Ever since Lil Wayne blew up our illusions of Cash Money as a happy family last year and announced his frustration with the label and his mentor Birdman, the state of rap's biggest powerhouse has been in chaos. Will Wayne escape from the clutches of his seemingly evil father figure? Will he succeed in taking Young Money with him? Then, of course, there's Drake and Nicki, two superstars whose fame and relevance has long eclipsed their YMCMB affiliation. Nicki has stayed relatively silent, but recent bars from Drake suggest a similar unhappiness with Stunna. Gone are the days when he proudly shouted him out at every turn and gave him an expected slot to talk that talk on his albums—there will likely be no words of wisdom and encouragement from Baby on Views From the 6 a la "The Language" or "We'll Be Fine."
But beyond the three stars (and errant black sheep Tyga), most people forget that at the height of its powers, YMCMB was in the habit of basically signing anyone and everyone. Literally. But since Wayne is just trying to take his own YM imprint, let's focus on that roster. Where does everyone stand? Let's dig in (and in some cases, dig up) and see where everyone's at these days and if they, like Wayne, aren't fucking with Birdman anymore.
*Excluded mentions of Hood and Flow, two randoms who appeared in a recent Young Money cypher with Wayne, because, who???
Lil Wayne
Status: Currently embroiled in bitter, two-way lawsuits with Birdman. As he said on Twitter, he no longer wants to be on Cash Money.
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
Relationship with Birdman: Worse than Jax and Clay on Sons of Anarchy. Earlier this year, Wayne filed a lawsuit against Cash Money and Birdman for $51 million. Birdman then filed a $50 million lawsuit against Tidal for releasing Wayne's Free Weezy Album. Birdman was later named in an indictment about the shooting of Wayne's tour bus in April of this year. He was also videotaped throwing a drink on Weezy in a night club. But, according to Birdman, that's his "son," they still talk, and he's prepared to give him whatever he wants.
Last release: Free Weezy Album; Carter V remains in limbo.
Drake
Nicki Minaj
Status: Vocally supportive of Wayne, who appeared at one of her most recent tour stops. However, she's rumored to owe many more albums to Cash Money.
Relationship with Birdman: Unclear. There was that awkward moment when Stunna was denied entry into her pre-Grammys party. But, like Drake, Birdman believes Nicki is very happy and she would never speak out negatively against him due to all that he's blessed her with. And, for what it's worth, Nicki still considers him a mentor and friend.
The feeling is mutual. He's one of my best teachers and most genuine friends. I'm glad he spoke his peace. https://t.co/mic9BAIULn
— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) July 29, 2015
Last release: The Pinkprint