Lil' Flip (born Wesley Weston, Jr. on March 3, 1981) is an American rapper from Houston, Texas. He is known for his unique freestyling style and for becoming one of the first Houston rap artists to become mainstream and nationally known. Lil' Flip was given the title of "Freestyle King" by the legendary DJ Screw. He is also a member of the Screwed Up Click.
Lil' Flip was born and grew up in Houston, Texas. As a teen, he rapped at his high school. He was discovered by the legendary DJ Screw and was quickly influenced to rap at freestyle battles in order to gain respect in his Cloverland neighborhood. At the age of 16 he was signed to Sucka Free Records, a local label founded by Daune "Humpty Hump" Hobbs and Lil' Flip himself. He was a part of the rap group H.S.E. (Hustlaz Stackin' Endz) and the group release an album that introduced the world to Lil' Flip.
Lil' Flip's career was launched when he released his first album The Leprechaun. The album quickly gained national attention and spawned the hit single "I Can Do That". The album sold over 100,000 copies regionally and gained attention from Def Jam South, A & R, and well-known Houston rapper Scarface. He was briefly signed to Def Jam, but abruptly left the label a few years later after concerns about his financial earnings. He soon signed to Loud Records and began recording his first national debut album.
While recording his album, he was apparently shot by unknown assailants in a drive-by shooting. He survived the attack and pressed on to finish the album. At the age of 20, Lil' Flip released his sophomore album Undaground Legend, his first nationally released album, which included the hit single "The Way We Ball" and a remix to his hit "I Can Do That". The album reached platinum status even though it didn't get much promotion from Loud Records.
Lil Flip recorded his third album U Gotta Feel Me on Sony Records. This album was more commercial and featured Ludacris, Three Six Mafia, and others. The album debuted at Number #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and Number #3 on the Hip-Hop/R & B charts. It quickly became a crossover success with the Billboard Hot 100 Top 20 single "Game Over". The single used the Namco Pac-Man beat and the video showed Lil' Flip getting a tattoo while rapping to the single. The single reached Number #1 on the hip-hop charts and became an instant success for Lil' Flip. His follow-up single, the lover's anthem "Sunshine" featuring newcomer Lea, became the second single on Lil' Flip's album and went to Number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. It gained numerous requests on MTV 2 and BET. The album was certified double platinum.