The initial signs weren’t good for Lil Wayne’s London gigs. The rapper has a reputation as much his for drug use, court appearances and unpredictable behaviour as his music.

Then his European tour dates- including three shows at the Hammersmith Apollo- were postponed from July because of an unspecified ‘illness’.
 
But watching last night MTV forgot the scandals, rumours and arrests as soon as Weezy ran out (wearing Union Jack trainers) to his bass heavy hit A Milli.
 
It was clear straight away that the dreadlocked MC was on fairly sober form- interacting with the young crowd, laughing, play-acting and constantly running from one side of the stage to the other.
 
Pretending to play a guitar for a couple of tracks Wayne proved he’s no Jimi Hendrix. But backed by drummer, DJ, guitar, bass and keys the rock tracks from his forthcoming album The Rebirth (including single Prom Queen) sound promising.
 
Ultimately though it’s Tha Carter III that sets Lil Wayne apart from the pack- and was deservedly the best selling album of 2008 in the US.
 
Highlights at this show include Tie My Hands- a lament to his home town New Orleans post-hurricane, and flirting anthem Mrs Officer (“My face on a wanted poster/ I’m wanted by every lady cop all over”).
 
Kanye produced Let The Beat Build is all too brief and though it’s not his smartest lyric the crowd unsurprisingly love Lollipop.
 
On Mr Carter Wayne lays claim to be one of the greatest - up there with Biggie, 2Pac and Jay-Z - and on stage tonight with his odd couplets, twisting flow and smile that glistens across the venue it’s hard to argue.
 
Talking to the audience near the end of the gig he says: “I’m just me and I love you for loving me London.”
 
Before of course adding “Young Moolah baby!”