According to Lil Wayne, his mother asked him for a grandchild at 14.

After receiving the Black Music Collective’s Global Impact Award at the Recording Academy Honors on Thursday, February 2, Lil Wayne gave a poignant speech. Lil Wayne thanked God, the Recording Academy, and other music industry professionals for the honor, then cried over his mother, Jacida Carter, and his childhood.

The legendary New Orleaner said the Global Impact Award is “not supposed” for someone from his upbringing. When Lil Wayne went on tour as a young adolescent, his mother, whom he lovingly called “Cita,” was so lonely that she begged him for a grandchild to keep her company.

Below, watch Weezy’s touching memory of “I walked into my mama’s room when I was 14”. “My dad was killed, so she asked if I wa nt ed a child.” We didn’t know her son would be gone for six months after exploding and starting his first tour. When I arrived home, she said, “Son, I can’t live in this house alone.” We need a solution.”

As he ended his acceptance speech, the “Love Me” rapper praised Cash Mon ey Records and Young Mon ey boss Mack Maine, among other personal and hip-hop personalities, for assisting him.

“I’d also like to thank Cash Mo ney Records,” Lil Wayne said. Coming from New Orleans, Cash M oney Records was [like] if you were from Dallas and got signed to the Cowboys before Universal or any nationwide agreement.

On Thursday, the Record Academy awarded Weezy, Missy Elliot, and Dr. Dre the Global Impact award. The trophy also went to XXL Awards board member Sylvia Rhone, who became Epic Records’ first female CEO in 2019.

When the Recording Academy announced Lil Wayne as a 2023 Global Impact Award laureate on their website, they recognized his many contributions to hip-hop culture.