Young Money Entertainment
An imprint of Cash Money and Republic founded by Lil Wayne in 2005, now operating under Republic with Mack Maine as president.
Young Money Entertainment is an American record label founded by rapper Lil Wayne in 2005. Launched as an imprint of Cash Money Records and Universal Motown/Universal Republic (later Republic Records after a 2012 merger), it has since operated solely under Republic. The label was colloquially branded as Young Money Cash Money Billionaires (YMCMB) during its joint venture era. In 2009, Wayne's longtime affiliate Mack Maine was appointed the company's president. Since its formation, the label has signed and released projects for artists including Lil Wayne himself, Nicki Minaj, Drake, Tyga, Cory Gunz, Gudda Gudda, and Jae Millz.
- Founder
- Lil Wayne
- Parent Company
- Universal Music Group / Republic Records
- Key Era
- 2005 to Present
- Status
- Active
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
The label's history includes significant shifts in leadership and ownership. In a 2007 Vibe interview, Lil Wayne detailed he stepped down as President to give the position to Cortez Bryant, though by 2009, Mack Maine was serving as president. The collective expanded beyond individual artists into a supergroup that released three studio albums: We Are Young Money (2009), Rich Gang (2013; with Cash Money Records), and Young Money: Rise of an Empire (2014). The 2009 collaborative album, We Are Young Money, debuted at number 9 on the US Billboard 200 (its peak), selling 142,000 copies in its first week. It was certified platinum by the RIAA for shipments of 1,000,000 copies. Its lead single, "BedRock," peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and became the group's first Top 10 hit in the UK, peaking at number nine.
In Their Own Story
Tensions eventually arose between Lil Wayne, Birdman, and Universal Music Group over unpaid advances and rights to his catalogue. In 2015, Wayne filed a lawsuit initially for $51 million. A settlement was reached in 2018, detailing compensation of over $10 million to Wayne and transferring Young Money's ownership from Cash Money directly to Universal. Crucially, Birdman's 49 percent ownership in the label transferred to Wayne, effective September 13, 2018. Later, in June 2020, Wayne sold his master recordings and the entire Young Money Entertainment catalog—including artists like Nicki Minaj, Drake, and Tyga—to Universal Music Group for $100 million. This deal confirmed UMG owned all of Drake's pre-2018 album catalogue released with the label.
Reader's Guide
Young Money has released 16 albums that topped the Billboard 200 chart. Lil Wayne contributed five: Tha Carter III, I Am Not a Human Being, Tha Carter IV, Tha Carter V, and Funeral. Drake secured eight number-one albums: Thank Me Later, Take Care, Nothing Was the Same, If You're Reading This It's Too Late, What a Time to Be Alive (with Future), Views, More Life, and Scorpion. Nicki Minaj added two: Pink Friday and Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded. The label also saw releases from other artists like Tyga, who dropped Hotel California in 2013, and T-Pain, who signed in 2011 but later revealed the deal never concluded. Other signings included 14-year-old singer Torion Sellers in November 2011 and group We the Future in February 2013.
Did You Know?
- In 2007, Lil Wayne stated in a Vibe interview that he stepped down as President of the label, giving the position to Cortez Bryant.
- The single "BedRock" from We Are Young Money became the group's first Top 10 hit in the UK, peaking at number nine on April 3, 2010.
- In June 2018, Lil Wayne and Birdman settled their legal dispute, though the specific percentage of ownership transferred and the exact date were not publicly confirmed.
- We Are Young Money was certified platinum by the RIAA for selling 1,000,000 units in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded Young Money Entertainment?
Lil Wayne established the label in 2005 as a joint venture with Cash Money Records and Universal Music Group. He created it to serve as both a business platform for new talent and an extension of his own creative vision.
What is the primary role of Young Money Entertainment?
The label functions as a cultural powerhouse that nurtures artists while defining the melodic trap and Southern hip-hop sounds of the late 2000s. It operates less like a traditional corporation and more like a tight-knit family unit centered around Wayne's leadership.
Why is Young Money Entertainment important to hip-hop?
It transformed Lil Wayne's New Orleans roots into a global dynasty by launching the careers of massive stars like Drake, Nicki Minaj, and Tyga. The collective reshaped modern rap by blending commercial success with a distinct, collaborative artistic identity.
Is Young Money Entertainment still active today?
Yes, the label remains an active force in the music industry from its late 2000s peak to the present day. Although the roster has evolved over time, it continues to operate under the umbrella of Cash Money Records and Universal Music Group.
How does Young Money Entertainment relate to Lil Wayne's career?
The label serves as the primary vehicle for Lil Wayne's legacy, allowing him to mentor a new generation while maintaining his status as the genre's leading figure. It effectively bridges his personal artistic journey with broader industry influence.
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