Sharks (Lil Wayne, Jelly Roll and Big Sean song)
| "Sharks" | |
|---|---|
| Song by Lil Wayne, Jelly Roll and Big Sean | |
| from the album Tha Carter VI | |
| Released | June 6, 2025 |
| Genre | Hip-hop |
| Length | 3:49 |
| Label | |
| Songwriter(s) |
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| Producer(s) |
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"Sharks" is a song by American rappers Lil Wayne, Jelly Roll and Big Sean, released on June 6, 2025 from Wayne's fourteenth studio album Tha Carter VI. It was produced by Boi-1da, COLEMAN and Fierce.
Background
Jelly Roll's wife Bunnie Xo revealed in a video on TikTok that the song's hook was written by their eight-year-old son Noah.[1]
Content
Jelly Roll performs the chorus, crooning "Snakes ain't always in the grass / Sharks ain't always in the water / Thieves ain't always in the night / God ain't always at the altar".[2][3] In the lyrics, Lil Wayne and Big Sean rap about protecting oneself from those who may be plotting against one and the importance of continuing to strive for improvement.[3] Sean delivers his verse at a particularly quick pace.[2]
Critical reception
Maxim Mower of Holler wrote "As we would expect from a track that features both Lil Wayne and Big Sean, 'Sharks' is packed with punchlines and double-entendres, with each MC showcasing their lyrical dexterity."[2] Zachary Horvath of HotNewHipHop praised Jelly Roll's performance, remarking that "the Jelly Roll aspect is the most intriguing part of 'Sharks,' especially since it goes over well" and "he lends a perfectly eerie chorus here, especially with his wary lyrics."[3] Conversely, Fred Thomas of AllMusic criticized the song, stating "Jelly Roll garbles through the faux country hook on the barely listenable 'Sharks'".[4]
Charts
| Chart (2025) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[5] | 38 |
| US Billboard Hot 100[6] | 54 |
| US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[7] | 12 |
References
- ^ Paul, Evan (June 12, 2025). "Jelly Roll's Son Writes a Hook for Lil Wayne's New Track". Taste of Country. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
- ^ a b c Mower, Maxim (June 6, 2025). "LISTEN: Jelly Roll Teams Up with Big Sean and Lil Wayne for Vulnerable New Song, 'Sharks', from 'Tha Carter VI'". Holler. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
- ^ a b c Horvath, Zachary (June 6, 2025). "Lil Wayne, Jelly Roll, & Big Sean Are Sleeping With One Eye Open On "Sharks"". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
- ^ Thomas, Fred (June 10, 2025). "Tha Carter VI Review by Fred Thomas". AllMusic. Archived from the original on June 10, 2025. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
- ^ "NZ Top 40 Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. June 13, 2025. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
- ^ "Lil Wayne Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
- ^ "Lil Wayne Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved June 18, 2025.