Lil Wayne, born Dwayne Michael Carter Jr. in 1982, stands tall in hip-hop. A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, his rise to fame was not without its fair share of difficulties, which included a troubled family life and exposure to violence. But one important moment in his childhood would set a course not only for his future but also for how he would come to understand resilience and mental health.
When he was just 12 years old, a terrifying incident would change the life of Lil Wayne. In 1994, he attempted suicide with a shot in his chest in his mother’s apartment. It was an emotionally disastrous decision due to helpless mental and emotional torture. Compelled further by an aunt’s talk-in which she warned him, “You’re gonna come to school, or you lose that life in rap”-Wayne spiralled in upon himself and found himself indulging in this desperate act.
Following the shooting, off-duty police officer Robert “Uncle Bob” Hoobler arrived after hearing the emergency call. He was the only officer on arrival at the scene who immediately tried to rescue Wayne, as no ambulance was at the site. Hoobler carried the injured boy into his police car and whisked him to the hospital, urging him to “Stay awake, son; you’re going to be fine.”
That gesture stamped an indelible impression in the mind of Wayne, who has expressed a million thanks more than once in his life for Hoobler’s intervention.
Years later, in their second meeting in 2019, when Wayne came to New Orleans for a radio appearance, he offered financial support to Hoobler, who declined politely, stating he was just glad he had saved a life that mattered. It was to be a reunion of mutual respect and longtime bonding between them.
Lil Wayne has for years referred to Uncle Bob in his songs and interviews. In “London Roads,” he reflects on the day of the incident, realizing that, if it wasn’t for Hoobler’s interference, he wouldn’t be alive to follow his career path.
When Hoobler died in July 2022 due to health complications, Wayne took to social media to pay his respects to the deceased. So heartbroken, he said in an Instagram post:
“Everything happens for a reason. I was dying when I met u at this very spot. U refused to let me die. Everything that doesn’t happen, doesn’t happen for a reason. That reason being you and faith. REST IN PEACE UNCLE BOB. AUNT KATHIE BEEN WAITING FOR U. I’LL LOVE & MISS U BOTH AND LIVE FOR US ALL.”
This tribute not only expressed their closeness but also touched on wider themes of redemption and support in moments of crisis.
That near-suicidal attempt and rescue that followed seemed to have a lot of implications on the life and career of Lil Wayne. In many other interviews, he has made a revelation regarding the mental health issues that plague his mind, stating that the reason one should try putting an end to his/her existence is not taken away when someone becomes famous; it evolved with time.
In “Let It All Work Out,” off of the album Tha Carter V, he reflects poignantly:
“I aimed where my heart was pounding. I shot it and I woke up with blood all around me.”
The powerful relationship he has with Uncle Bob is one of survival and redemption and makes for a remarkable narrative. Fans described Hoobler as a “legend” and “hero” for saving Wayne during important instances of trauma.
Media coverage of Wayne’s tribute took the story of Hoobler’s legacy even wider to show that Wayne often spoke about Hoobler’s goodness and commitment. The recognition went further than the story of Wayne to the greater implications of compassion and duty within law enforcement.
Lil Wayne’s story is one of musical success but also of survival, gratitude, and a very important continuing conversation about mental health. A tribute to Uncle Bob, it underlines the power in human connections and the difference it could make to get a person through the darkest moments of their life.
