G. Dep was taken aback when Lil Wayne reimagined “Special Delivery” in his hit “Uproar.”
G. Dep didn’t hide his surprise when he first heard Lil Wayne’s track “Uproar.” The song, part of the album Tha Carter V, reworked elements of G. Dep’s 2001 favorite “Special Delivery.” However, instead of sampling it directly, Wayne used the same source material — “You Keep Me Hangin’ On” by The Moog Machine — in almost identical fashion.
Initially, G. Dep wasn’t thrilled. He shared on the BagFuel podcast, “Yo, Wayne, what happened?” He admitted, “Why would they make a single off of a single?” His initial reaction was one of confusion and frustration.
Moreover, despite the sonic similarities, G. Dep didn’t receive payment since “Uproar” technically didn’t sample “Special Delivery.” This particular detail added salt to the wound.
But time eased his initial discontent. Over time, he came to appreciate Wayne’s effort. “After a while, I was like, ‘This is kinda dope,’” he confessed. “The dude took the time to get on one of my joints. I was honored.”
Seeing “Uproar” gain traction in various mediums, G. Dep acknowledged it as a blessing. He even revisited the track himself, creating a remix titled “Deproar (Look What You Made Me Do).”
Not everyone shared G. Dep’s eventual appreciation. EZ Elpee, the original producer of “Special Delivery,” wasn’t pleased. Speaking about Wayne’s track, he bluntly remarked, “They stole my shit.” He further mentioned Swizz Beatz’s attempts to downplay the significance, likening it to redoing “Ruff Ryders Anthem” without credit.
In the midst of these musical disputes, G. Dep’s personal journey can’t be ignored. Released from prison earlier this year, he’s navigating life post-incarceration. His decision to confess to a crime from 1993 — for which he served 14 years — remains a pivotal chapter in his story.
In the end, G. Dep’s emotions shifted from frustration to appreciation. Despite the lack of credit, Lil Wayne’s nod to “Special Delivery” became a pivotal moment in his career, reconnecting him with his musical legacy.
