My Top 5 Favorite Carters in Hip Hop

Cardi B, pictured, is ineligible for the list due to not being named Carter.

 There sure are a lot of Carters in hip hop, aren't there?  They span across many different subgenres throughout multiple decades, and that only includes the few I can think of off the top of my head. With so many legendary Carters in my favorite genre, I think it's high time I rank my top 5 favorite Carters in the hip hop game.

#5 Lee Carter. Viper

Viper is a Houston legend who revolutionized underground rap with tons of floaty cloud rap albums that are surprisingly entertaining. From his classics The Hiram Clarke Hustler, to Ready And... Willing, to the legendary You'll Cowards Don't Even Smoke Crack, Viper has definitely carved a name for himself within the underground hip hop scene. Unfortunately he locked a woman in his garage for several years and committed many other cases of aggravated kidnapping, over 50 counts of fraud, and a death, all on his property. Viper has earned his spot at the bottom of the list.

#4 Jordan Carter. Playboi Carti

Playboi Carti's 2 most recent albums, Die Lit and Whole Lotta Red, are prime cases for why "mumble rap" is still a good genre, with Whole Lotta Red in particular leading the charge to popularize a whole new sound known as "rage music." Unfortunately Jordan Carter is a wife beater and a constant liar. He has a history of abusing his girlfriend, neglecting his son, and lying about album release dates for over 4 years now. I was there for Narcissist on 13 September 2021, a mere 3 weeks into my college career. I graduate in less than 3 months, and the album still is not out. And being abusive is pretty bad too.

#3 Sean Carter. Jay-Z

Some are wary of how Jay managed to become a billionaire, and his nickname Jay Hova seems blasphemous to the more religiously inclined. His meteoric rise in the late 90s, as well as his star power giving rise to artists like Rihanna, Kanye West, Jay Electronica, Beanie Sigel, etc shows that Jay-Z's mark on pop culture is not one soon to be forgotten. I am not the biggest Jay-Z fan of all time, but he most certainly has his classics. From the cool mafia stylings of his debut Reasonable Doubt, to the iconic hits of The Blueprint. From the clever wordplay of "A Week Ago" to the braggadocious grandeur of "Empire State of Mind." From the rich, full Timbaland production on Magna Carta... Holy Grail to the down-to-earth simplicity of No I.D.'s tight beats on 4:44. Jay-Z has both the depth and the breadth to prove he truly has something for everyone. However, we can't forget that he allegedly stabbed a guy for bootlegging back in 1999. Nas speculates that Jay lied about what happened that night to look hard, but either look is not good on Jay.

#2 Dwayne Carter. Lil Wayne

What can be said about Lil Wayne that hasn't been said already? Easily the longest standing name in the public eye for the dirty south, with dozens of classic albums, singles, and guest features. Tha Carter II put southern rap on the map for me, as did Tha Carter III. Even in styles I am admittedly unfamiliar with, these two albums in particular never bore or disappoint me. Lil Wayne's wider influence is undeniable over the last 15 years of hip hop, boosting artists such as Drake, Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown, Jay Sean, Omarion, Lloyd, and Tyga, among others. His clever setup-punchline style is mirrored by the later works of his contemporaries Eminem and Kanye West, a style they likely won't soon depart from. Wayne's influence on the mixtape game is unrivalled, shining a huge light on a unique way to share bars. Finally, his prison sentence in 2010 influenced Kanye West's amazing verse on T.I.'s "Welcome To The World," which is a highlight of the Dark Fantasy era. And I think the only thing Wayne has been arrested for since then is possession of unlicensed weapons, which was pardoned by President Trump in 2020. Lil Wayne has rightfully earned the #2 spot on this list.

Honorable Mention. Dr. Rich Carter.

Apologies for the poor photo. There are not many of him!

Before we proceed to #1, I'd like to give a shoutout to Dr. Rich Carter. He didn't make the list proper because hip hop is not really in his wheelhouse. He's a former theology professor at Concordia St. Paul. If I were to guess, he heard Rapper's Delight back in 1980, and said, "I don't get it." He probably moved on with his life like nothing happened. Some would say that a second rap song has yet to enter his ears. Needless to say, he doesn't quite belong on this list. But Dr. Rich Carter is so nice that I just had to include him.

#1 Jimmy Carter.

Rest in peace.

Jimmy Carter is NOT the most gangster President we ever had. Remember, President Trump was convicted of thirty-four felonies. Jimmy Carter comes pretty close. Coming from the dirty south, he was raised on a farm just 140 miles south of the A. He worked hard to free the hostages in Iran. With the Republicans two-teaming him with not only an election rich in smear campaigns, but also some dirty work with the Iranians to hold the hostages until Reagan's inauguration, it's no wonder Carter lost. He decided to sacrifice the presidency to save the hostages. After he left office, he built houses all over the place. He made it out of poverty and made it past 25 four times before he died of old age just weeks ago. What a real OG.

Fight Club REVIEW

Bob joins Fight Club.

Gabe wanted to watch it. I said sure. A review of Fight Club (1999) dir. David Fincher. As always, spoilers.

That twist sure was something. It kinda blew my mind, but made me feel stupid for not seeing it coming. The main character doesn't have a name, and so many other clues made a ton of sense immediately.

I think it's really interesting how MC's dissociation works. Like, he runs through the gas station to grab the worker and goes around it at the same time to meet himself out back. Or he's sitting on the floor meditating, while he's distracted by himself doing what he does upstairs with Marla Singer. He can't be in two places at once, of course. As Kiara would say, that's crazy work.

This soundtrack goes hard. At many points in the movie, I had to point out how amazing the score is half a dozen times while watching. I love the Jungle / DnB type stuff they have going on, somewhere between Massive Attack and Cavestar. (I'm not too familiar with DnB as a genre, so I can't be more specific. But it's like the ending to "Big Hoops (Bigger The Better)" but 12 times more precise. I'd listen to this type of stuff in the car.

Do you think Robert Paulsen is named after Rob Paulsen? Also MC talks about green doors 10 minutes into the movie.

8/10 makes me wanna marry my girlfriend that I don't have

Indicud REVIEW

 

This album is entirely my work. Copyright Icystorm's Igloo 2025.

Here’s a detailed review of every track on Kid Cudi’s Indicud (2013). This album is unique in Kid Cudi’s discography, as it represents a shift towards a more experimental and diverse sound. He dabbles in a mix of alternative rock, electronic production, and classic hip-hop, with introspective and emotionally charged lyrics throughout. Here’s a breakdown of each track:

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1. The Resurrection of Scott Mescudi

• Review: The album kicks off with this cinematic intro. It’s a reflection of Cudi's rebirth after his struggles with fame, depression, and substance abuse. The track feels like a tribute to his growth and readiness to embrace a new chapter. The production is moody, atmospheric, and dramatic—setting the tone for the rest of the album.
• Vibe: Dark, introspective, cinematic.
• Highlights: The line “I’m here to save the world” symbolizes his return to music, prepared for a new mission.

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2. Unfuckwittable

• Review: This track showcases Cudi's signature confidence. It's an anthem where Cudi declares that he’s untouchable, despite the negativity he might face. The production is minimal but effective, with a slow, spacey vibe that gives Cudi the room to flex his lyrical prowess. The track is almost like an ode to self-assurance.
• Vibe: Confident, bold, dark.
• Highlights: Cudi’s voice sounds clear and commanding, asserting his place in the rap game.

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3. Just What I Am (feat. King Chip)

• Review: A standout track that mixes mellow vibes with introspective lyrics. Cudi reflects on his inner turmoil and the struggles of trying to find peace in his chaotic life. The track has a smooth, laid-back feel and features King Chip, who delivers a cool verse that complements Cudi’s energy. The hook is catchy, and the lyrics are poignant.
• Vibe: Chill, reflective, yet melodic.
• Highlights: The catchy hook—“I’m just what I am, I’m just what I am”—really encapsulates the theme of acceptance.

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4. King Wizard

• Review: A braggadocious track with a smooth yet assertive flow. Cudi plays with the idea of being a "king," asserting his position in the music world. The production on this track is minimal but effective, with some psychedelic undertones. It’s a self-assured moment that mixes self-reflection with ego.
• Vibe: Confident, smooth, swagger.
• Highlights: The way Cudi delivers the line “I’m the king, I’m the wizard” is catchy and a signature display of his unique style.

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5. Immortal

• Review: One of the more profound tracks on the album, Immortal finds Cudi reflecting on his struggles with mental health and feeling invincible in the face of his personal battles. The production is deep, atmospheric, and powerful, matching the intense emotions Cudi conveys. It’s one of the highlights of the album, blending vulnerability with strength.
• Vibe: Dark, introspective, empowering.
• Highlights: The repeated hook of “I’m immortal” encapsulates Cudi’s journey of overcoming struggles, feeling untouchable in his resolve.

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6. Solo Dolo, Pt. II (feat. Kendrick Lamar)

• Review: This sequel to Solo Dolo from Man on the Moon is another haunting, introspective track. The vibe is eerie, with synth-heavy production that makes you feel like you're floating in space. Kendrick Lamar joins the track and delivers a strong verse, adding a layer of depth. The song explores themes of isolation and self-discovery.
• Vibe: Dark, spacey, isolated.
• Highlights: Kendrick’s verse contrasts nicely with Cudi’s contemplative hook, and the song feels like a journey into the mind.

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7. Girls

• Review: A fun, bouncy track about the highs and lows of relationships with women. Cudi explores the complexities of love and attraction with a lighter tone than most of the album. The beat is upbeat and playful, and there’s an air of carefree energy in the song.
• Vibe: Upbeat, fun, playful.
• Highlights: The hook is infectious, and the song brings some lightness to the otherwise heavy album.

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8. New York City Rage Fest

• Review: This is one of the album’s more aggressive tracks, showcasing Cudi's raw energy and frustration with the world around him. The production is wild and chaotic, matching the rage he feels. It’s a cathartic release, blending punk rock elements with hip-hop.
• Vibe: Aggressive, intense, high-energy.
• Highlights: The intensity of the production, which feels like a direct reflection of Cudi’s inner turmoil.

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9. Red Eye (feat. Haim)

• Review: A smoother, more melodic track with contributions from the indie pop group Haim. The song feels like a departure from the darker themes of the album, focusing instead on love, travel, and freedom. The vocals from Haim add a dreamy quality, while Cudi's verses bring introspection into the mix.
• Vibe: Dreamy, reflective, laid-back.
• Highlights: Haim’s ethereal background vocals blend seamlessly with Cudi’s vocals, creating a hypnotic effect.

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10. The Flight of the Moon Man

• Review: A track that feels like a journey through space, with Cudi reflecting on his quest for self-discovery. The production is spacious, with echoes of his earlier work in Man on the Moon. It’s a more introspective moment on the album, with Cudi grappling with existential themes.
• Vibe: Cosmic, introspective, reflective.
• Highlights: The lush production and Cudi’s haunting delivery make this one of the more memorable tracks.

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11. Creepers

• Review: This track takes a more experimental approach with a mix of haunting beats and layered vocals. It deals with themes of anxiety and paranoia, with Cudi singing about being haunted by his own thoughts. The production is eerie and unsettling, creating an almost nightmarish atmosphere.
• Vibe: Haunting, experimental, unsettling.
• Highlights: The layered production and Cudi’s haunting delivery make this track stand out.

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12. The Bug (feat. RZA)

• Review: A dark, hypnotic track featuring RZA from Wu-Tang Clan. The beat is heavy, with a minimalist vibe that allows Cudi and RZA to shine in their respective verses. The song explores the idea of being consumed by negative thoughts or “the bug,” with Cudi and RZA providing some powerful lyrics on mental struggle.
• Vibe: Dark, hypnotic, gritty.
• Highlights: RZA’s verse adds a layer of intensity, and the track feels like a deep dive into the darker aspects of the mind.

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13. Lord of the Sad and Lonely

• Review: This track sees Cudi embrace his melancholic side, singing about loneliness and feeling disconnected from the world. The production is sparse but emotional, and Cudi’s delivery is raw, making it one of the more vulnerable tracks on the album. It’s a deep, introspective moment.
• Vibe: Sad, lonely, reflective.
• Highlights: The vulnerability in Cudi’s voice and the simplicity of the production create an intimate, emotional experience.

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14. The Aftermath

• Review: The album closes with a haunting outro that reflects on Cudi’s emotional journey. The production is minimal yet powerful, with atmospheric synths and soft percussion. Cudi reflects on his struggles, his growth, and his hopes for the future.
• Vibe: Haunting, emotional, introspective.
• Highlights: The closing sentiment of growth and change ties the album together in a meaningful way.

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Overall Thoughts:

Indicud is a bold album in Kid Cudi's catalog, mixing alternative rock, electronic influences, and hip-hop in a unique way. It's a journey through Cudi's mind—his struggles, growth, and moments of clarity and confusion. The album’s sound is diverse, ranging from spacey introspection to aggressive rants, and it captures the complexity of Cudi’s mental and emotional state. Some tracks are more experimental, while others are more accessible, but the whole album maintains an atmospheric, introspective vibe that fans of Cudi's previous work will appreciate.

Fav tracks: Creepers, The Bug

Least fav tracks: The ones that actually exist.

Garfield Movie Review

 

I love the orange guy. Wanted to see how this movie turned out.

This movie really doesn't have anything to do with Garfield. I'm all in favor of reinterpreting and reinventing characters within new iterations, but at least make them plot relevant. Garfield is just along for the ride most of the time, and he only does something important towards the very end. Makes you wonder why this is even a Garfield movie to begin with.

There was one funny joke, though. When Garfield is trying to get on the train, Vic launches him using a tree branch. He bounces around all parts of the scenery, and somehow he bounces off of a Garfield balloon from the Macy's Thanksgiving parade. I wasn't expecting it. That was the only funny joke.

Chris Pratt's voice does not fit Garfield at all. Garfield doesn't sound how he looks. Frank Welker does a good voice; so does Bill Murray. They should've gotten one of them.

2/10. I think I'm gonna garf.