While the world knows Dwayne Michael Carter Jr. as the rap icon Lil Wayne, very few know the story of the man he was named after: Dwayne Michael Turner.
Unlike the highly visible figures in Lil Wayne’s life, such as his mentor Birdman or his late stepfather Reginald “Rabbit” McDonald, Turner has remained almost entirely absent from the public eye.
Biographical Information
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Dwayne Michael Turner |
| Known As | Lil Wayne’s Biological Father |
| Nationality | American |
| Hometown | New Orleans, Louisiana (Hollygrove) |
| Gender | Male |
| Spouse | Jacida “Cita” Carter (Divorced) |
| Children | Dwayne Michael Carter Jr. (Lil Wayne) |
| Grandchildren | Reginae Carter, Dwayne Carter III, Cameron Carter, Neal Carter |
| Profession | Unknown / Private Life |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
Early Life and Relationship with Jacida Carter
Information regarding Dwayne Michael Turner’s early life is scarce, as he has maintained a life away from the media spotlight.
However, public records and biographies of Lil Wayne provide insight into his time in New Orleans.
Turner lived in the Hollygrove neighborhood of New Orleans, Louisiana. He entered a relationship with Jacida “Cita” Carter when she was still in high school.
According to Lil Wayne’s fan sites and biographical accounts:
- Jacida gave birth to their son, Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., when she was 19 years old (September 27, 1982).
- Turner and Jacida were married shortly after the birth.
- The marriage was reportedly tumultuous.
Allegations of Abuse and Abandonment
According to family accounts documented on LilWayneHQ and in various interviews, the marriage was fraught with difficulties. Jacida Carter was reportedly pressured into the marriage.
Sources indicate that Turner was abusive toward Jacida. Approximately two years after Lil Wayne was born, the couple divorced.
Following the separation, Turner effectively abandoned the family, leaving Jacida to raise their son as a single mother in the poverty-stricken 17th Ward of New Orleans.
The “D” in Dwayne: Why Lil Wayne Changed His Name
The most significant role Dwayne Michael Turner plays in pop culture history is being the catalyst for Lil Wayne’s stage name.
Born Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., the rapper made a conscious decision to drop the “D” from his name.
In a candid interview with journalist Katie Couric for CBS News, Lil Wayne explained the psychology behind the change:
“I’m a junior and my father is livin’… he’s never been in my life, so I don’t wanna be Dwayne.”
When Couric asked if his father knew about this rejection of the name, Wayne simply replied, “He knows now.”
This decision was not just a stylistic choice; it was an act of emancipation.
By becoming “Wayne,” he symbolically severed the tie to the father who left him, ensuring his success would not carry the name of a man who didn’t support him.
The “Real” Father Figures: Rabbit and Birdman
To understand Turner’s absence, one must look at who filled the void. Lil Wayne has frequently stated that he does not consider Turner his father. Instead, that title belongs to Reginald “Rabbit” McDonald.
Rabbit McDonald
After Turner left, Jacida met Rabbit. He moved the family out of Hollygrove and provided stability. Rabbit is the one who introduced Lil Wayne to Cash Money Records.
Tragically, Rabbit was murdered in 1996, a pivotal event that deeply traumatized the young rapper. Lil Wayne’s first tattoo “In Memory of Rabbit: It’s Up To Me” is dedicated to him.
Birdman (Bryan Williams)
Following Rabbit’s death, Cash Money co-founder Birdman took on a paternal role, referring to Wayne as his “son” for decades, though they share no biological relation.
Current Status and Relationship
Dwayne Michael Turner has never sought the limelight, nor has he publicly attempted to capitalize on his son’s massive fortune, which is estimated to be over $170 million.
Estrangement
The relationship remains non-existent. In a 2011 interview with Hot 107.9, Lil Wayne bluntly stated, “He doesn’t give a shot about me and I don’t give a shot about him.”
Recognition
Despite the animosity, Lil Wayne has acknowledged Turner’s existence in lyrics, usually to highlight his absence.
Biological Connection
While Lil Wayne is a “Jr.,” hinting his father might have been named Dwayne Carter, biographical sources like BlackPast explicitly list the father as Dwayne Michael Turner.
This suggests a complexity in naming conventions, perhaps Lil Wayne took his mother’s surname (Carter) while retaining his father’s first name, or Turner himself may have used the surname Carter at some point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Birdman Lil Wayne’s biological father?
No. Birdman (Bryan Williams) is Lil Wayne’s mentor and father figure, but they are not biologically related. Lil Wayne’s biological father is Dwayne Michael Turner.
Is Lil Wayne’s father still alive?
Yes. In interviews, Lil Wayne has confirmed that his biological father is alive but they do not have a relationship.
Did Lil Wayne ever reconcile with Dwayne Michael Turner?
There are no public records or interviews indicating a reconciliation. Lil Wayne consistently honors his stepfather, Rabbit, as his true father.
Maya Collins is a writer at WorthAura.com with over 3 years of experience researching celebrity lifestyles and net worth facts. She enjoys sharing clear and trustworthy information about how famous athletes and sports stars earn and grow their money. Maya makes sure every article is accurate and easy to understand for readers.
