Lil Wayne fans think new album features Kobe Bryant tribute

Lil Wayne dropped his new album Funeral today (31 January) just a week after announcing its existence, and fans are convinced it features a special tribute to the late Kobe Bryant.

Fans woke up on Friday morning to see Lil Wayne’s 13th studio album appearing on their streaming platforms, featuring collaborations with the likes of Big Sean, Adam Levine, XXXTentacion and 2 Chainz.

It’s release comes just days after NBA legend Kobe tragically died in a helicopter crash on Sunday, alongside his daughter Gianna and seven other people.

The worlds of sport and hip hop have been mourning the loss of Kobe and sharing their funny and warm memories of their friendships with the basketball star.

And now fans think Lil Wayne has expressed his tribute to Kobe through his new album Funeral.

Of course, the numbers 8 and 24 are significant to the NBA star’s legacy as they were the numbers of his jersey. Kobe, who was 41, was at first number 8 with the LA Lakers before later changing it to 24.

Lil Wayne’s new album features a lengthy 24 tracks, which fans believe is the first clue to him honouring the sports icon.

Their theory is backed up by track number eight, Bing James featuring Jay Rock, which spans 2 minutes and 59 seconds before plunging into 24 seconds of silence.

Just a coincidence?

One fan doesn’t think so and tweeted: ‘Nothing can make this week better like a new @LilTunechi album, and this man went and [dropped] a 24 song album with a 24sec moment of silence on the 8th track… Just wow.’

Feeling emotional, another fan weighed in: ‘Wayne had Bing James at #8 and held a 24 second moment of silence for Kobe had me like.’

Another added: ‘Lil Wayne really dropped a 24-song album with a 24-second moment of silence on the 8th song in honor of Kobe. [Goat] paying tribute to the [goat].’

Later in the day, the Lollipop rapper broke his silence on Kobe’s death and described it as a ‘terrible day for sports’.

Speaking to Zane Lowe on Apple Music radio, the rapper explained: ‘But as far as me and with my concern and my thoughts and prayers was just for the family of Mr Bryant and the family of the others’ lives that were lost from the tragedy, and the situation, the accident.

‘I have kids, man. I have four kids. And I have a beautiful daughter, and I cannot imagine. And I’ve been trying not to imagine. Again, thoughts and prayers to the families.’

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