Aminé Credits Lil Wayne’s Delivery & Inflection As Key Influences

When it comes to modern rap artistry, few rising stars have been as unique and inventive as Aminé, the Portland-born rapper known for hits like “Caroline” and “Spice Girl.” While Aminé has carved out his own lane in the music industry, he openly acknowledges the profound impact that Lil Wayne has had on his style, delivery, and performance.

In a recent interview with XXL, Aminé praised Wayne’s legendary Da Drought 3 era, citing it as one of the most important inspirations in shaping his creative voice. Beyond lyrics and metaphors, Aminé emphasized how Wayne’s inflection and delivery continue to set the standard for rap excellence, teaching him lessons that go beyond wordplay.

Aminé Reflects on His “360.5” Freestyle

In 2024, Aminé dropped his energetic “360.5” freestyle, a track that immediately sparked comparisons to Lil Wayne’s Da Drought 3 era. For Aminé, this was not accidental but a direct homage to one of the most influential periods in mixtape history.

He recalled how Wayne, during the Da Drought 3 run, seemed unstoppable, remixing “every hot beat on Earth” with unmatched creativity. Aminé explained that when he recorded “360.5,” he simply wanted to capture that same raw energy and fearless experimentation.

“I love that era of Wayne doing Da Drought 3 and remixing everything. That was the whole point for me when I did that,” Aminé said. “It was summertime, I had nothing to do, I was still working on my album, and I just felt like rapping.”

This freestyle reminded fans of Wayne’s relentless output during the mid-2000s, where every release felt like a cultural event. For Aminé, paying tribute through style was both an acknowledgment and a creative reset.

Lil Wayne’s Personality as a Blueprint

Beyond the technical skills, Aminé highlighted something deeper about Wayne: his personality on records. According to Aminé, this quality set Wayne apart from countless other lyricists.

“Wayne, growing up for me, was always more than lyrics,” Aminé explained. “He has this personality on records that can’t be ignored. He makes sure you remember the way he says something.”

While many rappers have strong lyrics, Aminé pointed out that Wayne’s unique delivery—whether through tone, attitude, or rhythm—turns even simple phrases into unforgettable moments. It is this blend of authenticity and charisma that Aminé seeks to channel in his own music.

Delivery Over Lyrics: A Lesson from Wayne

One of Aminé’s biggest takeaways from studying Lil Wayne is the importance of delivery in rap. While lyrical content remains central to hip-hop, Aminé believes the way a rapper inflects and projects words can entirely change a song’s reception.

He revealed that he often revisits verses after recording, adjusting tone and emotion to give them more power.

“I’ve done a verse, listened back, and thought: ‘This is good.’ Then I re-cut the entire verse with way more attitude, inflection, and dramatics,” Aminé shared. “That’s something I learned from Wayne—delivery can change the perception of a song completely.”

This approach mirrors Lil Wayne’s own recording style, where even playful bars become iconic due to his ability to inject character and confidence into every syllable.

Growing Up with Lil Wayne’s Music

For Aminé, Lil Wayne was more than just background music during his teenage years—he was the soundtrack to an era. Like many fans of the mid-to-late 2000s, Aminé discovered Wayne’s music through platforms like LimeWire, sometimes even stumbling on leaked tracks before their official releases.

He recalls having access to songs like “A Milli” before its commercial debut, a reminder of how Wayne’s omnipresence made him unavoidable. For young artists like Aminé, Wayne wasn’t just a rapper—he was a teacher of flow, energy, and creativity.

Why Da Drought 3 Still Matters

To this day, Wayne’s Da Drought 3 mixtape is celebrated as a landmark moment in hip-hop history. It wasn’t just about remixes—it was about proving that Wayne could take any beat and make it his own, often outperforming the original artist.

Aminé sees this era as a lesson in confidence and ownership. Just as Wayne transformed existing songs into his playground, Aminé applies that same spirit to his freestyles and original tracks. The legacy of Da Drought 3 continues to ripple through the younger generation of rappers, inspiring them to approach music with fearlessness and flair.

Lil Wayne as the G.O.A.T.

When asked directly about Wayne’s influence, Aminé didn’t hesitate to crown him the G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time).

He acknowledged that while rap has many skilled lyricists, Wayne’s ability to combine technical brilliance with personality places him in a league of his own. The balance of wordplay and energy is what makes Wayne timeless, and it’s this balance that Aminé strives to master.

By calling him the G.O.A.T., Aminé joined a long list of artists across generations who view Wayne not just as an inspiration but as the ultimate benchmark.

Inflection as an Artistic Tool

Inflection may seem like a minor detail to casual listeners, but in hip-hop, it’s everything. Aminé emphasized that even the most ordinary words can gain weight when delivered with the right rhythm and intensity.

This technique—something Wayne mastered early in his career—turns lines into catchphrases and verses into cultural moments. For Aminé, learning this skill from Wayne has allowed him to elevate his artistry, ensuring his records carry not just clever lines but also unforgettable energy.

Aminé’s Place in Rap Today

By blending his quirky creativity with lessons from icons like Lil Wayne, Aminé has carved a unique space in today’s rap scene. His emphasis on personality-driven rap sets him apart from more formulaic artists, giving his records a signature flair.

With each release, from chart-toppers like “Caroline” to freestyles like “360.5,” Aminé demonstrates his versatility and willingness to evolve. And behind that evolution is the shadow of Wayne, guiding him toward bolder performances and more memorable records.

Final Thoughts: Lil Wayne’s Legacy Lives Through Aminé

Aminé’s candid reflections highlight a key truth: Lil Wayne’s impact extends far beyond his own discography. His artistry continues to shape the way younger generations approach rap, emphasizing delivery, personality, and fearlessness.

By crediting Wayne as his greatest influence, Aminé acknowledges that true artistry isn’t just about clever lyrics—it’s about how you make people feel when they hear you.

As Aminé continues to grow, fans can expect to hear traces of Wayne’s influence in his work—whether it’s through sharp inflection, bold delivery, or a willingness to experiment. In honoring Lil Wayne, Aminé not only celebrates a legend but also strengthens his own identity as an artist unafraid to stand out.

For fans of both Wayne and Aminé, this connection is a powerful reminder that hip-hop is a living, evolving conversation across generations.