Despite there clearly being a staggering demand for Eminem in this country, the bonus for many Australian hip-hop fans who bought tickets to the main event was surely the appearance of Lil Wayne (and to a lesser extent, Hilltop Hoods) in the support slot.
Well with Eminem's two stadium shows now all sold out (in thirty minutes no less), Lil Wayne has gone and announced his own damn tour. Wayne will "perform his own headline solo shows in Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne while he is in Australia for the Eminem tour in November." Alas, no word on Brisbane or Sydney dates.
The visit could be the last time we see Wayne in this country, if his recent comments to GQ are anything to go buy. The twenty-nine year old rapper told the magazine that he might soon "retire" in order to spend more time with his family:
GQ: I hear you plan to retire when you turn 35?
Lil Wayne: Basically, I have been doing this for eighteen years. That's reason number one. I have accomplished all that I have set out to accomplish and more. Also, I have a label, and I've only put out two artists [Drake and Nicki Minaj]. I have a lot more work to do, and it'd be selfish to not focus on being the boss and focus on their projects.
But the main reason is my kids, my children. Now, if I thought I'd be selfish to my artists, imagine what I think I would be doing to my kids. I have enough money that they don't have to ever do anything—which, they will do everything, 'cause they ain't getting shit. [cackles wildly] Six [more] years, I can do this Lil Wayne thing, and my boys will be about 7 and 8 years old. And man, it's all about them then. You know, whatever they're doing. Sports. Whatever they're into. That's where I am. I'm at every game. I'm the dad with the hat on. The jersey. That's me.
To actually be opening a brand-new door of life at 35? That'd be awesome. Totally awesome. I'm looking forward to it.
Read the whole interview at GQ.com. Tickets go on sale Wednesday November 2nd at 9am via Ticketek.com.au
LIL WAYNE - SOLO AUSTRALIAN TOUR 2011
http://www.thevine.com.au/music/news/lil-wayne-announces-eminem-sideshows,-plans-to-retire20111025.aspx