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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Game speaks on "The R.E.D. Album," Lil Wayne and Snoop Dogg

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

This week, Game will finally release his long-awaited album, The R.E.D. Album. Initially, the album was set for a 2009 release date. However, delays and an impromptu reunion with Dr. Dre completely changed the landscape.

Now, two years later, The R.E.D. Album is finally here and Game cannot be happier. Speaking on the album, the superstar said his album is the best of 2011. After hearing the Watch the Throne album, Game said his album is better.

Game will be releasing his album on the same day as his frequent collaborator, Lil Wayne. Being close to his recordings, Game said Tha Carter IV will also be a great album. While he has heard some of the album, Game said he cannot wait to hear the final product of the upcoming album.

Speaking on Lil Wayne, Game said he was like a brother to him. Game also stated he is still considering leaving Interscope Records for Cash Money Records. Following his next album after R.E.D., Game is a free agent. A few months ago, Game announced he would likely sign to Cash Money Records. Game also said he has love for the entire crew from Birdman and Slim to Nicki Minaj and Drake to Tyga. Game said he was proud of Tyga for helping revive the West Coast.

When asked if he could record his own version of Watch the Throne, Game said he would only record that type of album if he could do it with Snoop Dogg. Throughout his career, the only person Game could always count on Snoop Dogg. If Game were to be involved in a West Coast version of Watch the Throne, he said he would definitely work with Snoop Dogg on it. While Dr. Dre has received credit as Game's mentor, Snoop Dogg has also been a major help for him, too.

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Slim discusses Lil Wayne and "Tha Carter IV"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

When he launched Cash Money Records, this is what Slim envisioned his comapny being like. Aside from the mainstream Cash Money label, the label has labels under Cash Money working and making money. In only three years, Cash Money Records has gone from a boutique label to being one of the biggest record labels.

Lil Wayne is credited for this growth. In the late 1990s, Cash Money seemingly caught their big break when they added The Hot Boyz and landed a deal with Universal Records. Cash Money Records had a huge roster and multiple hits. But, this would not be enough to keep the artists on the label when they had the option to leave.

By 2002, Lil Wayne was the only artist left on Cash Money. In 2004, he stepped his lyrical game up, releasing Tha Carter. Following his 2005 album, Tha Carter II, Lil Wayne hit the mixtape scene. From the bottom up, Lil Wayne took the game over, establishing Young Money under Cash Money. In 2008, he became the biggest rapper on the planet, releasing Tha Carter III, a triple platinum album.

In 2009, Lil Wayne released the We Are Young Money album, introducing Drake and Nicki Minaj. A few months later, Lil Wayne released Rebirth and soon ended up going to prison. While behind bars, Wayne released another album, I Am Not a Human Being, and released the "Right Above It" hit. Upon getting out of prison, Lil Wayne began promoting Tha Carter IV. Slim has been watching his top moneymaker and he is very impressed with Wayne's savvy.

Slim said it takes an incredible man to do what Lil Wayne has done. He has released four albums since 2008, each of which has been a platinum success. In the middle of this, Lil Wayne has released several hit singles and is running his own successful label under Cash Money. While behind bars, Lil Wayne helped make Drake and Nicki Minaj into superstars in their own right. This is what Slim helped do with several of the local New Orleans talents two decades ago and it is impressive he is doing this on a worldwide basis.

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