In a surprising and bold statement that has taken the hip-hop community by storm, Lil Novi, the son of rap legend Lil Wayne, has proclaimed Playboi Carti as the “new Lil Wayne” and hailed him as one of the greatest rappers of all time. This declaration was made during a recent interview with Rolling Stone, where Lil Novi, born Neal Carter, shared his thoughts on the current state of rap and its rising stars.

Lil Novi, who has been gradually carving out his own niche in the music industry, expressed his admiration for Playboi Carti’s innovative style and influence. “Carti is pushing boundaries and doing things that nobody else is doing right now. He’s the new Lil Wayne, for sure. One of the greatest to ever do it,” said the 14-year-old aspiring rapper.

Playboi Carti, known for his unique sound and eclectic fashion sense, has indeed made significant waves in the industry since his debut. Tracks like “Magnolia” and “Die Lit” have garnered him a massive following and critical acclaim. His 2020 album “Whole Lotta Red” debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, cementing his status as a major force in contemporary hip-hop.

The comparison to Lil Wayne, however, has sparked a lively debate among fans and critics. Many respect Lil Novi’s opinion but are cautious about placing Carti on the same pedestal as his father, whose career spans over two decades with countless hits and industry accolades.

“Lil Novi has a point about Carti’s influence, but calling him the new Lil Wayne is a big statement. Wayne’s impact on the game is legendary,” tweeted a fan. Another commented, “Playboi Carti is unique and talented, but Lil Wayne is in a league of his own.”

In his interview, Lil Novi elaborated on what he sees as parallels between Carti and his father. “My dad changed the game with his style and flow, and I see Carti doing something similar. He’s bringing something fresh and new, and that’s what makes a great artist.”

Lil Wayne has yet to publicly respond to his son’s comments. However, it is well known that he has always encouraged Lil Novi to form his own opinions and musical tastes. The elder Carter has often spoken about the importance of innovation and evolution in music, which aligns with Lil Novi’s admiration for Carti’s avant-garde approach.

Industry experts have chimed in on Lil Novi’s bold claim, acknowledging Playboi Carti’s rising influence but also emphasizing the historical significance of Lil Wayne’s contributions to hip-hop. “Carti is definitely a trendsetter and has a unique place in today’s rap scene, but Lil Wayne’s legacy is monumental. It’s exciting to see the next generation appreciating new talents while recognizing the giants who paved the way,” said music analyst Charlamagne Tha God.

As discussions continue, Lil Novi’s endorsement of Playboi Carti as the “new Lil Wayne” highlights the evolving landscape of hip-hop, where new voices and styles continuously shape the genre. Whether fans agree or disagree, the conversation underscores the dynamic nature of music and its ever-changing icons.