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Should Birdman take over at Def Jam?

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Coming out of his hiatus, Irv Gotti discussed a series of topics with MTV's RapFix. Among the things Irv Gotti talked about was Def Jam. The label was seen as the mecca of hip hop, but things have not been the same over the past few years. Gotti said hip hop without Def Jam is a problem.

During his interview, Irv Gotti said he was discussing this issue with Jimmy Iovine, the head of Interscope Records. When he was talking with Jimmy Iovine, he told him the new label in hip hop is Cash Money. Irv Gotti pointed out how there is no denying Cash Money, but it is no Def Jam.

Throughout the course of hip hop, there have been several other labels. Bad Boy Records, Roc-A-Fella Records, and Irv's own label, Murder Inc., have been met with success. Despite their success, Irv Gotti said there will never be another Def Jam. Even though hip hop is still successful, Irv Gotti said Def Jam has to be the focal point of hip hop.

Def Jam has been very successful over the years and has continued to dominate with the ever-popular artists on their label, Kanye West, Ace Hood, and Rick Ross, among others. While Def Jam is dominating, it is not the way it used to be. Cash Money Records, on the other hand, has had a legacy, which has rich history in its own right. Before he decided to rap, Birdman was simply known as one half of the CEOs of Cash Money, back when the label was still on the local level in New Orleans.

Cash Money Records has experienced all types of success and has a nice deal with Universal Records, which has allowed sub-labels, such as Young Money, to emerge. Def Jam had a similar deal, during its early days, with Columbia Records. However, Def Jam was purchased by MCA, which eventually morphed into the Universal Music Group. Currently, Cash Money Records is riding its third wave of success, with the first being on the local level, the second being the Hot Boyz, run and then there is now.

Birdman and Slim are obviously doing the right things to make Cash Money successful. Irv Gotti said the first thing Def Jam needs is a real CEO who cares. While he wants the job, he is willing for anyone, who is able, and who cares, to take the job. Irv Gotti is even ready to see his rival, Chris Lighty, take over the label if he wants to. Of course, Birdman is under contract with Universal Records for several years. But, if things were different, could Birdman be the person to right the ship at Def Jam?

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What if Roc-A-Fella Records had never Split?

By The Voice
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Sixteen years ago, Jay-Z was a street hustler trying to go legit. He had teamed up with Damon Dash and Kareem "Biggs" Burke to launch his own record label. Jay-Z had attempted to get signed by major labels, but none of them saw his vision. The trio's hail mary attempt was starting their own record label, Roc-A-Fella Records.

In 1996, Jay-Z released Reasonable Doubt and Roc-A-Fella Records took off. Memphis Bleek also signed to the label, while Jaz-O, a mentor, of sorts, to Jay-Z, and Sauce Money were expected to. For one reason or another, they never signed to the label. Roc-A-Fella Records soon established a distribution deal with Def Jam and hit it big.

Before the end of 1997, Jay-Z had a platinum album under his belt and was quickly becoming a big name in hip hop. By 1998, Jay-Z became the biggest rapper on the planet, propelled by his "Hard Knock Life" single. Soon, Def Jam was using Jay-Z to spin off the careers of DMX and Ja Rule. Because of Jay-Z's initial flame, both rappers went on to achieve much success. Back at Roc-A-Fella Records, the label added several rappers from Philadelphia, which became State Property.

When the 2000s emerged, Roc-A-Fella Records had become the biggest hip hop label in the game. Every rapper in the game wanted to be a part of the movement. If an artist did not want to sign to the Roc, they wanted a beat from one of the in-house producers. Due to the success they were having, Damon Dash decided the company should branch out, which led to the 1999 launch of Rocawear. Corporate giants were watching Roc-A-Fella Records, as they had become much more than an independent record label.

Most independent record labels were founded when an artist had trouble getting signed. After creating one hit, the label gets picked up by a bigger label and the star makes hits. Roc-A-Fella Records bucked the trend and continued to sign more artists. Not only was Roc-A-Fella Records signing artists, they were also helping artists out with their movements. Beanie Sigel created State Property Records under the Roc, Memphis Bleek's Get Low label was founded in 1998, under Roc-A-Fella Records.

Roc-A-Fella Records' biggest move came in 2001, when Cam'ron was signed. Being from Harlem, Cam'ron knew Damon Dash and the two were friends. Cam'ron was also the head of his own label, Diplomat Records and he came to Roc-A-Fella for a deal. Unlike other artists signed to Roc-A-Fella, Cam'ron had buzz before signing to the label. Previously, Cam'ron had a deal with Sony Records. But, in 2002, he had the biggest hit of his career with "Oh Boy" and his only platinum album, to-date, Come Home with Me.

By 2003, it was clear Roc-A-Fella Records was much more than hip hop, with a film division, a clothing line, subsidiary labels, and a liquor brand. The major corporate players had watched long enough and they decided it was time to make an offer. Def Jam offered to buy complete control of Roc-A-Fella Records and offer an executive role to Jay-Z. Already worth well over $100 million, Jay-Z would have been well without the role with the company.

However, a behind the scenes beef with his partners prompted Jay-Z to move with Def Jam. But, had their not been any beef, Roc-A-Fella Records could have either turned Def Jam down, or made a counter-move. Either way, the label could have continued to run the game. Had Roc-A-Fella Records turned Def Jam down, they could have easily established a new deal with another label, which could have been much more lucrative.

A bigger focus could have been placed upon the sub-labels, building their stars. With Kanye West emerging, the Roc-A-Fella movement could be what the Cash Money movement currently is. Cash Money Records has big names, such as Bow Wow and Lil Wayne and is also the head of the Young Money movement. It could have been the same way for Roc-A-Fella Records and Jay-Z could have been just as rich, if not richer, had the partners been able to stay together.

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Lil Wayne explains feud with Jay-Z

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Before his career reached its current level, Lil Wayne tried to challenge Jay-Z. During the 2006-2007 period, Lil Wayne released several Jay-Z diss songs. All of these tracks were ignored by Jay-Z and he invited Lil Wayne to record on "Hello Brooklyn 2.0."

Lil Wayne returned the favor on "Mr. Carter," featuring Jay-Z, and sampling his line from "Lucky Me." In 2009, Jay-Z released his comeback, The Blueprint 3. He featured Drake, who had recently signed with Young Money.

Birdman had many negative things to say about Jay-Z, following the release of his comeback album. Among the things he said, Birdman continued to claim his camp had more money than Jay-Z. A response finally came from Jay-Z on "H.A.M." with his "baby money" diss.

Nearly nine months went by, without an official response from the Cash Money camp. Lil Wayne teamed up with Jadakiss and Drake for his "It's Good" track. On the song, all three rappers are talking about hardships and how they overcome them. Lil Wayne has the final verse on the song and he uses it as an outlet to respond to Jay-Z's "baby money" diss.

The diss turned heads and everyone has had something to say about it. Most rappers, including those signed to Cash Money, have said they want to see the beef. The reason many want the beef is because hip hop was established on competition. Recently, Lil Wayne fully addressed the Jay-Z diss and how he feels about the comments by outsiders.

Lil Wayne said there is no competition with rappers. According to the Young Money CEO, the gangsta rappers, skateboard rappers, and white rappers are all happy. Competition in hip hop died a long time ago, as Lil Wayne feels. Lil Wayne went on to say competition died with "them old ass rappers." Now, says the ever-popular rapper, everyone is focused on making money and good music.

When asked about dissing Jay-Z, Lil Wayne said it is all in how a person interprets what he said. Wayne said he knows he will never be upset by a person's reaction to anything he says. Because of this, Lil Wayne says what he wants to. Lil Wayne said every man has to face the consequences of what they do and he also said he knows there will not be any for his "It's Good" song.

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Juvenile reunties with Mannie Fresh for New Album

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

When Juvenile first rose to fame, he rapped over Mannie Fresh beats and represented Cash Money Records. In 2001, Juvenile left the label, returning for a short time in 2003. Mannie Fresh would leave the label in 2005. For a short while, Juvenile and Mannie Fresh were doing better than Cash Money Records.

However, the explosion of Lil Wayne spawned Young Money, which led to several artists being signed. Now, Cash Money Records is the biggest hip hop record label in the game. While Cash Money still makes hits, the original sound is long gone. Two of the original members of the label are getting back together, though.

Juvenile is currently working on a new album, Rejuvenation, and he is going back to what worked in the past. Mannie Fresh will be providing production for the album. While revisiting the past, Juvenile is working with the stars of the present. His first single, "Power," is produced by Mannie Fresh, yet it features the current boss, Rick Ross.

"Power" will be released sometime next week.

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Wale goes R&B on "Ambition" album

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Following his short time at Interscope Records, Wale decided to leave the label. Rick Ross said he was considering signing Wale to his own Maybach Music label. Not many people took Rick Ross' comments seriously. But, in only a matter of months, Wale became the latest addition to Maybach Music.

Maybach Music, itself, was angling to be signed. After adding a large number of artists to the label, a bidding war took place. Several labels lined up to add Maybach Music to their roster. Birdman made the premature announcement of adding Maybach Music to his already-large, Cash Money Records.

In the end, Rick Ross decided to do business with Warner Bros. and released the label's first album in May. Now, Wale is preparing his second album, Ambition. Coming in less than a month, Wale is working with a number of artists on his new album. Most of these artists are R&B artists, as Wale wants more soul on his new album.

While the "Ambition" track features his Maybach Music label-mates, Rick Ross and Meek Mill, the album features appearances from Ne-Yo, Lloyd, and Miguel. Former rival, Kid Cudi will also be featured on the new album.

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Lil Wayne expresses love for Nirvana's "Nevermind"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

It was not until after the release of Tha Carter until Lil Wayne had full creative control. For years, Lil Wayne was forced to rap simple rhymes to fit into the Cash Money mold. But, after the departure of Juvenile and B.G., Cash Money was willing to give Lil Wayne creative control.

Lil Wayne with creative control resulted in him becoming the biggest rapper in the game. After Tha Carter III, Lil Wayne said he mastered the rap game. While he always rapped, he also had love for rock music. Long before he ever came up with the Rebirth concept, Wayne loved rock.

Twenty years ago, Nirvana released their Nevermind album, which Lil Wayne loves. Lil Wayne said that album inspired his rebellious spirit. The Young Money CEO said he listened to the lyrics of the album and he could relate his life in the lyrics. Lil Wayne will be featured in a documentary about the release of the album, MTV News' "Nirvana: The Nevermind You Never Knew."

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Bow Wow pushes "Underrated" back until December 6

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

In 2009, Bow Wow announced he was retiring from the game, making his New Jack City, Pt. II his final album. Before the end of the year, Bow Wow had already signed a new label deal. He had been affiliated with Cash Money Records for years and he signed with them.

Despite signing with Cash Money Records, it took Bow Wow a long time to record an album. For the remainder of 2009 and into 2010, Bow Wow released several mixtapes. Now, after two years on the label, Bow Wow is one of the hottest mixtape rappers in the game.

With his buzz high, Bow Wow decided to release a new album before the end of 2011. Bow Wow named his album Underrated and set a November 1 release date. Less than two months remain until November 1 and Bow Wow announced he would be delaying his album for another month. Bow Wow cited business reasons for the delay of the album and promised it would be released on December 6.

Bow Wow said nothing is more important to him than his new album, which he says he has been working on since he signed with Cash Money two summers ago.
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Birdman ft. Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne - "Y.U. Mad"

With his new album in the works, Birdman is releasing a number of tracks. History says no artist can go wrong when they recruit Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne. This is always an easy feat for Birdman, as they are signed to his label.

Birdman has recruited the Young Money stars for his latest Cash Money record, "Y.U. Mad."

Listen to "Y.U. Mad" by Birdman ft. Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne below:

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Birdman denies purchasing copies of "Tha Carter IV"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Yesterday, the sales of Tha Carter IV were announced and it was revealed the album sold over 1 million copies. Initially, projections had the album selling between 700 and 800,000 copies. But, these projections boosted on a daily basis and the album is platinum.

Due to the spike in projections and the high first-week sales of the album, many think foul play was invovled. Critics of Lil Wayne feel Birdman may have purchased copies of the album to boost sales. Birdman denies this, as he feels doing so goes against the theme of his record label.

Cash Money Records represents people doing what they have to do in order to grow rich. Purchasing additional copies of an album he intends to profit on goes against the goal. Birdman called buying copies of Tha Carter IV "backwards hustling" and something he would never do.

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Birdman takes Cash Money pop

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Cash Money Records has been around for nearly twenty years. Founded by the brothers, Birdman and Slim, Cash Money has had success on so many levels. For years, they dominated the New Orleans hip hop scene before going worldwide.

Until the late 2000s, Cash Money Records was known only for hip hop. But, the addition of the rocker, Kevin Rudolf, helped expand the label out of one genre. Cash Money Records has a large roster of talent and a number of sub-labels.

While the roster is full, it is full of one genre, but this is something Birdman intends to change. The mogul has been scoping out pop talent. Birdman has been checking out Savvy and he and Slim recently decided to add them to the label. The group, of four members, will be starring in a television show for Starz and are working on their debut album.

The signing is another win for Cash Money Records, as they celebrate the success of Young Money.

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Drake and DJ Khaled deem Rick Ross' "God Forgives, I Don't" a Classic

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Ever since DJ Khaled signed to Cash Money Records, he has been spending a lot of time with Drake. For years, DJ Khaled and Rick Ross have been making hit records. However, DJ Khaled's movement was more independent.

Cash Money Records has been a longtime supporter of DJ Khaled. When he left Terror Squad, they jumped at the chance to sign him. Now, with Khaled being a part of YMCMB, he is working with their major players.

Drake has been working with Rick Ross for a little over a year and they have shown amazing chemistry together. This summer, Drake has spent most of his time with DJ Khaled and Rick Ross. Together, they have recorded their respective albums. DJ Khaled has enjoyed much success with We The Best Forever and now Drake is preparing to release his sophomore effort, Take Care. Rick Ross has also been working on his album, God Forgives, I Don't, which he announced back in January.

Rick Ross has managed to keep the album under wraps, but Drake and DJ Khaled have had the chance to hear parts of the album. Both have deemed the album a classic and Rick Ross had the same sentiments for the new Drake LP.

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Bow Wow wants Jay-Z to respond to Lil Wayne

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

When Lil Wayne dissed Jay-Z on "It's Good," it shocked several artists. The ones shocked included the rappers who shared the track. Jadakiss immediately denied any involvement in the diss, as did Drake. Most artists associated with Lil Wayne have tried to stay away from the situation.

Bow Wow, however, gave his opinion on the feud. For two years, Bow Wow has been signed to Cash Money Records. Unlike everyone else, Bow Wow does not see the situation between Lil Wayne and Jay-Z as a beef. Instead, Bow Wow feels it is a verbal exchange.

As a fan, Bow Wow said a Lil Wayne/Jay-Z exchange would benefit hip hop and the artists involved.  With Lil Wayne and Jay-Z being considered two of the best, Bow Wow feels a challenge will elevate both rappers' lyrical game. Since battle rap has been around just as long as hip hop, Bow Wow does not see why Lil Wayne and Jay-Z should not go at it.

Bow Wow went on to compare their possible feud to sports.

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Glasses Malone breaks silence on Dr. Dre and "Beach Cruiser" debut album

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

For years, Glasses Malone has been one of the top rappers on the underground scene. Malone has had offers from several majors, over the years. Despite these offers, he has recorded several mixtapes.

Glasses Malone was affiliated with Game's imprint label, Black Wall Street, and Cash Money Records. Currently, Glasses Malone is signed to Mack 10's label, Hoo-Bangin Records.

It was a meeting with Dr. Dre that prompted Glasses Malone to go ahead and release a debut album. When he met Dr. Dre for the first time, Glasses Malone said the doctor told him he was dope. Given his successful track record, working with Eazy-E, Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, among others, Glasses Malone said that was all the inspiration he needed.

Today, his Beach Cruiser debut album was released. Glasses Malone said he has never worked so hard on anything in his entire life. Having never been a loser in his life, Glasses Malone was glad to finally have the album released.

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Game releasing "The Making of Game's 'The R.E.D. Album'" Book

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

After two years of waiting, The R.E.D. Album is finally here and among the best albums of 2011. Game went through a number of career-changing moves from 2009 to 2011. The fans waited patiently, as he reunited with Dr. Dre and made more hits.

Now, back on top of the game, Game is working on yet another album. It was revealed, before The R.E.D. Album, Game owed two more albums to Interscope Records. Game will likely head over to Cash Money Records after leaving Interscope.

Outside of rap, Game is venturing over to publishing. Game has teamed up with Soren Baker for a book titled The Making of Game's 'The R.E.D. Album.' The book will detail the process Game went through putting the new album together.

The book will be available on Amazon.com and is also coming soon to iTunes, along with a paperback release of the book coming. In the book, there are discussions about Game, as he worked with Dr. Dre and Pharrell.

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Bow Wow teams up with Lil Wayne for New Single

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Earlier this summer, Bow Wow revealed his long-awaited Cash Money debut would be called Underrated. Bow Wow said the album would be released on November 1 of this year. Nearly three years have passed since Bow Wow last released an album.

With the summer coming to an end, Bow Wow is preparing the first single off the new album. Recently, the Cash Money rapper discussed the first single. He said the single would feature hip hop's current top dog, Lil Wayne.

Speaking on the Detail-produced song, Bow Wow said he was very excited about the track. Mr. Moss said the song was very energetic. Despite having several hits under his belt, already, he feels this one could be the biggest of his career.

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Lil Wayne talks "It's Good" Jay-Z diss

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Yesterday, Lil Wayne grabbed the attention of hip hop listeners when he went after Jay-Z on "It's Good." During Jay-Z's "retirement" phase, Lil Wayne took several shots at Jay-Z. Not much came from these disses. Changing the situation, Jay-Z invited Wayne to collaborate on "Hello Brooklyn 2.0."

In turn, Lil Wayne recruited Jay-Z for a verse on his "Mr. Carter" track. In the song, Jay-Z seemingly passed the torch down from himself to Lil Wayne. However, following the release of Jay-Z's comeback album, The Blueprint 3, Birdman began taking shots at Jay-Z.

Each time Jay-Z made a move, Birdman had something to say about it. For the most part, Birdman felt Lil Wayne should receive the same treatment as Jay-Z. However, when he claimed to have more money than Jay-Z, Jay-Z responded on "H.A.M.," with his infamous "baby money" diss. Over the past few months, people have wondered if Cash Money would deliver a solid response.

Nearly nine months after the diss, Lil Wayne responded on "It's Good." Without calling Jay-Z out by name, the Young Money CEO threatened him and Beyonce. Speaking on the situation, Lil Wayne said he knows nothing will come from his disses. Wayne explained how music is only how it is perceived and many people perceive his line as a diss towards Jay-Z. But, with no names called, it is not clear who Lil Wayne was actually talking about, even though everyone in hip hop has a good idea.

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Jadakiss staying out of Lil Wayne/Jay-Z beef

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Having been away from the game for a little while, Jadakiss finds himself in the middle of hip hop's biggest headline. The Yonkers rapper recently provided a verse on Lil Wayne's "It's Good." The song was recorded for Tha Carter IV. In the song, all the rappers talked tough, but Lil Wayne went as far as dissing Jay-Z.

Ever since the release of The Blueprint 3, Birdman has been trying to challenge Jay-Z. When talking about Hov, Birdman often tries comparing him to Lil Wayne. After topping the Forbes list, Birdman stated he had more money than Jay-Z. As one of the original "money rappers," Jay-Z took shots at the Cash Money crew.

While Jadakiss was featured on Lil Wayne's diss record, he is making it clear he has nothing to do with it. On Twitter, Jadakiss angrily denied having any involvement in the feud. Jadakiss said the people need to stop it because he has no issues with Jay-Z. In 2007, Jay-Z signed him to Roc-A-Fella Records, however two years passed before he released an album with the label.

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Game ft. Lil Wayne and Tyler, the Creator - "Martians vs. Goblins"

Tyler, the Creator has taken the game by storm this year and has been among the rappers called the "New West." Game has had nothing but positive things to say about Tyler.

Earlier this year, Game called upon Lil Wayne for his "Red Nation" single. The chemistry between Game and Lil Wayne has been incredible and now Game has plans of signing with Cash Money.

All the rappers united for Game's "Martians vs. Goblins" single.

Listen to "Martians vs. Goblins" by Game ft. Lil Wayne and Tyler, the Creator below:

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Birdman announces Lil Wayne and Drake collaboration album

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Last summer, following the success of Drake's single, "Miss Me," Drake announced a collaboration album between himself and Lil Wayne. Months following the announcement, several reports stated a similar album would take place between Jay-Z and Kanye West.

When Drake heard of the collaboration album, he jokingly accused Jay-Z and Kanye West of stealing his idea. Drake said his album with Lil Wayne would follow Wayne's solo album and other collaborations albums. Lil Wayne has albums planned with several artists.

Birdman, the head of Cash Money Records, has heard Watch the Throne and is impressed. Today, Birdman announced Drake and Lil Wayne's collaboration album will follow their own solo projects. Lil Wayne is preparing to release his long-awaited album, Tha Carter IV on August 29. Drake is preparing to release his sophomore effort, Take Care, this fall on October 24. According to Birdman, following the release of those albums, their collaboration album will be put together and released.

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