lil Wayne decided to put the EP on the streaming services DatPiff and SoundCloud. A music video for the track "Loyalty" was released on the WorldStarHipHop YouTube page. The EP features a freestyle over rapper Playboi Carti's breakout hit "Magnolia".

<i>No Ceilings 3</i> 2020 mixtape by Lil Wayne

No Ceilings 3 is a double disc mixtape by American rapper Lil Wayne, hosted by DJ Khaled. The A Side was released on November 27, 2020. It features guest appearances from Drake, Young Thug, Gudda Gudda, Euro, Cory Gunz, HoodyBaby, Vice Versa, YD, and Jay Jones. The B Side was released on December 18, with additional guest appearances from Big Sean, Rich The Kid, Lil Twist, and 2 Chainz.

References

  1. ↑ "Young Money Entertainment". Weareyoungmoney.com. Archived from the original on March 22, 2010. Retrieved September 9, 2011.
  2. ↑ "Lil Wayne Live on Lil Twist TV talking about No Ceilings #LilWayne, Lil Wayne Live on Lil Twist TV talking about No Ceilings liltwisttv on USTREAM. Hip-Hop". Ustream.tv. Retrieved September 9, 2011.
  3. ↑ "Lil Wayne live from the studio on Lil Twist TV for No Ceilings #LilWayne, Lil Wayne live from the studio on Lil Twist TV for No Ceilings liltwisttv on USTR". Ustream.tv. Retrieved September 9, 2011.
  4. ↑ "Lil Wayne saying goodbye from the studio on Lil Twist TV #LilWayne, Lil Wayne saying goodbye from the studio on Lil Twist TV liltwisttv on USTREAM. Hip-Hop". Ustream.tv. Retrieved September 9, 2011.
  5. ↑ "Lil Wayne – No Ceilings (Mixtape) [The Official Version: 4 New Songs & Better Sound Quality]". Nah Right. October 31, 2009. Retrieved September 9, 2011.
  6. ↑ "Loyalty EP on iTunes". iTunes. Retrieved July 18, 2010.
  7. ↑ "Lil Wayne sentenced to year in jail" . Retrieved June 21, 2015.
  8. ↑ Coplan, Chris (November 16, 2009). "Album Review: Lil Wayne – No Ceilings". Consequence of Sound . Archived from the original on March 23, 2013. Retrieved August 29, 2013.
  9. ↑ Jama, Zainab (December 1, 2009). "Lil Wayne: No Ceilings". FACT . Archived from the original on February 13, 2010. Retrieved February 13, 2010.
  10. 1 2 Christgau, Robert (April 2010). "Consumer Guide". MSN Music . Retrieved July 18, 2020– via robertchristgau.com.
  11. ↑ Breihan, Tom (November 16, 2009). "Lil Wayne: No Ceilings". Pitchfork Media . Retrieved September 9, 2011.
  12. ↑ Dolan, Jon (November 9, 2009). "No Ceilings". Rolling Stone . Retrieved August 29, 2013.
  13. ↑ "Lil Wayne - No Ceilings User Opinions". Sputnikmusic. Winesburgohio STAFF | December 27th 13. Retrieved July 18, 2020.
  14. ↑ Hull, Tom (May 15, 2012). "Rhapsody Streamnotes". Tom Hull – on the Web. Retrieved July 18, 2020.
  15. ↑ Christgau, Robert (March 10, 2010). "The Triumph of the Id". The Barnes & Noble Review . Retrieved July 18, 2020.
  16. ↑ Christgau, Robert (January 12, 2011). "2010: Dean's List". The Barnes & Noble Review. Retrieved July 18, 2020– via robertchristgau.com.
  17. ↑ Respers France, Lisa (August 28, 2020). "Lil Wayne drops 'No Ceilings' mixtape on streaming services 11 years after its release". CNN . Retrieved August 29, 2020.
  18. ↑ "Lil Wayne Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved September 9, 2020.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.