Lil’ Wayne never manages to keep himself out of the public eye. Despite not having a solo single out since ‘Miss Officer’ back in September 2008, his Young Money crew claimed a Billboard top 10 single this year with ‘Every Girl.’ Wayne also is enjoying the success of his protege, Drake, who has had arguably the biggest buzz of any debuting artist since 50 Cent. However, Lil’ Wayne’s controversial ‘Rebirth’ album has been pushed back yet again, this time until September.

Shanell of Young Money told Rap-up.com when asked about Rebirth, “Right now it’s September,” the “Prom Queen,” co-writer said. “But let me tell ya’ll, great art takes time and you’ll expect it and expect it and expect it again, but when it’s perfect, you guys will receive it.”

“Prom Queen” was released back in January of this year and was received to mix reviews. At first, the album was said to be a Rock album. Birdman later told HipHopDX.com, “That’s what I think people are getting misunderstood. When you speaking about a rock record, you think he’s got a guitar and everything, but it’s not that. It’s going to be some of those types of beats, but it’s just great music. I don’t think no artist can do what he about to get done. My son is a Rock star.”

Last year Lil’ Wayne enjoyed a landmark year by having the highest selling rap album of the year, but 2009 has seen all of hip-hop’s heavyweights make a comeback. With 50 Cent’s ‘Before I Self-Destruct,’ and Jay-Z’s “Blueprint 3″ set to also drop in September, the back to school season is set to be massive. Can Lil’ Wayne afford to go outside the box and still keep his spot as “The Best Rapper Alive?”

- Kazeem Famuyide