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Cash Money Records

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"Rich Gang" redirects here. For the album, see Rich Gang (album).

Cash Money Records
File:Cash Money Records.jpg
Parent companyUniversal Music Group
Founded1991; 33 years ago (1991)
FounderRonald "Slim" Williams
Bryan "Birdman" Williams
StatusActive
Distributor(s)Republic Records
(In the US)
Universal Music Group
(Worldwide)
GenreVarious
Country of originUnited States
LocationNew Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
Miami, Florida, U.S.[1]
Official websitewww.cashmoney-records.com

Cash Money Records (formerly styled as Ca$h Money Records) is an American record label founded by two brothers, Bryan "Birdman" Williams and Ronald "Slim" Williams. The label is distributed by Republic Records, which used to be Universal Republic. The label itself has been home to a roster of prominent hip hop artists that include Drake, Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj, which has led Cash Money to being described as one of the most iconic and successful record labels in hip-hop history.[2] Cash Money is estimated to be worth $300 million USD.[3]

Artists signed to Cash Money Records (Lil Wayne, Drake and Nicki Minaj) have achieved a combined 12 number one albums on the Billboard 200 chart and 3 number one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart (Lil Wayne's "Lollipop", Jay Sean's "Down" and Drake's "One Dance")."God's Plan"

History

1991–99: Beginnings and deal with Universal Records

Cash Money Records was founded in 1991. Bryan Williams told some of his close friends the motivation for starting the label:

"I was hoping it would get us out of the projects and into a positive way of life. And we wanted to help other people get out of this poverty"[4]

Bryan "Birdman" Williams (pictured) founded Cash Money Records in 1991 with his brother Ronald "Slim" Williams.

Along the way he met a lot of influential people on the road with the Hot Boys. Wendy Day negotiated the deal between Cash Money and Universal Músic Group's Universal Records (now Republic Records), which became an 80%-20% distribution deal. Later, UMG acquired a portion of Cash Money Records, making it a UMG subsidiary.

For its first few years (1991–1994), Cash Money played host to a number of local releases by artists, selling only one album, without ever releasing a music video or having a Billboard hit. Some of the label's releases garnered some regional success in New Orleans, Louisiana, but the label was little known to the national rap scene. Artists on the label during this period included the group U.N.L.V. (Uptown Niggas Living Violently), Kilo G, Lil Slim, Pimp Daddy, and PxMxWx. In 1995, the label signed young rappers B.G., Turk and Lil Wayne. The signees marked what would be the second wave of Cash Money artists. Cash Money Records’ opening salvo was the release of Kilo G’s ‘The Sleepwalker.’ Rapper Kilo G was just 15 years old when his Cash Money debut arrived in 1992, and his album was sold out of the trunk of the Williams brothers’ car.[5]

In 1997, B.G. and Lil Wayne formed the group the Hot Boys together with Juvenile (who had already been regionally successful before Cash Money). Although they made little impact outside of the region in the beginning, they became the label's most well-known artists early on.

Cash Money's big break came in 1998 when the Hot Boys, B.G. and Juvenile in particular, caught the attention of Universal Records executives. In 1998, Cash Money signed a $30 million pressing and distribution with $3 million advance contract with Universal, entitling the label to 85% of its royalties, 50% of its publishing revenues and ownership of all masters. Dino Delvaille, who orchestrated the deal, later told HitQuarters: "I made certain they retained 100% ownership of their work. They deserve it."[6]

Lil Wayne started as a member of the Hot Boys and became the label's best-selling artist.

After the deal Cash Money records achieved a new level of success. The release of Juvenile's 1998 album 400 Degreez, which was certified 4X Platinum by the RIAA, solidified Cash Money as a powerful label in the national hip-hop scene. Later albums in 1999 such as the Hot Boys' Guerrilla Warfare, B.G.'s Chopper City in the Ghetto, and Lil Wayne's Tha Block Is Hot also saw great chart success and furthered the label's reputation. These albums contained major Billboard hits such as Juvenile's "Back That Azz Up" (#19 on the Billboard 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 with Cam’ron, Puffy, and Clipse, among others."[6]

2000–12: Continued success and various signings

This label's success continued into the 2000s. Between 2001 and 2003, the label sold 7 million albums. The song "Still Fly" by the Big Tymers was nominated for two Grammy Awards. However, B.G. and Juvenile left the label in 2002, claiming financial mismanagement.[7] In April 2003, Juvenile returned to the label for a reported $4 million deal, and in return, he signed over the rights to Juve The Great, an album which sold over a million copies and contained the Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit "Slow Motion". In 2007, former Hot Boys member Lil Wayne was named president of Cash Money Records and CEO of Young Money Entertainment. Later that year, Lil Wayne stepped down as president to focus on his career, especially Tha Carter III.[8] In 2008, Lil Wayne re-signed with Cash Money, ensuring that his next few albums will be produced by the label.[9]

Drake signed to the label in 2009 and has released Thank Me Later, Take Care, Nothing Was the Same, Views and More Life.

In September 2008, Cash Money released rocker Kevin Rudolf's smash-hit debut single "Let It Rock" featuring label-mate Lil Wayne. On October 15, 2008 at the MOBO Awards, British R&B singer Jay Sean announced that he had signed with Cash Money Records.[10][11] In February 2009, the Williams brothers were featured in CNBC's Newbos: The Rise of America's New Black Overclass, a documentary show profiling several black multi-millionaires.[12] In early 2009 former Roc-A-Fella Records artist Freeway signed with the label.[13] On August 16, 2009, Bow Wow announced that he signed with Cash Money Records.[14]

In 2009, they took part in a major label bidding war for Queens native rapper Nicki 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 rapper Drake. On August 5, 2010, production group Cool & 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.[15][16]

On August 19, 2010, Birdman signed DJ Khaled to the label also signing his label We the Best Music Group as a subsidiary of Cash Money.[17] On February 24, 2012, Cash Money Records signed the nu metal band Limp Bizkit.[18] Wayne said the same day they were close to signing Ashanti.[19]

In 2011, Cash Money Records signed a co-publishing venture with the Atria Publishing Group called Cash Money Content.[20]

2013–present: Rich Gang and dissension

Nicki Minaj and Tyga signed to the label in the late 2000s and have both released highly commercially successful singles.

In February 2013, Birdman released a compilation mixtape with Cash Money and Young Money, entitled Rich Gang: All Stars. Shortly afterwards, he announced a compilation album entitled Rich Gang: Flashy Lifestyle that was due to be released on May 21, 2013—it featured members of Cash Money, Young Money, and various collaborators.[21] 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 by 808 Mafia's Southside and TM88.[22] "Fly Rich" featuring Stevie J, Future, Tyga, Meek Mill and Mystikal was also released as a promotional single.[23]

The album's release date was then pushed back to July 23, 2013,[24] while the title was also shortened to just Rich Gang. The album garnered a mixed critical reception and debuted at number 7 on the Billboard 200. On October 12, 2013, Birdman announced that he had signed West Coast gangsta rapper The Game, to Cash Money, in addition to several unnamed New York rappers.[25] On December 11, 2013 The Game would then later clarify that he was not officially signed to Cash Money Records.[26][27]

On December 4, 2014, just five days before Tha 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.[28][29] On January 20, 2015, Wayne self-released Sorry 4 the Wait 2, a sequel to his 2011 mixtape, to compensate for the continued delay of Tha Carter V.[30][31] Upon Sorry for the Wait 2's release, it was noted that Wayne disses Birdman and Cash Money Records several times throughout.[32][33][34] Birdman was reported to be upset with this.[35] In late January 2015, Lil Wayne filed a $51 million lawsuit against Birdman and Cash Money over the delay of Tha Carter V.[36]

In January 2015, Wayne stated that when he leaves Cash Money, he is taking Drake and Nicki Minaj with him.[37] 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. Mainly the Mother, creative talent and mastermind behind the Like Father Like Son Era, Shiloh The Mystery, patiently waited for inclusion. Nothing happened and lawsuits ensued. Free C5 became the mantra to get money to the unpaid artist.[38][39][40] In June 2015, Wayne joined Jay-Z's Tidal as an artist owner and exclusively released a single on the service titled "Glory."[41] On July 4, 2015, Wayne released Free Weezy Album exclusively through Tidal under Young Money and Republic Records.[42] On July 15, prosecutors allege Birdman and Young Thug conspired to murder Lil Wayne and were involved in the April 26 shooting.[43] On July 16, Birdman filed a $50 million lawsuit against Jay Z's Tidal streaming service over Lil Wayne's Free 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.[44]

On April 12, 2017, Birdman took to Instagram to announce he had accepted a plaque in honor of Cash Money Records selling one billion units. [45]

Current Artists

See also: List of former Cash Money Records artists
Act Year signed (as of 2017) # Releases under label Imprint Subsidiary
Birdman founder 6
  • Cash Money
  • Rich Gang
 Rich Gang
Slim tha Don founder 3
  • Cash Money
  • Rich Gang
 Rich Gang
Lil Wayne 1991 10 YMCMB Young Money
Gudda Gudda 2005 1 YMCMB –
T-Streets 2005 – Young Money –
Mack Maine 2005 3 Young Money Soothe Your Soul Records
Lil Twist 2007 1 Young Money New Money Records
Shanell 2008 1 Young Money –
Drake 2009 5 YMCMB –
Nicki Minaj 2009 3 YMCMB Pink Friday Records
Cory Gunz 2010 3 YMCMB –
Paris Hilton 2010 1 YMCMB –
Flow 2011 3 YMCMB Flame Gang Music
Stafford Brothers 2012 – Cash Money –
Jacquees 2013 5
  • Cash Money
  • Rich Gang
 –
Euro 2013 1 Young Money –
Karine Hannah 2013 1 Cash Money –
Caskey 2013 –
  • Cash Money
  • Rich Gang
 Money Mack Entertainment
Rich Homie Quan 2014 2 Rich Gang –
Young Thug 2014 2 Rich Gang –
Juvenile 2014 (resigned) 5 YMCMB –
Turk 2015 (resigned) 1 YMCMB YNT Records
Hoodybaby 2015 1 Young Money –
Baby E. 2015 1 Young Money –
AR-Ab 2015 – – OHB Records
Compton Menace 2015 – – Money Hogg Records
Neno Calvin 2015 – Rich Gang –
Jay Jones 2016 1 Young Money 0017th Records
J-Soul 2016 – Rich Gang –
Derez De'shon Lenard 2016 2 Rich Gang –
Sy Ari da Kid 2016 2 Rich Gang –
Money Man 2017 – Rich Gang Black Circle Family
Robb Banks 2017 – Rich Gang Smart Stunnas
Young Greatness 2017 – Rich Gang –

In-house producers

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 duo Cool & Dre signed to the label.[46] 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 album Like Father, Like Son and Birdman's 5 * Stunna.[56]

In 2011, Cash Money Records, Lil Wayne, Universal Music Group, and Young Money Entertainment were sued for US$15 million by Done Deal Enterprises, who claim Lil Wayne's song "BedRock" was stolen from Done Deal.[57]

Discography

Main article: Cash Money Records discography
Compilation albums

See also

References

  1. ^ Ben Westhoff (January 14, 2010). "Cash Money Records, now based in Miami, again dominates the charts like it's 1999 – Page 1 – Music – Miami". Miami New Times. Retrieved May 7, 2011.
  2. ^ "Cash Money Sued Over Missing Drake Profits: Report". Billboard. Retrieved January 14, 2017.
  3. ^ "Ca$h Money Net Worth". Retrieved August 21, 2016.
  4. ^ Jan Blumentrath (February 6, 2012). "Interview with BRYAN "BIRDMAN" WILLIAMS, co-owner of Cash Money Records - Feb 6, 2012". HitQuarters. HitQuarters. Retrieved June 8, 2013.
  5. ^ "Cash Money Records: The Birth of a Dynasty (Part 1)". Theboombox.com. Retrieved October 12, 2017.
  6. ^ a b "Interview With Dino Delvaille". HitQuarters. March 1, 2004. Retrieved May 12, 2011.
  7. ^ Reid, Shaheen. Juvenile Tears Into Cash Money, Lil Wayne — And FEMA, MTV News. Published March 9, 2006. Retrieved January 6, 2009.
  8. ^ Checkoway, Laura. Weezy F. Baby: Uncut Archived June 11, 2008, at the Wayback Machine, Vibe. Published October 2, 2007. Retrieved October 15, 2007.
  9. ^ Hobbs, Linda. Lil Wayne Re-Signs With Cash Money Records Archived April 25, 2009, at the Wayback Machine, Vibe. Published September 16, 2008. Retrieved March 16, 2009.
  10. ^ Miah, Shuhel. Jay Sean to take on the U.S., insidedesi.com. Published October 16, 2008. Retrieved January 3, 2009.
  11. ^ Beyond Bhangra, The Independent. Published February 27, 2009. Retrieved March 16, 2009.
  12. ^ Hinckley, David. 'Black overclass' rich in opinion Money talks – via affluent athletes and music-biz bigs, The New York Daily News. Published February 25, 2009. Retrieved March 16, 2009.
  13. ^ "Weezy Pushed Again, Freeway Signs To Cash Money | Lil Wayne". Rap Basement. June 3, 2009. Retrieved June 6, 2010.
  14. ^ "Bow Wow Joins Cash Money". MTV. New York.
  15. ^ Production group Cool & Dre signed with Cash Money Records, Zillasays. Published August 2010. Retrieved August 5, 2010.
  16. ^ Harling, Danielle (August 5, 2010). "Producers Cool & Dre To Join Cash Money | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales". HipHop DX. Retrieved May 7, 2011.
  17. ^ "DJ Khaled Joins Cash Money Records". Rap Radar. August 19, 2010. Retrieved May 7, 2011.
  18. ^ "Birdman, Slim and Fred Durst Discuss Limp Bizkit Deal". AllHipHop.com. February 27, 2012. Retrieved June 25, 2013.
  19. ^ "13. Fred Durst Signs to YMCMB — The 25 Biggest Hip-Hop Fails of 2012". Complex. December 23, 2012. Retrieved June 25, 2013.
  20. ^ "Partnership Models and the African-American Book Market". PublishersWeekly.com. Retrieved January 8, 2017.
  21. ^ Harling, Danielle (March 12, 2013). "Tyga "Hotel California" Tracklist & Cover Art | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales". HipHop DX. Retrieved June 25, 2013.
  22. ^ "Listen: Birdman f/ Lil Wayne, Future, Mack Maine, and Nicki Minaj "Tapout"". Complex. Retrieved June 25, 2013.
  23. ^ "iTunes - Music - Fly Rich (feat. Stevie J, Future, Tyga, Meek Mill & Mystikal) - Single by Rich Gang". Itunes.apple.com. March 5, 2013. Retrieved June 25, 2013.
  24. ^ Paine, Jake. "YMCMB & Friends "Rich Gang" Release Date & Cover Art". HipHop DX. Retrieved June 10, 2013.
  25. ^ C. Vernon Coleman (October 13, 2013). "UPDATE: Game Confirms Signing To Cash Money Records - XXL". Xxlmag.com. Retrieved August 20, 2014.
  26. ^ "The Game Still Technically Isn't Signed To Cash Money". Vibe. December 10, 2013. Retrieved August 20, 2014.
  27. ^ Muhammad, Latifah. "Game Clears Up Cash Money Deal | News". BET. Retrieved August 20, 2014.
  28. ^ Grow, Kory (December 4, 2014). "Lil Wayne Blasts Cash Money: 'I Want Off This Label'". Rolling Stone. United States: rollingstone.com. Wenner Media LLC. Retrieved December 4, 2014.
  29. ^ Ramirez, Erika (December 4, 2014). "Lil Wayne: Birdman & Cash Money Records 'Refuse to Release' 'Tha Carter V'". Billboard. United States: billboard.com. Prometheus Media Group. Retrieved December 4, 2014.
  30. ^ Minsker, Evan. "Lil Wayne Drops Sorry 4 the Wait 2". Pitchfork. Retrieved January 21, 2015.
  31. ^ Regan, Helen. "Lil Wayne Just Dropped His New Mixtape Sorry 4 the Wait 2". Time. Retrieved January 21, 2015.
  32. ^ "Lil Wayne Disses Cash Money On "Sorry 4 The Wait 2"". HipHopDX. January 21, 2015.
  33. ^ Rose Lilah (January 26, 2015). "Shots Fired: All The Disses Aimed At Birdman & Cash Money On Lil Wayne's "Sorry 4 The Wait 2"". HotNewHipHop.
  34. ^ Chris Rogers. "Lil Wayne's Mixtape: He Disses Birdman & Cash Money Records On 'Sorry 4 The Wait 2′ - Hollywood Life". Hollywood Life.
  35. ^ "Report: Birdman Upset With Lil Wayne Over Cash Money Diss Song". BET.com. January 23, 2015.
  36. ^ "Lil Wayne Sues Birdman and Cash Money for $51 Million, Freedom From Label". Pitchfork.com. Retrieved October 12, 2017.
  37. ^ "Lil Wayne -- When I Leave Cash Money ... I'm Taking Drake & Nicki Minaj With Me". Tmz.com. Retrieved October 12, 2017.
  38. ^ "Lil Wayne Claims That Drake & Nicki Minaj Might Leave Young Money Because Of Birdman". Hotnewhiphop.com. Retrieved October 12, 2017.
  39. ^ "Lil Wayne Says Drake and Nicki Minaj May Leave Cash Money". Stack.com. Retrieved October 12, 2017. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  40. ^ "Lil Wayne: Drake & Nicki Minaj To Leave Cash Money Records". Hiphopdx.com. Retrieved October 12, 2017.
  41. ^ "Lil Wayne Says He Signed A Deal With Jay Z". Hotnewhiphop.com. Retrieved October 12, 2017.
  42. ^ "Lil Wayne Drops 'Free Weezy Album' on Tidal". Rolling Stone. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  43. ^ "Prosecutors allege Birdman and Young Thug conspired to murder Lil Wayne". Consequence of Sound. July 16, 2015. Retrieved October 12, 2017.
  44. ^ "Birdman Is Now Suing TIDAL Over "Free Weezy Album"". Hotnewhiphop.com. Retrieved October 12, 2017.
  45. ^ "Birdman Gets Plaque In Honor Of Cash Money Selling A Billion Units". Hotnewhiphop.com. Retrieved October 12, 2017.
  46. ^ a b Harling, Danielle (August 5, 2010). "Producers Cool & Dre To Join Cash Money | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales". HipHop DX. Retrieved August 25, 2013.
  47. ^ "Twitter / TheAvengerz: Bow! The Avengerz have officially". Twitter.com. Retrieved August 25, 2013.
  48. ^ "YMCMB Signed Chester, Pa's Producer, The Beat Bully". HipHopSince1987. July 12, 2012. Archived from the original on September 28, 2013. Retrieved 2013-08-25. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  49. ^ "Cash Money Signs Orlando Rapper Caskey - XXL". Xxlmag.com. September 19, 2012. Retrieved August 25, 2013.
  50. ^ "Mystikal in Talks to Sign With Cash Money Since 2004, Says Birdman - XXL". Xxlmag.com. December 15, 2011. Retrieved August 25, 2013.
  51. ^ "The Olympicks Sign to Cash Money/Young Money". Hotnewhiphop.com. Retrieved August 25, 2013.
  52. ^ Nolan Strong (August 27, 2012). "Young Money/Cash Money Signs Production Crew The Olympicks". AllHipHop.com. Retrieved August 25, 2013.
  53. ^ "DJ Khaled & The Renegades define "We The Best"". Fearfactormarketing.com. Archived from the original on August 9, 2013. Retrieved August 25, 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  54. ^ Steve Raze (@SteveRaze) (February 14, 2012). "Sap: From the Back of the Boards to the Center Stage". AllHipHop.com. Retrieved August 20, 2014.
  55. ^ "Twitter / JAELAMUSIC: Compton Menace sign Producer Jae L.A. to MHG, Cash Money Records". Twitter.com. Retrieved January 16, 2017.
  56. ^ "Lil Wayne Accused of Stealing 'BedRock'". Rolling Stone. August 4, 2011. Retrieved November 17, 2011.
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