Lil Wayne

Lil Wayne's electrifying, hotly anticipated, legendary "Unplugged" performance was one highlight after the next, with the rapper's live band turning familiar tracks such as "A Milli" and "Mr. Carter" into even more vibrant versions than the originals. Wayne also pulled out some surprises, covering a verse from Tupac's "Hail Mary" and premiering "Nightmares of the Bottom," a new track from the upcoming The Carter IV. When MTV News spoke to Gil Smith, Lil Wayne's longtime musical director, the musician discussed the need to incorporate old favorites, new material from The Carter IV and random, unexpected tracks that would surprise even the most ardent fans. Mission accomplished.