5 Shocking Facts About Lil Wayne And Nivea's Son, Neal Carter (Lil Novi), The Rising Rapper

In late 2025, the spotlight is intensely focused on the next generation of hip-hop royalty, and one name is rapidly gaining traction: Neal Carter, the youngest son of rap legend Lil Wayne and R&B powerhouse Nivea. Born into one of the most complex and famous co-parenting situations in music history, Neal is no longer just a celebrity child; he is actively forging his own path, embracing his musical lineage under the stage name "Lil Novi." This deep dive explores the fresh, unique details of the 16-year-old's life, his surprising music career, and the intricate family dynamic that shaped him. This article provides the most current, up-to-date information on Neal Carter's life, his recent milestones, and the fascinating history of his famous parents.

The Complex Family Tree: Lil Wayne and Nivea's Biographies

The story of Neal Carter is inextricably linked to the complex, on-again, off-again relationship between his famous parents, a dynamic that spans two decades and involves other major music industry figures.

Lil Wayne (Dwayne Michael Carter Jr.)

• Full Name: Dwayne Michael Carter Jr.
• Born: September 27, 1982, in New Orleans, Louisiana.
• Career Highlights: Widely regarded as one of the most influential hip-hop artists of all time. He signed with Cash Money Records at nine years old. His career is defined by the critically acclaimed *Tha Carter* album series, including the Grammy-winning *Tha Carter III*.
• Nickname for Neal: Lil Wayne affectionately refers to Neal Carter as "Meatball."
• Co-Parents: Lil Wayne has four children with four different women: Reginae Carter (with Toya Johnson), Dwayne Carter III (with Sarah Vivan), Kameron Carter (with Lauren London), and Neal Carter (with Nivea).

Nivea (Nivea B. Hamilton)

• Full Name: Nivea B. Hamilton.
• Born: March 24, 1982.
• Career Highlights: An American R&B singer known mononymously as Nivea. She rose to prominence in the early 2000s, with her debut self-titled album and the hit single "Laundromat," which ironically features a wedding dress and engagement ring, a nod to her initial relationship with Wayne.
• Other Relationship: Nivea was married to R&B singer and producer The-Dream from 2004 to 2008, with whom she shares three children.
• Blended Family: Nivea and Lil Wayne share a unique connection, as they both also share children with The-Dream (Nivea's three children with The-Dream, and Lil Wayne's daughter Reginae's mother, Toya Johnson, later married The-Dream). This created an extremely close, complex, and supportive blended family dynamic.

The Turbulent Timeline: Lil Wayne and Nivea's Relationship

The romantic history between Lil Wayne and Nivea is a fascinating saga that began long before Neal Carter's birth, characterized by two engagements and a complex familial intertwining. The pair first began dating in 2002. Just a few months into their courtship, Lil Wayne proposed to Nivea in December 2002. This initial engagement was called off in 2003. Following their separation, Nivea married The-Dream, and Lil Wayne started a family with other partners. The two artists reconnected years later. Despite not rekindling their engagement, their relationship led to the birth of their son, Neal Carter, on November 30, 2009. Neal's birth came just two months after the birth of Lil Wayne's son Kameron with actress Lauren London, highlighting the unique and busy period in the rapper's life.

Neal Carter: Five Key Facts About "Lil Novi"

Neal Carter is currently 16 years old and has been making headlines in late 2025 as he steps out of his parents' shadow and into the music industry. He currently resides with his mother, Nivea Hamilton.

1. He Is a Rapping Prodigy Known as Lil Novi

Neal Carter is a burgeoning hip-hop artist operating under the stage name "Lil Novi." He discovered his passion and knack for making music in his early teens. This artistic pursuit is the most current and significant aspect of his public life, proving he is actively following in his father's footsteps.

2. His Viral Moment Was a Remix of a Classic

In a move that caught the attention of the hip-hop community, Lil Novi recently went viral for freestyling over his father's iconic 2008 track, "A Milli." This showcase of skill demonstrated his lyrical potential and his deep connection to his father's musical legacy. He also gained attention for a remix of Playboi Carti’s song, “LIKE WEEZY.”

3. He Has Released Multiple Professional Singles

Lil Novi is serious about his music career, not just relying on viral moments. He has released multiple singles, including a track titled "Take A Step," which was accompanied by a professional music video. The video for "Take A Step" notably featured cameos from his older brothers, Dwayne Carter III and Kameron Carter, emphasizing the strong bond within Lil Wayne’s children.

4. His Favorite Lil Wayne Album is *Tha Carter V*

In a recent interview, Neal Carter—the ultimate insider—was asked to name his favorite album by his father, Lil Wayne. He declared that *Tha Carter V* is his father's best work, a surprising pick for many fans who often lean toward *Tha Carter III* or *Tha Carter II*. This small detail provides a current glimpse into his personal musical taste and his perspective on his father's extensive catalog.

5. He Is Part of an Extremely Close Blended Family

Neal is the youngest of Lil Wayne's four children, and the siblings—Reginae Carter, Dwayne Carter III, and Kameron Carter—are famously close, often appearing together in public and supporting each other's ventures, including Lil Novi’s music video. Furthermore, he has half-siblings on his mother's side from her marriage to The-Dream, creating a large, supportive, and musically-inclined extended family that is deeply rooted in the R&B and Hip-Hop world. This supportive environment is a key factor in the development of the young artist.

The trajectory of Neal Carter, or Lil Novi, is one of the most exciting new stories in the music world. As he continues to release new music and navigate the world of being a celebrity child, all eyes are on the 16-year-old to see how he will honor his legendary lineage while carving out a distinct identity in the competitive landscape of modern hip-hop.