5 Shocking Revelations About Lil Wayne And Nivea’s Son, Neal Carter (A.K.A. Lil Novi)

The world of hip-hop royalty is always evolving, and as of this December 2025, the spotlight has shifted to the next generation. Neal Carter, the youngest son of rap legend Lil Wayne and R&B singer Nivea, is no longer just a celebrity child; he is now actively carving out his own musical path under the stage name 'Lil Novi'. At 16 years old, he is proving that musical talent runs deep in his DNA, but his journey and artistic identity are full of surprising twists that are just now coming to light in recent interviews and public appearances.

The relationship between Lil Wayne and Nivea has always been a complex chapter in hip-hop history, but it produced one of the most intriguing young artists today. From his surprising musical inspirations to the candid advice he receives from his father, Neal Carter, a.k.a. Lil Novi, is quickly becoming a figure fans of both his famous parents need to watch closely. His story is a fresh, unique blend of hip-hop legacy and new-age artistry.

The Family Lineage: Lil Wayne, Nivea, and Neal Carter Biography

The family structure surrounding Neal Carter is one of the most intricate and fascinating in the entertainment industry, connecting multiple major figures in R&B and hip-hop. This provides a deep layer of topical authority for his own emerging career.

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• Full Name: Neal Carter
• Stage Name: Lil Novi
• Date of Birth: November 30, 2009
• Current Age: 16 (as of December 2025)
• Mother: Nivea B. Hamilton (R&B Singer)
• Father: Dwayne Michael Carter Jr. (Lil Wayne, Rapper)
• Siblings (Paternal): Reginae Carter, Dwayne Carter III, Kameron Carter
• Siblings (Maternal): Navy Talia Nash, London Nash, Christian Dream Nash (from Nivea's marriage to The-Dream)

Lil Wayne (Dwayne Michael Carter Jr.)

• Born: September 27, 1982, in New Orleans, Louisiana
• Career: One of the most influential rappers of all time, known for albums like *Tha Carter* series, and founder of Young Money Entertainment.
• Family Note: Neal is one of Lil Wayne's four children, each with a different mother, highlighting the rapper's sprawling family dynamic.

Nivea (Nivea B. Hamilton)

• Born: March 24, 1982, in Savannah, Georgia
• Career: R&B singer known for her Grammy-nominated single "Don't Mess with My Man" and other hits.
• Family Note: Nivea was famously married to producer The-Dream before rekindling her relationship with Lil Wayne, who is the father of Neal.

The Lil Novi Era: 5 Things You Didn't Know About Neal Carter

While his parents' history is well-documented, Neal Carter's emergence as an artist, "Lil Novi," is the freshest and most compelling story. Recent interviews have revealed surprising details about his journey and his connection to his legendary father.

1. He Started Making Music at a Very Young Age

Unlike many celebrity children who wait until adulthood to explore their parents' careers, Neal Carter discovered his passion early on. In a recent interview, Lil Novi revealed that he first found his knack for making music around the age of 11. This early start is a significant detail, as it shows a genuine, long-term commitment to the craft rather than a sudden decision to capitalize on his name. He began seriously pushing his music in 2024, around the same age Lil Wayne himself started rapping in the mid-1990s, drawing a powerful parallel between father and son.

2. Lil Novi Blends Rock with Hip-Hop

One of the most unique aspects of Lil Novi's emerging sound is his willingness to incorporate genres outside of traditional rap. While he is the son of a rap icon and an R&B star, Lil Novi is actively blending rock influences into his music. This genre-bending approach is a modern trend in hip-hop, but it also helps him carve out his own distinct identity away from the shadow of *Tha Carter* legacy. This desire to explore different sounds shows an artistic maturity beyond his years, refusing to be confined to the expectations of his lineage.

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3. His Biggest Inspiration is Michael Jackson, Not Lil Wayne

While he clearly respects and admires his father, Lil Novi's biggest musical inspiration is a surprising figure from pop history: Michael Jackson. This revelation speaks volumes about the diverse musical environment he was raised in and his personal taste. By citing the King of Pop, he signals a commitment to showmanship, vocal performance, and global impact, rather than simply replicating the Southern rap sound his father pioneered. He also mentioned other artists, but the nod to Michael Jackson is a key indicator of his artistic vision.

4. Lil Wayne Gave Him Specific Studio Advice

Despite his fame and busy schedule, Lil Wayne is clearly an involved father when it comes to his son's career. Lil Novi has shared that his father has given him specific, practical advice for working in the studio. This wasn't just general encouragement; Lil Wayne advised him on the technical aspects of music, such as learning beat patterns and how to best utilize his voice during recording sessions. This hands-on guidance from a legendary lyricist is an invaluable asset that few young artists possess, providing a direct link to the creative process of a multi-platinum artist.

5. His Favorite Lil Wayne Album is a Major Surprise

For decades, fans have debated Lil Wayne's best album, with *Tha Carter II* and *Tha Carter III* usually dominating the conversation. However, Neal "Lil Novi" Carter has a different, and perhaps shocking, answer. In a recent interview, he declared his father's 2018 album, *Tha Carter V*, as his favorite. This choice is significant because *Tha Carter V* was released much later in Lil Wayne's career, making it the album most likely to be associated with Neal's own childhood and teenage years. It suggests a deep, personal connection to the music his father created during a time when Neal was old enough to appreciate it, rather than simply choosing the critically acclaimed classics.

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The Complicated Family Web: Nivea, The-Dream, and Lil Wayne

To fully understand Neal Carter's unique upbringing, one must appreciate the complicated, yet amicable, relationship between his parents. Lil Wayne and Nivea first began dating in 2002 and were engaged later that year. Their relationship was on-again, off-again, and Nivea later married producer The-Dream, with whom she had three children: a daughter, Navy Talia, and twin sons, London and Christian Dream. The family web became even more intertwined when Nivea and Lil Wayne reconnected and had Neal Carter in 2009.

The co-parenting dynamic is a testament to maturity and focusing on the children. Nivea has often spoken candidly about the difficulties and the unique situation of her children sharing a father (The-Dream) and then having a child with Lil Wayne, who was also the father of her co-parent's other child's sibling (referencing the complex relationship between Lil Wayne and Lauren London, who has a child with The-Dream). It's a complicated, modern family structure, but the core focus remains on providing a stable environment for Neal Carter and his siblings, including older half-sister Reginae Carter. The fact that Neal is now emerging as a respected artist, Lil Novi, demonstrates that despite the complexity, the family has successfully fostered a creative and supportive home life for the young star.

As Lil Novi continues to release new music and conduct interviews, his journey is proving to be much more than just the son of two icons. He is a testament to the fact that the next generation is ready to evolve the sound of music, even with the weight of legendary names behind them. Keep an eye on Lil Novi—his rock-infused, Michael Jackson-inspired, and Lil Wayne-mentored sound is set to make a significant impact on the industry in the coming years.