On this day, Sept. 27, in hip-hop history…

Cash Money Records
Cash Money Records
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2010: While in protective custody at Rikers Island’s Eric M. Taylor Center, Lil Wayne dropped his eighth studio album, I Am Not a Human Being, on his 28th birthday. Recorded prior to his incarceration for being in possession of a loaded .40-caliber semi-automatic gun on his tour bus in July 2007, the album is classic Weezy and reminds fans of his mixtape prime.

Following his experimental Rebirth album, a genre-blending, rock-leaning effort he'd dropped the previous February,  I Am Not a Human Being is lined with Dwayne Carter’s typically clever metaphors and production from Travis Barker, Noah “40” Shebib and Wayne’s longtime collaborator, Kane Beatz, among others. Standout tracks include the woozy, 40-produced “I’m Single,” “Bill Gates” and the Drake-assisted “Right Above It,” which peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. Lil Wayne also released the video for I Am Not a Human Being’s title track while incarcerated.

I Am Not a Human Being includes guest verses from every soldier on the Young Money roster. Lil Twist, Jae Millz, Gudda Gudda, Tyga, Lil Chuckee are scattered across tracks like  “YM Banger” and “YM Salute,” while Nicki Minaj and Drake get more shine on songs like “What’s Wrong With Them” and “Gonorrhea,” respectively.

The 10-track digital version of I Am Not a Human Being debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, with over 110,000 units sold. The CD version, which released two weeks later and came with three additional offerings, propelled the project from No. 16 to No. 1, making it the highest chart leap since January 2008. The LP took the top slot for five weeks and spent 53 weeks on the chart in total. I Am Not a Human Being was certified gold on Nov. 18.

About a month and one week after dropping the LP, Wayne was released from Rikers on Nov. 4, having served eight months with time off for good behavior.

See Photos of Lil Wayne's Different Looks Over the Years

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