Weezy F. Baby and the F is for Freedom! At last, Lil Wayne and Cash Money Records have reached a legal settlement which voids all ties between the record label and the artist.
Court documents acquired from Wayne’s lawyer, Howard King claim that all sides were able to progress forward and walk away amicably. Reason being, Universal Music Group agreed to settle the dispute by shelling out the millions of dollars that Lil Wayne has been owed for quite some time.
UMG has assumed this risk because they firmly believe they will recoup and retain profits from the upcoming projects of their newly obligated artists, Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj. Certainly, this development indicates a victory for both sides as Wayne gets paid and Birdman does not have to spare a dime.
The original deal between Lil Wayne and Cash Money Records was signed back in 1998 and amended in 2003 to create room for the imprint of Young Money. On paper, the agreement would evenly split all copyrights, fees, and profits between Cash Money and Young Money. Over time, Cash Money Records repeatedly violated the terms of the arrangement.
DECEPTiViTY
In December 2014, Wayne submitted the fifth installment of his Carter album series, yet only received $2M of $8M guaranteed as an advance. The lawsuit proceedings began in June 2018 and Tha Carter V was released in September 2018. The lawsuit mainly stems from the album withholding amongst several other corrupt tactics employed by Cash Money Records.
Cash Money refused to split the agreed upon copyright and failed to pay on multiple occasions. In 2015, Lil Wayne filed a lawsuit for $51 million against Cash Money Records for failed advances and several contractual violations.
As you may remember, in 2015 Wayne gave us an impromptu Free Weezy Album via Jay-Z’s streaming service, Tidal which symbolized a major reinvigoration of Wayne’s spirit. Birdman & Cash Money almost pursued a legal dispute regarding this release. CMR claimed contractual obligations voided his ability to license music with anyone else.
The FWA marked the artist’s second self-released project of the year besides Sorry for the Wait 2. Truly sincere to his fans and frustrated from the amount of Carter V delays, Wayne stated that he felt prisoner in a once amicable recording deal.
At one point in time, Jay-Z offered Lil Wayne a spot on Roc-a-Fella. Lil Wayne could have advanced & released records at a more steady pace if he had decided to join Def Jam/Roc-a-Fella. Unfortunately, Jay-Z shorted Lil Wayne of what he was worth by offering a lowball deal of $175,000. All in all, the two did not see eye-to-eye although the conversation between Weezy and Hov did get taken to the highest plateau.
As a matter of fact, it is not very well-known that Jay-Z helped to inspire Tha Carter album series. A mutual friend between Shawn Carter & Dwayne Carter made a suggestion to Wayne and it stuck. The conversation that took place in New York helped spark the series surrounding Carter projects concept from the movie New Jack City.
Jay-Z Continues to Elevate
Jay-Z consistently offers a helping hand to anyone in need of assistance within the hip-hop community. He truly utilizes his position of power to assist those in need whether it be Roc Nation Sports Agency, Meek Mill (Robert Kraft commutes probation) or Lil Wayne (federal weapons charge) HOV has always been one to do the right thing and offer assistance wherever he can see fit. The man is also a pioneer in the ways that he has been able to start consistent dialogue around social righteousness, restorative justice and prison reform [Kalief Browder, Trayvon]
FNN
In regards to the Lil Wayne and Birdman dispute there has not been an exact dollar amount established. Experts say that it is safe to assume the total will amass beyond $10M.
Wayne and Birdman’s strained relationship comes with many complications due to their pre-existing father and son type dynamic. Birdman recruited Lil Wayne out of Holly Grove, Louisiana and signed him to the label when Weezy was only eleven years old.
Strangely enough, Wayne’s mother attended school with Birdman and never believed that Dwayne would be able to pursue such a lucrative career. These two had a solid run together but definitely had their fair share of issues.
One thing for sure, they have both grown exhausted and it is safe to assume that this protracted legal dispute only further cemented mutual contempt.
With this new resolution, Weezy should receive proper compensation, restored copyrights and the liberty to release Tha Carter V! Let this be an example to all aspiring artists, deeply consider all aspects surrounding the music industry before penning your name on that dotted line.
Freedom Awakening 