Lil Wayne’s ‘Island Holiday’ Turns Weezer’s Sunny Classic Into a Sizzling Rap Anthem

Lil Wayne has never been one to follow the rules, especially not genre rules. On Tha Carter VI, the hip-hop legend dips back into his rock bag with “Island Holiday,” a breezy, AutoTune-laced remix of Weezer’s iconic 2001 hit “Island in the Sun.” And the result? A sun-soaked anthem that’s equal parts nostalgic and unapologetically Wayne.

Sampling the recognizable strum of the original, “Island Holiday” opens with Lil Wayne softly crooning the first verse of Weezer’s classic—“When you’re on a holiday…”—before flipping the switch. On Tha Carter VI, a hi-hat-heavy trap beat kicks in, and Wayne quickly turns the mellow beach day vibes into a hedonistic celebration of money, fame, and mischief. In true Weezy fashion, the chorus gets a makeover too: “On an island in the sun / Breakin’ bread, you can have the crumbs”—a far cry from the family-friendly optimism of Rivers Cuomo’s version.

From Rock Love to Remix Reality

Lil Wayne’s love affair with rock isn’t new. Back in 2010, he dropped Rebirth, a guitar-heavy project that polarized fans and critics alike. And his connection to Weezer dates even further back, with a guest verse on the band’s 2009 single “Can’t Stop Partying.” Now, on Tha Carter VI, he’s circling back with a tribute and transformation in “Island Holiday.”

Though it’s unclear whether Weezer themselves were involved in the new track—Spotify and Apple Music haven’t confirmed credits—Wayne makes it sound like they were. He ends the song with a bold claim: “I got Weezer the band on this one,” just before a blazing guitar solo kicks in, adding to the track’s rock credibility.

Lil Wayne’s Summer Flex: Cross-Genre and Unbothered

The lyrics throughout “Island Holiday” are peak Lil Wayne: woozy, cocky, and endlessly quotable. He raps, “Just got paid / Where’s my shades? / I’m on demon time, am I late?” before casually revealing he’s working with an acting coach to “act his age.” The juxtaposition of Weezer’s laid-back chords with Wayne’s wild lifestyle bars creates a refreshing contrast—and proves he’s still a master at keeping fans guessing.

“Island Holiday” is just one of several rock-tinged moments on Tha Carter VI. U2’s Bono makes an unexpected cameo on the ballad “The Days,” and Machine Gun Kelly appears on the album closer, “Alone in the Studio With My Gun.” But it’s the Weezer-inspired track on Tha Carter VI that’s drawing the most attention—and controversy.

Is ‘Island Holiday’ the Song of the Summer?

Love it or hate it, “Island Holiday” is shaping up to be the surprise soundtrack for Summer 2025. It’s catchy, weird, and totally Lil Wayne. As he kicks off the Tha Carter VI tour at Madison Square Garden on June 6—his first solo headlining show at the iconic venue—one thing is clear: Lil Wayne still knows how to make waves.