Soldier cover

Soldier

Lil Wayne · 2005

29 min · 5 tracks · trap music

An aggressive blend of Southern grit and playful bravado, defined by dynamic flows and sharp lyrical wit.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Soldier (album version) Start here — This original version encapsulates Lil Wayne's lyrical dexterity and sets the tone for the album with its confident delivery and thematic focus on resilience.
  • →
    Soldier (Grizz Blackmarket remix) — The Grizz Blackmarket remix adds a fresh layer of production while maintaining the core message, showcasing how Wayne's work can be reinterpreted without losing its impact.
  • →
    Soldier (Bizarre remix) — This remix highlights Wayne’s adaptability as an artist, merging different styles and approaches while retaining his signature bravado and narrative strength.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

57 /100
Foothills
Higher than 6% of albums we've rated

The remixes provide varied takes on a strong central track, but the overall cohesion suffers from the lack of original content.

What we noticed

  • The title track 'Soldier' is presented in multiple remixes, each offering a different take on the original's assertive lyrics and rhythmic intensity.
  • The album features a consistent tempo across all tracks, maintaining a high-energy flow that aligns with trap music's characteristics.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
4/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady progression with variations
  • bold remixes for energetic mood
  • engaging lyrical bravado throughout
  • for focused listening
  • great for remix enthusiasts

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer short, standalone tracks
  • seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This single marked a pivotal point in Wayne's solo career, enhancing his reputation.
Themes
Southern resilience· gangsta loyalty· bounce music energy
Career context
Released in January 2005, 'Soldier' came at a crucial point in Lil Wayne's career as he was transitioning from being a member of the Hot Boys to establishing himself as a solo artist. This album contributed to his rising prominence in the hip-hop scene, following the success of his previous album 'Tha Carter' in 2004, which marked his first major breakthrough.
Stylistic neighbors
Young Thug· 2 Chainz· Travis Scott

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Soldier (album version)

    A pivotal verse where Wayne shifts from individual struggle to collective strength, rallying listeners around a shared sense of perseverance.

    This moment employs a shift in perspective that unites personal narrative with broader themes of loyalty and resilience, creating a powerful communal call.

Tracklist

  • 1 Soldier (album version) Start here 5:27
  • 2 Soldier (Grizz Blackmarket remix) 5:24
  • 3 Soldier (Bizarre remix) 5:02
  • 4 Soldier (Maurice's Nu Soul mix) 7:16
  • 5 Soldier (Danny Howell's & Dick Trevor's Kinkyfunk mix) 6:28

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata