Machine Gun Kelly Says Being On Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter VI Is A “Dream”

When it comes to modern rap legends, few names carry the weight and cultural influence of Lil Wayne. For over two decades, Wayne has shaped hip-hop with his unique sound, punchline-heavy bars, and his iconic album series, Tha Carter. Now, with the highly anticipated release of Tha Carter VI, another artist who grew up inspired by Wayne has achieved a career milestone: Machine Gun Kelly (MGK).

Speaking on the red carpet at the 2025 BET Awards, Machine Gun Kelly opened up about what it meant to be featured on Tha Carter VI. He called the opportunity a “dream,” praising the Tha Carter series as the “greatest rap saga of all time.” MGK also reflected on being just 14 years old when the first Tha Carter album dropped, describing the experience as “life-changing.”

Machine Gun Kelly on Being Featured in Tha Carter VI

During his conversation with Lauren-Ashley Beck and Kyle Denis of Billboard, MGK was candid about his admiration for Lil Wayne and the impact of Tha Carter series on his artistic journey.

“That [Tha Carter album series] to me is arguably the best rap saga that exists… I think I was 14 when Tha Carter came out, and that was life. All Carters, it’s life,” MGK said with clear emotion.

For a Cleveland-born artist who has carved his own lane across rap, rock, and alternative genres, being included on Wayne’s legendary album series was nothing short of validation. He emphasized that having a verse on Tha Carter VI wasn’t just a collaboration, but a career-defining honor.

Why Tha Carter Series Is Considered Legendary

To understand why MGK views his feature as such a dream, it’s important to revisit why Tha Carter series is so highly regarded in hip-hop.

• Tha Carter (2004) – The first installment introduced a more refined version of Lil Wayne, setting the stage for his rise to superstardom.

• Tha Carter II (2005) – Often regarded as one of Wayne’s best albums, it showcased his lyrical depth and secured his place among the elite.

• Tha Carter III (2008) – This Grammy-winning album featured hits like Lollipop and A Milli, cementing Wayne as a mainstream force while pushing over 1 million first-week sales.

• Tha Carter IV (2011) – Arriving at the height of Wayne’s fame, it demonstrated his ability to dominate both radio and the streets.

• Tha Carter V (2018) – Long-delayed but highly anticipated, this installment reminded fans of Wayne’s resilience and staying power.

• Tha Carter VI (2025) – With features like Machine Gun Kelly, this latest chapter continues to evolve Wayne’s legacy while bridging generations.

For MGK, stepping into that lineage means becoming part of hip-hop history.

Machine Gun Kelly Reflects on His Teenage Years and Lil Wayne’s Influence

When Tha Carter dropped in 2004, Machine Gun Kelly was just 14 years old. Like many teenagers at the time, he was mesmerized by Lil Wayne’s wordplay, charisma, and dominance over the rap game.

MGK has often cited Wayne as a key influence, and during the BET Awards interview, he explained how hearing Wayne’s projects growing up shaped his identity as both a rapper and a performer. “That was life,” he repeated, emphasizing the personal connection he felt to Wayne’s music.

This connection explains why MGK calls the collaboration on Tha Carter VI not just an opportunity, but a full-circle moment in his career.

The Collaboration: “Alone In The Studio With My Gun”

On the BET Awards red carpet, Machine Gun Kelly also revealed details about his track with Lil Wayne on Tha Carter VI. He shared the origins of the lyric “Alone In The Studio With My Gun,” which has already caught fans’ attention for its raw intensity.

MGK explained that he originally sent the Mod Sun-produced track to Wayne two years prior, long before Tha Carter VI was finalized. The song eventually found its home on the album, a decision MGK described as surreal.

This detail reveals the patience and dedication behind major collaborations. Even for an established star like MGK, it can take years for the right song to land on a monumental project like Tha Carter VI.

The BET Awards: A Perfect Stage for MGK’s Announcement

The BET Awards 2025 provided the ideal platform for MGK to share his excitement. Known for celebrating Black excellence in music, film, and sports, the ceremony has long been a space where artists acknowledge their inspirations.

By praising Tha Carter series at the event, MGK connected his journey to the broader hip-hop community while honoring Wayne’s legacy in front of millions. His words carried the weight of both personal gratitude and cultural respect.

Why MGK’s Feature Matters for Hip-Hop

MGK’s collaboration with Lil Wayne is more than just a meeting of two big names—it represents a merging of eras and styles.

1. Bridging Generations – Wayne represents the dominance of 2000s mixtape and album culture, while MGK reflects the genre-bending, experimental direction of the 2010s and 2020s.

2. Rap Meets Rock Energy – MGK’s willingness to fuse rock and rap gives his feature a unique flavor that aligns with Wayne’s history of pushing boundaries.

3. Cultural Continuity – By appearing on Tha Carter VI, MGK becomes part of a saga that spans over two decades, ensuring that Wayne’s influence continues into the next era.

This kind of collaboration reinforces how hip-hop thrives on evolution and mentorship, with legends like Lil Wayne elevating younger artists who once looked up to them.

Machine Gun Kelly’s Career and Reinvention

While MGK rose to fame as a rapid-fire rapper from Cleveland, he has since expanded into alternative rock and mainstream pop-punk, even topping charts in genres outside of hip-hop. His collaboration with Lil Wayne serves as a reminder that rap remains his foundation, and he still respects the art form deeply.

This moment also shows how MGK continues to reinvent himself while staying connected to his roots. Collaborating with Wayne allows him to showcase his lyrical skills to a hip-hop audience that may primarily know him now for his rock-driven projects.

Lil Wayne’s Enduring Influence

At the heart of this story is Lil Wayne’s unmatched ability to inspire. Even decades after his debut, he continues to influence artists across genres. From Drake to Kendrick Lamar, and now MGK, countless musicians credit Wayne with reshaping their vision of what a rapper can be.

MGK’s comments underline that Tha Carter series isn’t just a run of albums—it’s a cultural milestone that continues to define hip-hop. Each installment captures a different era, yet they all share Wayne’s signature creativity and boundary-pushing artistry.

Looking Ahead: What Tha Carter VI Means for Hip-Hop

With Tha Carter VI, Lil Wayne has once again proven that his legacy is not finished. By featuring artists like Machine Gun Kelly, he’s ensuring that the Carter saga evolves with the times, appealing to both longtime fans and younger audiences.

For MGK, the collaboration is not only a personal achievement but also a symbolic passing of the torch—proof that Wayne’s influence stretches across generations.

Conclusion

Machine Gun Kelly’s remarks at the BET Awards highlight just how meaningful it is to be featured on Tha Carter VI. Calling it a “dream,” MGK praised Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter series as the “greatest rap saga of all time” and reflected on his teenage years listening to Wayne’s music.

The collaboration, born from patience and respect, now stands as a major moment in MGK’s career and a reminder of Wayne’s enduring legacy. For hip-hop, it’s yet another example of how the genre’s legends continue to inspire, mentor, and collaborate with new voices.

With Tha Carter VI, Wayne has once again proven his place at the top, and with artists like MGK joining him, the saga continues stronger than ever.