Dwayne Carter III, popularly known as Lil Tune, is the second-born child of iconic American rapper Lil Wayne and the firstborn son from his relationship with radio personality Sarah Vivan. Despite being born into the limelight, Dwayne has largely grown up away from the constant glare of media attention, with his parents working to give him a balanced and relatively private upbringing. Over the years, he has been spotted at public events with his father, and fans have been curious to know more about him.
Early Life and Birth
Dwayne Michael Carter III was born on October 22, 2008, in Cincinnati, Ohio. His arrival made headlines in the entertainment world, as Lil Wayne was already a multi-platinum artist and one of the most influential figures in hip-hop at the time.
From the very beginning, Dwayne’s birth was celebrated by both fans and the hip-hop community. His father proudly announced his birth to fans during a performance, marking it as one of the most memorable personal milestones in his career.
Dwayne Carter III Age: How Old is He?
As of 2025, Dwayne Carter III is 16 years old. He celebrated his most recent birthday in October 2024, surrounded by family and close friends. At this age, Dwayne is navigating his teenage years while balancing his education, personal life, and exposure to the entertainment industry.
Full Name and Meaning
His full name, Dwayne Michael Carter III, carries a deep family legacy. He is the third in a line of Dwaynes:
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Dwayne Michael Carter Sr. – Lil Wayne’s father, who passed away when the rapper was just two years old.
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Dwayne Michael Carter Jr. – Lil Wayne himself.
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Dwayne Michael Carter III – Carrying forward the family name into the next generation.
The continuation of the name signifies the family’s pride and tradition, keeping the Carter identity alive in the public eye.
Dwayne Carter III Mom: Sarah Vivan
Dwayne’s mother, Sarah Vivan, is a respected American radio broadcaster known for her work with major stations like Streetz 94.5 in Atlanta. She was born on August 17, 1987, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and has built a reputation as a talented media personality.
Sarah has often spoken about the importance of raising her children with humility despite their connection to fame. She shares a strong co-parenting relationship with Lil Wayne, ensuring that Dwayne grows up in a loving environment.
Sarah also has another child, a daughter named Essence, from a previous relationship, making Dwayne a younger half-brother to her.
Dwayne Carter III Father: Lil Wayne
Dwayne’s father, Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., famously known as Lil Wayne, is one of the most successful rappers in the history of hip-hop. Born on September 27, 1982, Lil Wayne began his career at a young age and rose to fame as a member of the Hot Boys before achieving massive solo success.
Lil Wayne has sold millions of records worldwide, won multiple Grammy Awards, and is recognized as one of the greatest lyricists of his generation. He has four children from different relationships, with Dwayne being his second-born.
Despite his busy schedule, Lil Wayne has been an active father, often seen spending quality time with his children, attending their birthdays, and even including them in his music projects.
Siblings and Blended Family
Dwayne Carter III is part of a large blended family:
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Reginae Carter – Born in 1998 to Lil Wayne and his ex-wife, Toya Johnson. She is Dwayne’s older half-sister and a television personality, singer, and social media influencer.
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Neal Carter – Born in 2009 to Lil Wayne and singer Nivea. He is Dwayne’s younger half-brother.
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Kameron Carter – Born in 2009 to Lil Wayne and actress Lauren London. He is also Dwayne’s younger half-brother.
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Essence – Older half-sister from his mother’s side.
The Carter family maintains a cordial dynamic, with the siblings often appearing together in photos at events or family gatherings.
Personality and Interests
Although still young, Dwayne Carter III has shown signs of inheriting his father’s charisma. He is known to enjoy music and has even participated in Lil Wayne’s work. Notably, he appeared on the track “FL4M3$” from Lil Wayne’s No Ceilings 3 mixtape in 2020, surprising fans with his confidence and delivery.
Outside of music, Dwayne is reportedly interested in sports, particularly basketball. His mother has shared moments of his athletic involvement, suggesting that he might pursue sports more seriously in the future.
Education and Upbringing
Dwayne’s parents have prioritized his education, keeping details about his schooling private to ensure his safety. While he has access to the luxuries that come with being the child of a wealthy and famous parent, Sarah Vivan has emphasized raising him with discipline, manners, and a grounded perspective.
Public Appearances
Though not constantly in the media spotlight, Dwayne Carter III has made appearances at:
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Lil Wayne’s concerts and backstage events.
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Family birthday celebrations.
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Occasional red carpet or charity events with his parents.
Fans often comment on his resemblance to Lil Wayne, noting that he shares the same smile and energy as his father.
Media Attention and Privacy
Being the son of a global superstar comes with inevitable media curiosity. However, Dwayne’s parents have been intentional about protecting his privacy. They occasionally share pictures or moments, but avoid overexposing him to fame at a young age.
This approach has allowed Dwayne to enjoy a relatively normal childhood despite his family’s celebrity status.
Future Possibilities
At just 16, Dwayne Carter III has his whole life ahead of him. Whether he follows in his father’s footsteps in music, pursues sports, or chooses another career path entirely, he has the support and resources to succeed. His early exposure to the entertainment world could also open doors in acting, modeling, or entrepreneurship.
Given his talent and family background, it wouldn’t be surprising if Dwayne eventually builds his own brand and identity separate from his father’s.
Conclusion
Dwayne Carter III is more than just the son of Lil Wayne; he is a growing young man with his own talents, interests, and aspirations. With the guidance of his parents, Sarah Vivan and Lil Wayne, he is navigating life in the public eye while maintaining a sense of normalcy.
As he matures, fans can expect to see more of his personality and potential shine through, whether in music, sports, or other ventures. The Carter name continues to be a significant force in the entertainment world, and Dwayne Carter III represents the next generation of that legacy.
