Cash Money Records is an American hip-hop imprint founded in 1991 by brothers Bryan "Birdman" Williams and Ronald "Slim" Williams in New Orleans. It now operates as a subsidiary of Republic Records within Universal Music Group. Cash Money built the careers of Lil Wayne, Drake, and Nicki Minaj, and is one of the most commercially successful hip-hop imprints in history. Its current roster includes Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, and Birdman, with Drake's catalog having moved to his own OVO Sound partnership.
Cash Money defined Southern hip-hop in the late 1990s with the Hot Boys (Lil Wayne, Juvenile, B.G., Turk) and producer Mannie Fresh. The 1998 distribution deal with Universal Records (later UMG) gave Cash Money major-label reach while preserving its independent identity. Lil Wayne's Tha Carter series, Drake's early catalog, and Nicki Minaj's albums were all released through Cash Money and its subsidiary Young Money Entertainment.
How Cash Money Operates
Cash Money is founder-led by Birdman and Slim. It operates within Republic Records and uses UMG's global distribution. The label signs through its own A&R and through Young Money Entertainment (Lil Wayne's imprint, which has housed Drake and Nicki Minaj). Cash Money's model has historically favored joint ventures with artist-owned imprints rather than pure artist deals.
Why It Matters for Independent Artists
Cash Money is one of the most successful hip-hop imprints in history, but it is founder-led and selective. Its track record of developing Lil Wayne, Drake, and Nicki Minaj into global superstars shows it can build long-term careers in rap. If you are being courted by Cash Money, you have already achieved significant recognition.
Drawbacks and Things to Consider
- Founder-led: Cash Money signs artists who fit Birdman and Slim's vision. There is no general open A&R process.
- No unsolicited demos: Cash Money does not accept cold submissions.
- Master ownership: Cash Money (via Republic and UMG) owns your masters under a standard deal.
- Roster evolution: Drake's catalog moved to OVO Sound, showing that even major Cash Money signings can shift imprints.
Notable Artists and Releases
Cash Money Records has released some of the most commercially successful hip-hop albums of all time. Below are 8 notable releases with chart data.
Lil Wayne - "Tha Carter III" (Cash Money/Republic, 2008)
Lil Wayne's sixth studio album, released June 10, 2008 on Cash Money Records and Republic Records. It debuted at #1 on the US Billboard 200 with 1,005,545 copies sold in its first week. It was the first album to sell over 1 million copies in a single week since 50 Cent's "The Massacre" in 2005. The album won Best Rap Album at the 2009 Grammy Awards. The single "A Milli" became a cultural phenomenon and has been certified 3x Platinum by the RIAA. The album has been certified 3x Platinum.
Lil Wayne - "Tha Carter IV" (Cash Money/Republic, 2011)
Lil Wayne's ninth studio album, released August 29, 2011 on Cash Money Records and Republic Records. It debuted at #1 on the US Billboard 200 with 964,000 copies sold in its first week. The album featured Drake, Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross, and Andre 3000. The single "6 Foot 7 Foot" reached #9 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album has been certified 2x Platinum by the RIAA.
Lil Wayne - "Tha Carter V" (Cash Money/Republic, 2018)
Lil Wayne's twelfth studio album, released September 28, 2018 on Cash Money Records and Republic Records. It debuted at #1 on the US Billboard 200 with 480,000 equivalent album units. The album was delayed for years due to contractual disputes between Lil Wayne and Cash Money. The single "Uproar" reached #11 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album featured Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott, and Nicki Minaj.
Drake - "Take Care" (Cash Money/Young Money/Republic, 2011)
Drake's second studio album, released November 15, 2011 on Cash Money, Young Money, and Republic Records. It debuted at #1 on the US Billboard 200 with 631,000 copies sold in its first week. The album won Best Rap Album at the 2013 Grammy Awards. The single "Take Care" (featuring Rihanna) reached #7 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album has been certified 6x Platinum by the RIAA.
Drake - "Nothing Was the Same" (Cash Money/Young Money/Republic, 2013)
Drake's third studio album, released September 24, 2013 on Cash Money, Young Money, and Republic Records. It debuted at #1 on the US Billboard 200 with 658,000 copies sold in its first week. The singles "Started From the Bottom" and "Hold On, We're Going Home" both reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album has been certified 4x Platinum by the RIAA.
Nicki Minaj - "Pink Friday" (Cash Money/Young Money/Republic, 2010)
Nicki Minaj's debut studio album, released November 22, 2010 on Cash Money, Young Money, and Republic Records. It debuted at #2 on the US Billboard 200 and climbed to #1 in its 11th week, selling over 1 million copies. The single "Super Bass" reached #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has been certified Diamond by the RIAA. The album made Nicki Minaj the fourth female rapper to earn a #1 album on the Billboard 200.
Nicki Minaj - "Pink Friday 2" (Cash Money/Young Money/Republic, 2023)
Nicki Minaj's fifth studio album, released December 8, 2023 on Cash Money, Young Money, and Republic Records. It debuted at #1 on the US Billboard 200 with 228,000 equivalent album units. It was Minaj's third #1 album on the Billboard 200, the most for any female rapper. The album featured Drake, Lil Wayne, J. Cole, and 50 Cent. The vinyl edition sold 25,000 copies, the highest first-week vinyl sales for a rap album by a woman since Luminate began tracking in 1991.
Juvenile - "400 Degreez" (Cash Money, 1998)
Juvenile's third studio album, released June 23, 1998 on Cash Money Records. It peaked at #2 on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and #9 on the Billboard 200. The album was certified 4x Platinum by the RIAA. The single "Back That Azz Up" reached #19 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a defining track of Southern hip-hop. This album and its success led to the 1998 distribution deal with Universal Records that gave Cash Money major-label reach.
Deal Structures
Cash Money Records operates within Republic Records and Universal Music Group. Deal types include:
- Standard recording deals: Cash Money funds recording, marketing, and distribution through Republic and UMG. Cash Money (via Republic and UMG) owns the master recordings under standard deals. Royalty rates are negotiated per artist and vary widely.
- Joint venture deals: Cash Money's model has historically favored joint ventures with artist-owned imprints. Young Money Entertainment (Lil Wayne's imprint) operates as a JV within Cash Money. Drake and Nicki Minaj were signed through Young Money, giving them a different deal structure than direct Cash Money signings.
- Founder-led deals: Cash Money is led by Birdman and Slim. Deal decisions are made personally by the founders. There is no general A&R committee or open submission process. Artists are signed based on personal relationships and the founders' vision.
- Distribution through UMG: All Cash Money releases use Universal Music Group's global distribution network through Republic Records. This gives Cash Money artists access to worldwide physical and digital distribution.
- Catalog ownership: Cash Money owns or co-owns significant catalog including Lil Wayne's "Tha Carter" series and early Drake albums. Drake's catalog later moved to his own OVO Sound partnership, showing that even major Cash Money signings can shift imprints.
How Artists Get Signed
Cash Money Records is founder-led and does not operate an open A&R process. The signing process works as follows:
- Personal relationships: Cash Money signs artists who fit Birdman and Slim's personal vision. There is no general open A&R process. Artists are identified through existing industry relationships, personal connections, and the founders' network.
- Joint ventures with artist imprints: Cash Money's preferred model is joint ventures with artist-owned imprints. Young Money Entertainment (Lil Wayne's imprint) housed Drake and Nicki Minaj. This structure gives the artist-imprint owner a share of revenue and creative control.
- No unsolicited demos: Cash Money does not accept cold submissions. Without a personal connection to Birdman, Slim, or someone in their circle, getting a meeting is not possible.
- Existing recognition required: Cash Money signs artists who have already achieved significant recognition. Drake was signed after his mixtapes gained traction. Nicki Minaj was signed after her mixtapes and Lil Wayne's personal endorsement.
- Southern hip-hop heritage: Cash Money built its reputation on Southern hip-hop. Artists from New Orleans, the broader South, and the hip-hop community have historically been prioritized. The label's signing decisions reflect this regional and cultural focus.
- Roster evolution: Cash Money's roster has evolved over time. Drake's catalog moved to OVO Sound. Juvenile's catalog remains with Cash Money. The label continues to sign selectively through personal relationships and joint ventures.
Similar Labels
- Republic Records - Cash Money's parent imprint
- Universal Music Group - Cash Money's ultimate parent company
- Def Jam Recordings - A competing hip-hop major imprint
- Interscope Records - A UMG imprint with hip-hop signings
- Atlantic Records - A Warner imprint with a strong hip-hop roster
Related Resources
- Record Label Contracts Explained - What a Cash Money deal contains
- How to Get a Record Deal in 2026 - Building leverage in hip-hop
- Music Royalty Splits Guide - Split sheets before signing
- Republic Records - Cash Money's parent imprint
- Cash Money Records Official Site - Roster and news
