| Cash Money Records | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Parent company | Universal Music Group |
| Founded | 1991; 34 years ago (1991)[1] |
| Founder | Ronald "Slim" Williams Bryan "Baby" Williams |
| Status | Active |
| Distributors | Republic Records (United States) Universal Records(1998–2006) Universal Music Group (International) |
| Genre | |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Location | New Orleans,Louisiana, U.S. Miami,Florida, U.S.[2] |
| Official website | cashmoney-records |
Cash Money Records is an American record label founded in 1991 by brothersRonald "Slim" Williams andBryan "Baby" Williams. The label gained prominence in the late 1990s for having signed and released albums forNew Orleans–based musical acts includingLil Wayne,Juvenile,B.G., andHot Boys.[3] It became an imprint ofUniversal Records, a division ofUniversal Music Group in March 1998, and remained so during its following iterations asUniversal Republic,Universal Motown and ultimatelyRepublic Records.
In the late 2000s, Cash Money signed and released projects for a number of prominenthip hop artists, includingDrake andNicki Minaj. Wayne launchedYoung Money Entertainment in 2005, which operated as an imprint of the label and Republic Records until 2018—a joint venture colloquially branded asYoung Money Cash Money Billionaires (abbreviated asYMCMB). The label has been commonly regarded as among the most successfulurban contemporary music labels of the 2000s to 2010s.[4]
The label has released a total of 12 number onealbums on theBillboard 200, and seven number onesingles on theBillboard Hot 100 chart:Juvenile's "Slow Motion",Lil Wayne's "Lollipop",Jay Sean's "Down", andDrake's "One Dance", "God's Plan", "Nice for What", and "In My Feelings".
The label's name alludes to the Cash Money Brothers, drug kingpin Nino Brown's gang from the 1991 crime filmNew Jack City.[5]
Bryan Williams, also known as Birdman, told some of his close friends the motivation for starting the label:
I was hoping it would get us out ofthe projects and into a positive way of life. And we wanted to help other people get out of this poverty...[6]
Cash Money's first artist, New Orleans–based rapper Kilo G, issued his debut album,The Sleepwalker, in 1992 as the label's first release.[7] The label then signed the hip hop groupU.N.L.V., composed of rappers Lil Ya, Tec 9 and Yella Boy. They released the projects6th & Baronne (1993),Mac Melph Calio (1995), andUptown 4 Life (1996) under the label.[8] They were some of the original bounce rappers that help create a sound in New Orleans, along with the label's following releases. Kilo G's second and final album,The Bloody City (1995), was the label's first project to be produced entirely byMannie Fresh, who would do so on most of the label's following releases. Kilo G was murdered in 1997. From 1993 to 1995, the label signed several otherhip hop artists in the New Orleans area, includingB.G.,Lil Wayne, andJuvenile, each of whom already had buzz in the streets.[9]
By this time,Turk and another local rapper by the name of Bulletproof (a.k.a. Lil Derrick; born Derrick Williams, Birdman's nephew) joined the roster. In May 1997, Birdman organized the rap groupHot Boys, which at the time included Juvenile, Turk, B.G. and Bulletproof. Lil Wayne later joined the group, shortly after the death of his father. Bulletproof was voted out the group before recording any major releases, according to Turk. Bulletproof, who referred to himself as the #2 Stunna, was later killed in 2002.
Cash Money's commercialbreakthrough came in 1998 when the Hot Boys–B.G. and Juvenile in particular–caught the attention ofUniversal Records executives.[10] Wendy Day effectively negotiated a deal between Cash Money and theUniversal Music Group (UMG) subsidiary (known currently asRepublic Records), which became a 70%-30% distribution deal. Later, UMG acquired a portion of Cash Money Records, making it a subsidiary of the company.
Cash Money signed a three-year, $30 million distribution deal with Universal Records in March 1998, under which the Williams brothers were given a $2 million advance each year and a credit of $1.5 million for each of the six artists that they had at the time. After recouping, Universal Records would retain 15% of profits from album sales, while Cash Money retained 85%, as well as 50% of their publishing royalties and ownership of all master recordings.[11] Dino Delvaille, who orchestrated the deal, later toldHitQuarters: "I made certain they retained (the rights) of their work. They deserve it."[12] Cash Money's first success under Universal wasJuvenile's November 1998 release,400 Degreez. The album peaked at number 9 on theBillboard Top 200 and would ultimately go on to sell over five million copies worldwide. The success of 400 Degreez solidified Cash Money as a powerhouse label in the national hip-hop scene. The album featured guest appearances from Cash Money artists Turk, Lil Wayne, B.G., Baby, and Mannie Fresh (both individually and as their groups the Hot Boys and Big Tymers), as well as a guest appearance fromJay-Z, the first time an East Coast rapper collaborated with Cash Money.
After the deal, Cash Money achieved a new level of success. Later albums in 1999 such as theHot Boys'Guerrilla Warfare, B.G.'sChopper City in the Ghetto, andLil Wayne'sTha Block Is Hot also saw great chart success, were all certified Platinum by the RIAA, and furthered the label's reputation. These albums contained major Billboard hits such as Juvenile's "Back That Azz Up" (#19 on theBillboard Hot 100), B.G.'s "Bling Bling" (#36), and the Hot Boys' "I Need a Hot Girl" (#65). All of Cash Money's albums and singles in this period were solely produced by the label's in-house producer,Mannie Fresh. Their A&R at Universal, Dino Delvaille, said:
When they first came into the business, they were very reluctant to make records with other people. They probably felt that people would steal their style or flavor, and I had to work hard to get them to open up to making records withCam'ron,Puffy, and Clipse, among others.[12]
The label's success continued into the 2000s. Between 2001 and 2003, the label sold 7 million albums. The song "Still Fly" by theBig Tymers was nominated for twoGrammy Awards. However, B.G. and Juvenile left the label by 2002, claiming financial mismanagement.[13] In April 2003, Juvenile returned to the label for a reported $4 million deal, and in return, he signed over the rights toJuve The Great, an album which sold over a million copies and contained theBillboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit "Slow Motion". In 2007, former Hot Boys member Lil Wayne was named president of Cash Money Records and CEO ofYoung Money Entertainment. Later that year, Lil Wayne stepped down as president to focus on his career, especiallyTha Carter III.[14] In 2008, Lil Wayne re-signed with Cash Money, ensuring that his next few albums will be produced by the label.[15]
In September 2008, Cash Money released rockerKevin Rudolf's smash-hit debut single "Let It Rock" featuring label-mate Lil Wayne. On October 15, 2008, at theMOBO Awards, British R&B singerJay Sean announced that he had signed with Cash Money Records.[16][17] In February 2009, the Williams brothers were featured inCNBC'sNewbos: The Rise of America's New Black Overclass, a documentary show profiling several black multi-millionaires.[18] In early 2009, it was announced that formerRoc-A-Fella Records artistFreeway signed with the label, although he was never officially signed to the label.[19] On August 16, 2009,Bow Wow announced that he signed with Cash Money Records.[20]
In 2009, they took part in a major label bidding war forQueens native rapperNicki Minaj. Eventually, they won the bidding war and Nicki Minaj was signed to them exclusively for Young Money. Cash Money Records popularity grew after signing Minaj and Canadian rapperDrake. On August 5, 2010, production groupCool & Dre signed with Cash Money Records. The production group announced the news via Twitter. They are the first in house producer Cash Money has had since Mannie Fresh.[21][22]
On August 19, 2010, Birdman signedDJ Khaled to the label, also signing his labelWe the Best Music Group as a subsidiary of Cash Money.[23] On February 24, 2012, Cash Money Records signed the nu metal bandLimp Bizkit.[24] Wayne said the same day they were close to signingAshanti.[25]
In 2011, Cash Money Records signed a co-publishing venture with theAtria Publishing Group called Cash Money Content.[26]
In February 2013, Birdman released a compilation mixtape with Cash Money and Young Money, entitledRich Gang: All Stars. Shortly afterwards, he announced a compilation album entitledRich Gang: Flashy Lifestyle that was due to be released on May 21, 2013—it featured members of Cash Money, Young Money, and various collaborators.[27] The first single from the project, "Tapout" was released on March 19, 2013, and features Lil Wayne,Future,Mack Maine, and Nicki Minaj, with production by808 Mafia'sSouthside andTM88.[28] "Fly Rich" featuring Stevie J, Future, Tyga,Meek Mill andMystikal was also released as a promotional single.[29]
The album's release date was then pushed back to July 23, 2013,[30] while the title was also shortened to justRich Gang. The album garnered a mixed critical reception and debuted at number 7 on theBillboard 200.
On December 4, 2014, just five days beforeTha Carter V was due to be released, Wayne issued a statement saying the album would not be released on its expected release date due to his displeasure with Birdman refusing to release the album, although it had been completed. Wayne also expressed his feelings by stating he felt he and his creative partner were being held "prisoner". Lil Wayne filed a lawsuit.[31][32] On January 20, 2015, Wayneself-releasedSorry 4 the Wait 2, a sequel to his2011 mixtape, to compensate for the continued delay ofTha Carter V.[33][34] UponSorry for the Wait 2's release, it was noted that Waynedisses Birdman and Cash Money Records several times throughout.[35][36][37] Birdman was reported to be upset with this.[38] In late January 2015, Lil Wayne filed a $51 million lawsuit against Birdman and Cash Money over the delay ofTha Carter V.[39]
In January 2015, Wayne stated that when he leaves Cash Money, he would take Drake and Nicki Minaj with him.[40] On June 22,TMZ reported new details on the lawsuit. According to documents filed by Lil Wayne, Birdman and Cash Money have mismanaged Young Money, including Drake and Minaj. The documents allege that Birdman and Cash Money haven't paid people.[41][42][43] In June 2015, Wayne joinedJay-Z'sTidal as an artist owner and exclusively released a single on the service titled "Glory".[44] On July 4, 2015, Wayne releasedFree Weezy Album exclusively through Tidal under Young Money and Republic Records.[45] On July 15, prosecutors allege Birdman and Young Thug conspired to murder Lil Wayne and were involved in the April 26 shooting.[46] On July 16, Birdman filed a $50 million lawsuit against Jay Z's Tidal streaming service over Lil Wayne'sFree Weezy Album. The lawsuit claims that Cash Money Records exclusively owns the rights to Lil Wayne's music, although he is now independent and the label no longer owns these rights.[47]
On April 12, 2017, Birdman accepted a plaque in honor of Cash Money Records having sold one billion units.[48] On September 13, 2018, it was announced that Young Money was no longer a joint business venture with Cash Money. Ownership of the imprint was granted entirely to Lil Wayne as part of the legal settlements with Birdman that were finalized.[49]
| Act | Year signed | # Albums under label |
|---|---|---|
| Birdman | Co-founder | 6 |
| Jacquees | 2014 | 6 |
| Juvenile | 2014 (re-sign) | 5 |
| Turk | 2015 (re-sign) | 1 |
| Elettra Lamborghini[50] | 2017 | 1 |
| 9lokkNine[51] | 2018 | 1 |
| Saviii 3rd[52] | — | |
| Blueface[53] | 1 | |
| Rublow | 2022 | — |
| Saxkboy KD[54] | — | |
| B.G.[55][56] | 2023 (re-sign) | 6 |
| Midnvght[57] | 2024 | – |
| Jeyyff[57] | – | |
| DimeWest[57] | – | |
| El Blxnco[57] | – |
Rich Gang | |
|---|---|
| Genres | Hip hop |
| Years active | 2013–present |
| Labels | Cash Money |
| Members | Birdman Young Thug Jacquees Rublow Saxkboy KD |
| Past members | Rich Homie Quan (deceased)[58] Robb Banks[59] BTY Young'n (deceased) Caskey J-Soul Neno Calvin Trev Rich Money Man Young Greatness (deceased) Derez De'Shon |
Rich Gang is ahip hop collective andside project introduced by Birdman in 2013, initially composed of members from the Cash Money Records roster. The group's debut single, "Tapout" (featuringFuture) was released in March 2013.Georgia rappersYoung Thug andRich Homie Quan became the core of the Rich Gang, debuting with guest appearances on the group's 2014 single "Lifestyle". The duo were also the primary artists onRich Gang: Tha Tour Pt. 1 (2014). LaterRich Gang members—such asDerez De'Shon andRobb Banks—were part of the group despite not being signed to Cash Money as solo artists.[60]
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Rich Gang | Best Group | Nominated |
From its founding until 2005,Mannie Fresh was the well-known production head of all Cash Money releases, as the label's resident producer. The label would be without a proper in-house producer until August 2010, when production duoCool & Dre signed to the label.[61] Since then, the label has grown its production division by signing more producers.
In October 2009, Cash Money Records, Birdman, Lil Wayne and various music distribution outlets were sued for copyright infringement by Thomas Marasciullo, who claims his voice was used without permission. The rappers asked him to record some "Italian-styled spoken word recordings" in 2006. The lyrics were allegedly used on "Respect" and other tracks from the rappers' collaboration albumLike Father, Like Son and Birdman's5 * Stunna.[70]
In 2011, Cash Money Records, Lil Wayne, Universal Music Group, andYoung Money Entertainment were sued forUS$15 million by Done Deal Enterprises, who claim Lil Wayne's song "BedRock" was stolen from Done Deal.[71]
| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US [72] | US R&B [73] | US Rap [74] | ||
| Rich Gang (Birdman) |
| 9 | 2 | 2 |
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Other | |
