'Mr. Carter' Changed My Mornings

There’s something magical about finding that perfect song to start your day. For me, it’s "Mr. Carter" by Lil Wayne. Now, before you roll your eyes or feel put off by the explicit language, hear me out—because this song does way more than just get me hyped. It’s become a ritual, a mental shift, that sets the tone for the entire day. And yes, it’s controversial. But it’s in that controversy that I find power, confidence, and clarity.

"Mr. Carter" paints a picture of resilience and unapologetic self-assurance. Lil Wayne is not here to play small or downplay his greatness. He owns his space, his voice, and his craft—he is the moment. As I listen, I can’t help but feel that same energy flood into me. Wayne’s bars are sharp, introspective, and bold, all while flexing his ability to rise above his struggles. It reminds me of the duality of life—how you can be both broken and brilliant, rough around the edges but polished at your core. That’s what I need to hear before I step into my day. It’s not just a song, it’s an anthem.

I won’t sugarcoat it: the language can be jarring for some, but that’s part of its raw appeal. Wayne doesn’t censor himself, and there’s a lesson in that too. We spend so much time editing ourselves—whether it’s the way we speak, act, or present our ideas—especially in professional spaces. But what if, just once, we embraced the whole truth of who we are, uncensored and imperfect? Starting the day with a song like "Mr. Carter" is a reminder that we don’t have to shrink ourselves to fit in. We can take up space. Wayne does, and look where it’s taken him.

That vibe—of owning the day and feeling unstoppable—doesn’t come automatically. It’s curated. Music has a way of pulling us into certain moods, and I firmly believe that mood-setting can make or break your day. How you start determines your mindset, which ripples into every interaction, every decision, every moment. When you wake up, you’re a blank canvas, and the music you choose to play is like the first stroke of paint. For me, "Mr. Carter" adds the bold colors I need to walk into my day feeling fierce and ready.

It reminds me of the duality of life—how you can be both broken and brilliant, rough around the edges but polished at your core.

But finding your own “start the day” song is personal. What works for me might not work for you, and that’s the beauty of it. There’s something I need to get off my chest: I’m not a Taylor Swift fan. Actually, scratch that—I don’t just dislike her music, I actively avoid it. It just doesn’t do it for me. It feels too polished, too safe, too... calculated. When I listen to music, I need something raw, something that grabs me and makes me feel alive, unfiltered, and ready to face the chaos of life. Taylor doesn’t do that for me.

Her carefully crafted lyrics and bubblegum beats lack the grit and truth I need to start my day. Enter Lil Wayne. Where Swift keeps it neat, Wayne breaks it wide open. Where she’s meticulously curated, he’s unpredictable and unapologetic. Sure, Taylor’s got her fanbase but it’s too sanitized, too careful. I crave something real, something that isn’t afraid to be messy. 

If "Mr. Carter" is too much, that’s okay. The goal is to find something that speaks to you—something that brings out the version of yourself you need that day. Some days I need a reminder of my strength, other days it’s about focus, or maybe it’s just joy. The point is to be intentional. Choose music that amplifies who you are or who you want to be when you step out of the door.

My advice: experiment. Try different songs and see how they make you feel. Don’t just go for the trendy playlist or what’s "safe." Dig deeper. What songs have been with you through your ups and downs? Which ones lift you, push you, or make you pause? Those are the songs that matter.

And for those who think explicit language is a turn-off, I challenge you to see it differently. In "Mr. Carter," the swearing isn’t there for shock value—it’s there because Wayne is speaking his truth without dilution. Sometimes life isn’t neat or pretty. Sometimes the best way to express yourself isn’t PG. And that’s okay. When I hear Wayne say what he says, I don’t just hear cursing—I hear liberation. He’s free, and through that freedom, I find a little of my own.

So, if you’re like me and need something more than just a peppy beat to get going, give "Mr. Carter" a listen. Let the energy take over. And if it doesn’t speak to you, find what does. Trust me—your start-of-the-day song can change everything. It’s not just about the music, it’s about setting the intention for how you show up in the world, no apologies needed.