An FYI about the point of view that you are arguing from (since the backpacker-era is before your time, I am guessing you are around 22), Trembling Eagle. This 'mainstream hiphop is trash and doesn't have the artistry of whatever Public Enemy/Native Tongues/Rawkus Records artists/etc.' stance that you are taking about Lil' Wayne is what was said about Jay-Z pre-Blueprint and Biggie Smalls pre-dying. It's a point of view that propped up rappers like Canibus. Its a stance in a false argument (any type of hip hop can be done well and be good) that has been repeated over and over again (read the okayplayer boards, you will see this argument in many threads).
Also, you sound like someone who made up his mind about Lil Wayne based on this guest verse on a Wyclef song and maybe a couple other experiences with him. Please clarify if I am wrong about this.
Lastly, I have never understood how Wyclef came to be revered or respected, to me he was always second fiddle in an over-hyped group and the fact that most of his hits (with or without the Fugees) are covers never made me respect him much. He made a career in music though, so good for him. I am not a part of his target audience. But to those who've trashed him, it's not a fake Jamacian accent, he is from Haiti and moved to New Jersey at age 9. I'd imagine he spent much of his first years in America in neighborhoods that are mostly Haitian.
