Lil Wayne: I need weed

Lil Wayne claims marijuana helps his writing "in a major way".

The hip-hop star has never made any secret that he smokes the drug and he's also spoken about using sizzurp - cough medicine which contains strong painkillers - in the past.

The 32-year-old star claims cannabis is an important part of his creative process.

"I don't know how it works, but I know that I need weed… extra when I'm creating. It helps in a major way," he told NYLON Guys magazine.

Wayne suffered health problems in 2013 when he was repeatedly struck down by seizures, and it was later confirmed he has epilepsy. He still lives his life exactly as he wants to though and suggests too much was made out of that period in his life.

"I don't remember anything about the experience. I don't mean to sound bad, but it wasn't no life-changing thing. I shot myself when I was 12. I grew up in Hollygrove [area of New Orleans]. I've seen way worse," he said.

The star also spoke about his passion for his career. He's always aimed to be the very best at what he does, explaining he didn't set out to conquer Twitter or have a "hot song" and "popularity". Instead he wanted to be better than any other rapper going; something he stands by now.

"All I am is music. That's all I do and all I know, 366 days a year, 25 hours a day, eight days a week. This is my life and what I breathe. This isn't something I do. It's who I am," he said. "I'm one of the last of a dying breed… the ones who are only about the music. You have to want to be unforgettable. The only other people who I can think of like that are Kanye and Beyonce' [Knowles]."