Cash Money Records

Cash Money Records is an American record label founded in 1991 in New Orleans by brothers Ronald "Slim" Williams and Bryan "Baby" Williams, who later became known as Birdman. The brothers launched the label after noticing the rise of bounce music in Louisiana clubs. They traveled across the state to discover new talent and signed their first artist, Kilo G, who released the label’s debut project in 1992. Shortly after, local DJ Mannie Fresh joined as the in-house producer, helping to craft the distinctive Cash Money sound. By the mid-1990s, the label had established a strong presence in New Orleans, setting the stage for broader success.

During its early years, Cash Money focused on local releases that did not reach national charts or include music videos. Artists such as U.N.L.V., Lil Slim, and PxMxWx developed regional popularity, but the label remained largely unknown outside Louisiana. A major shift occurred in the mid-1990s when the label signed young artists like B.G., Lil Wayne, Juvenile, and Young Buck. These new additions marked the beginning of a transformative era for the company.

In 1997, Juvenile, B.G., and Lil Wayne came together to form the Hot Boys, quickly becoming the label's leading group, supported by Mannie Fresh's production. Their success attracted the attention of Universal Records, which in 1998 entered into a $30 million distribution deal with Cash Money. This agreement included a $3 million advance and allowed the label to retain ownership of its masters and a majority share of royalties. The deal gave Cash Money an 85% royalty rate and full publishing control, allowing it to grow nationally while maintaining creative and financial independence.

Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, Cash Money saw major success with acts like Juvenile, Lil Wayne, B.G., the Hot Boys, and Birdman (then known as Baby), releasing a string of hit albums and singles. Key releases included Juvenile’s “Back That Azz Up,” early solo work by Lil Wayne, and Birdman’s collaborative project “Like Father, Like Son.” The collective presence of Cash Money artists, including Big Tymers (Birdman and Mannie Fresh), became known as the Cash Money Millionaires.

Big Tymers debuted in 1997 and found mainstream success with albums like “How You Luv That,” “I Got That Work,” “Hood Rich,” and “Big Money Heavyweight.” Their 2002 hit “Still Fly” reached the top 15 on the Billboard Hot 100. However, in 2005, Mannie Fresh left the label due to financial disagreements, which brought the duo to an end.

During this era, Cash Money released twelve albums that topped the Billboard 200 chart and earned seven number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100. These included Juvenile’s “Slow Motion,” Lil Wayne’s “Lollipop,” Jay Sean’s “Down,” and Drake’s “One Dance,” “God’s Plan,” “Nice for What,” and “In My Feelings.”

In 2005, Lil Wayne launched Young Money Entertainment as an imprint of Cash Money in partnership with Republic Records, together known as Young Money Cash Money Billionaires (YMCMB). This collaboration helped launch the careers of major artists such as Drake and Nicki Minaj. The partnership continued until 2018, when Young Money transitioned to operate under Republic Records independently.

Cash Money remained a major player in hip hop and R&B through the 2000s and 2010s. It signed and released projects from prominent artists, including Drake and Nicki Minaj. In 2014, Jacquees joined the label and found success with singles like “B.E.D.” and “You.” Juvenile, after leaving and working independently, also returned to Cash Money in 2014.

Over time, Cash Money has faced numerous legal disputes, particularly concerning unpaid royalties. Former artists and producers, including U.N.L.V., Juvenile, B.G., Mannie Fresh, Lil Wayne, and Tyga, have filed lawsuits over financial disagreements. Despite these challenges, the label continues to maintain contracts with top-tier artists like Drake, Lil Wayne, and Nicki Minaj.

Today, Cash Money Records operates under Republic Records within Universal Music Group. With headquarters in New Orleans and Miami, it remains a powerful influence in the music industry, continuing to support both legacy artists and new talent.