It wasn't until Eminem mentioned him in a breath with Jay-Z, 2Pac, Biggie that people really ... Sorry he's not sorry. Lil Wayne might be the ultimate example that the 10,000 hour rule is real.

Rapper Lil Wayne will make his way across the country in a 34-stop tour to promote his long-running album series.

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Hugh McIntyre covers music, with a focus on the global charts.