PHOTO: WIRE IMAGE
Rapper Lil Wayne pleaded not guilty to felony drug and weapons charges by a grand jury on Friday (February 8th), reports All Hip Hop.
Lil Wayne, born Dwayne Carter Jr., was officially charged with possession of dangerous drugs, possession of a narcotic for sale, misconduct involving weapons and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia. The charges stem from a January 22 incident near Dateland, Arizona, when the rapper’s tour bus as stopped at a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint. Federal agents searched Lil Wayne’s bus and found over three ounces of marijuana, an ounce of cocaine, 41 grams of Ecstasy and drug paraphernalia. Lil Wayne is due back in court on March 7.
In related news, Lil Wayne is going beyond to the mic to influence young fans with the creation of a new charitable organization. The rapper will officially launch his One Family Foundation at a private V.I.P. reception on Thursday (February 14th) in New Orleans. The organization will work to empower urban youth by providing opportunities to cultivate their talents and skills. In addition, youth will learn to become productive and economically self sufficient while being motivated to become successful. Those working with the One Family Foundation hope to instill self-confidence self-determination, family orientation, values and personal success standards in those who utilize the organization.
News of the foundation’s launch comes as Lil Wayne also prepares to reunite with his Hot Boys group members, Juvenile and B.G., as well as producer Mannie Fresh during the NBA’s All Star Weekend in New Orleans. The rapper will also join forces will boxer Floyd Mayweather for a grown and sexy party that will be hosted by Disturbing tha Peace leader Ludacris and held that same weekend.
