If you ask a cluster of Wayne fans, they’re likely to name the second installment as the superior release of the 'Carter' series. In ’05, Lil Wayne was midway in taking the industry under siege to stake his claim as the Best Rapper Alive; mind you, this was back when the title still *meant* the most as an overarching goal in hip-hop. He had mixtapes on smash, illegal leaks galore and was on the verge of an infamous feature run… but 'Tha Carter II' stands as one of the best Wayne albums arriving before his superstardom became unfathomable. It’s got all the trimmings: overlong, minimal features, luxurious production choices and an impenetrable focus. Wayne was in full control in every mode, still focused on rappin’ his fuckin’ ass off, and *still* finagled multiple singles out of the deal. “Tha Mobb” is one of my favorite hip-hop songs of all time, and *damn* sure a top 10 intro in all of rap PERIOD!