Lil Wayne Vs. Cash Money: A Timeline Of Wayne's Fight For Independence
Brothers Ronald 'Slim' Williams, and Bryan 'Birdman' Williams are no strangers to legal battles and contract disputes. The founders of Cash Money don't have the best rep when it comes to properly compensating both artists and producers. Even though he has since rejoined the Cash Money fold, Juvenile was the first artist to leave the label over financial disputes. "Bling Bling" rapper BG soon followed Juvenile's lead, as well as Mannie Fresh, who handled all of Cash Money's production. Even with all of the financial turmoil surrounding the company, Lil Wayne seemed to be the exception to the rule — until he wasn't.
It's not about what you're owed, but what you negotiate. By the looks of things, Cash Money may owe their top dog the money he negotiated—and then some. Many would agree that Wayne is the sole reason why Cash Money is still afloat. When Juvenile, the company's flagship artist, departed in the early 2000s, it looked like the label's days were numbered. But out of the ashes of Juvie rose Dwyane Carter, who took Cash Money to new heights and helped cement the label as the music powerhouse we know today.
Weezy helped usher in Cash Money's dominance through his solo success, and also with the success of his Young Money imprint boasting twin stars Drake and Nicki Minaj. From the outside looking in, all certainly seemed well in Wayne's world. So how does one go from "Stuntin Like My Daddy" to suing his daddy? We sort through the madness with a timeline of Tunechi's fight for freedom.
2006: Wayne almost jumps ship to Roc-a-fella/Def Jam
Wayne had a chance to leave Cash Money back in 2006, when his initial deal expired. Roc-a-fella/Def Jam were the early front runner for Weezy's services, but the deal was never finalized. Wayne would go on to re-up with Cash Money, citing "loyalty" as the reason. Jay Z confirmed the rumor in a interview (30:50 mark) with The Breakfast Club years later.
DECEMBER 4, 2014: The tweets heard round the world
To all my fans, I want u to know that my album won't and hasn't been released bekuz Baby & Cash Money Rec. refuse to release it.— Lil Wayne WEEZY F (@LilTunechi) December 4, 2014
This is not my fault. I am truly and deeply sorry to all my fans but most of all to myself and my family for putting us in this situation. — Lil Wayne WEEZY F (@LilTunechi) December 4, 2014
I want off this label and nothing to do with these people but unfortunately it ain't that easy— Lil Wayne WEEZY F (@LilTunechi) December 4, 2014
I am a prisoner and so is my creativity Again,I am truly sorry and I don't blame ya if ya fed up with waiting 4 me & this album. But thk u — Lil Wayne WEEZY F (@LilTunechi) December 4, 2014
Wayne blindsides the masses with an unexpected series of tweets expressing his displeasure with the label. Apologizing to fans for the wait and lets it be known he wants off of Cash Money.
DECEMBER 5, 2014: Weezy reaffirms his position
Wayne's tweets were so unexpected, many believed his Twitter account may have been hacked. But two days later, he made an appearance at Vice Magazine's 20th birthday bash and delivered the very same message in the flesh.
JANUARY 20, 2014: "Sorry 4 The Wait 2" mixtape is released
Sorry 4 The Wait 2 is released to make up for the delay of Tha Carter V. Outside of apologizing to fans for all the drama, Wayne uses the tape as an opportunity to throw numerous shots in the direction of Birdman and Cash Money.
JANUARY 22, 2015: Birdman doesn't budge
Sources close to the Cash Money head honcho tell TMZ that Birdman feels "disrespected" and is ready to fight in court if a lawsuit follows.
JANUARY 28, 2015: Lil Wayne sues Cash Money for $51 million
News breaks via TMZ that Wayne is officially suing Cash Money for the sum of $51 million dollars. Not only does he want his money, he also wants control of his entire YMCMB roster before taking off.
JANUARY 29, 2015: The 21-page lawsuit surfaces online
The full lawsuit finds it's way online, further detailing Weezy's allegations which include a failed payment of $10 million for the advance and completion of Tha Carter V, and failed payments in regards to YMCMB royalties as well as profits.
FEBRUARY 5, 2015: The birth of #FWA
The Free Weezy album is announced a month after the release of Sorry 4 The wait 2.
The Free Weezy Album...komin soon#FWA — Lil Wayne WEEZY F (@LilTunechi) February 5, 2015
— Lil Wayne WEEZY F (@LilTunechi) February 5, 2015
FEBRUARY 19, 2015: Wayne and Baby no longer on speaking terms
Wayne informs Rolling Stone that he and his former boss are not on speaking terms. “I have no words. I’m super-numb to it, to tell you the truth.” The rapper also refers to Tha Carter V as a "dead subject," focusing all his energy into The Free Weezy Album.
MARCH 16, 2015: Wayne sends shots at Birdman in Young Money cypher
Weezy not only uses the cypher to reintroduce his crew, but also uses it to once again call out Birdman with the line, “I sing ‘Dear Mama’ to my dear mama and sing ‘Hit ‘Em Up’ to my daddy b--ch ass.”
MARCH 17, 2015: Young Thug names upcoming studio album Carter 6
Birdman affiliate and alleged Wayne replacement Young Thug names his upcoming project Carter 6. The announcement immediately creates a stir online, even prompting Wayne's daughter Reginae to break her silence with a series of tweets.
#CARTER6 OTW ..... VIDEO BY: @yslapparel A video posted by Young Thug (@thuggerthugger1) on Mar 17, 2015 at 10:27am PDT
Listen . I usually stay in a child's place but that's my father and I'll stick up for him no matter what ! It was not to be disrespectful ????
— Love me (@reginae_carter1) March 17, 2015
But you know what . I don't have to explain myself ! I don't regret anything and I'll repeat myself if I have to ????— Love me (@reginae_carter1) March 17, 2015
Behind all the cameras and media , there's a real family with real feelings....— Love me (@reginae_carter1) March 17, 2015
YOU CANT SIT WITH US!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
— Love me (@reginae_carter1) March 17, 2015