Lil Wayne launches US run next month

A couple of Lil Wayne performances have been scrapped at the last minute in recent weeks. Halfway through the Oct. 26 Rochester show at Blue Cross Arena, the audience reportedly was told the rapper would not show because he didn't like the venue's sound system. The next night in Boston, Wayne pulled out of a concert because he "was apparently unable or unwilling" to comply with a security checkpoint at TD Banknorth Garden, according to the Boston Herald.

Despite the less-than-flattering press, Lil Wayne continues to tear up the music charts. His highly anticipated "Tha Carter III" hit stores in June and easily topped The Billboard 200, with more than 1 million copies sold the first week. The set has spawned several hits, including No. 1 R&B/hip-hop and rap singles "A Milli" and "Lollipop," featuring Static Major.

The third and final release in the so-called "Tha Carter" trilogy, the album also boasts guest contributors and individual track producers including Kanye West, Babyface, The Alchemist, Cool & Dre, T-Pain and others. Lil Wayne, born DeWayne Michael Carter Jr., said he saved the best for his latest effort.

"I made The Carter III so that whatever song is on, it will stick with you forever," the performer said in his bio. "That's why I took my time with it. I wanted it to be a classic."

During his 13-year career, Lil Wayne has recorded more than 1,000 songs and freestyles, and sold upwards of 6 million albums, according to his bio. The New Orleans-born lyricist is currently up for several trophies at next month's inaugural Music Choice Video on Demand Awards.

[Note: The following tour dates have been provided by artist and/or tour sources, who verify its accuracy as of the publication time of this story. Changes may occur before tickets go on sale. Check with official artist websites, ticketing sources and venues for late updates.]

December 2008
6 - Rochester, NY - Blue Cross Arena
14 - Miami, FL - American Airlines Arena
18 - Houston, TX - Toyota Center*
19 - Dallas, TX - American Airlines Center*
21 - Universal City, CA - Gibson Amphitheatre at Universal CityWalk
23 - Oakland, CA - ORACLE Arena*
26 - Detroit, MI - Joe Louis Arena*
27 - Chicago, IL - United Center/WGCI Big Jam
28 - Camden, NJ - Susquehanna Bank Center/Power 99 HollaDay Jam
29 - Greensboro, NC - Greensboro Coliseum Complex
30 - Washington, DC - Verizon Center
31 - Atlanta, GA - Philips Arena*

January 2009
2 - Charlotte, NC - Time Warner Cable Arena
3 - Hampton, VA - Hampton Coliseum

*Lil' Wayne with Keyshia Cole, T-Pain, Gym Class Heroes and Keri Hilson

$$SSR Manager$$