Who Owns Cash Money Records?

As a privately owned label, Cash Money Records does not publish independent sustainability reports. Its distribution partner, Universal Music Group, operates corporate sustainability initiatives that apply to the manufacturing and distribution of Cash Money releases.

UMG Environmental Initiatives: Universal Music Group has set science-based emissions reduction targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative. UMG's environmental policy covers manufacturing, logistics, and merchandise production through its Bravado merchandising arm. Physical products distributed through Republic Records, including Cash Money releases, are subject to UMG's Supplier Social Responsibility Policy.

Community Engagement: Cash Money Records maintains connections to New Orleans through community initiatives. The Williams brothers have supported local music education programs and youth development in the city. Birdman has participated in charity events and community outreach in New Orleans neighborhoods.

Artist Compensation Practices: Cash Money Records has faced public criticism over artist compensation, most notably from Lil Wayne's 2015 lawsuit alleging unpaid royalties. The settlement of that dispute in 2018 led to changes in how Young Money Entertainment operated. The label's history of financial disputes with artists is addressed in the Recalls & Controversies section below.

Cash Money Records' artists and releases have achieved verifiable commercial and critical success. The following are confirmed through Billboard chart records, RIAA certifications, and Grammy Award records:

Billboard Chart Success: Cash Money Records releases have reached number one on the Billboard 200 chart multiple times. Lil Wayne's "Tha Carter III" (2008) and "Tha Carter IV" (2011) both debuted at number one. Drake's releases through the Young Money/Cash Money/Republic partnership, including "Scorpion" (2018) and "Certified Lover Boy" (2021), also reached number one. Lil Wayne's "Lollipop" reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2008.

Grammy Awards: Lil Wayne won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album for "Tha Carter III" at the 51st Grammy Awards in 2009. He also won Best Rap Solo Performance for "A Milli." Drake has won multiple Grammy Awards for albums released through the Young Money/Republic partnership. Nicki Minaj won her first Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for "Super Freaky Girl" at the 2025 Grammy Awards.

RIAA Certifications: Cash Money Records releases have received multiple platinum and multi-platinum certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America. Juvenile's "400 Degreez" is certified 4x Platinum. Lil Wayne's "Tha Carter III" is certified 3x Platinum.

Lil Wayne Lawsuit and Settlement (2015-2018): Lil Wayne filed a $51 million lawsuit against Cash Money Records, Birdman, and Universal Music Group in January 2015. Wayne alleged that Cash Money withheld millions in unpaid royalties for "Tha Carter V" and other projects. The lawsuit delayed the release of "Tha Carter V," which was finally released in September 2018 after the parties settled. Wayne reportedly received an eight-figure settlement and was released from his Cash Money contract. The settlement also restructured Young Money Entertainment's relationship with Republic Records.

Young Money Entertainment Restructuring: Young Money operated as an imprint of Cash Money and Republic Records, branded as YMCMB (Young Money Cash Money Billionaires). The legal disputes between Lil Wayne and Birdman affected Drake and Nicki Minaj, whose releases were tied to the Cash Money/Republic distribution structure. After the 2018 settlement, Drake's subsequent releases were distributed through Republic Records and OVO Sound rather than Cash Money directly.

Financial Disputes with Artists: Multiple artists and former associates have accused Birdman and Cash Money Records of failing to pay royalties. Juvenile filed a lawsuit against Cash Money in 2002 over unpaid royalties, which was settled out of court. B.G. left the label amid financial disputes. These recurring conflicts have damaged the label's reputation in the music industry.

Birdman and Slim Williams Legal Issues: Bryan "Birdman" Williams has faced personal legal issues separate from the label. In 2007, he was arrested on drug possession charges in Bristol, Tennessee, though the case was resolved without conviction. Various lawsuits have been filed against the Williams brothers personally, including disputes over real estate and business ventures.

Copyright and Sampling Disputes: Cash Money Records has faced copyright infringement and sampling clearance lawsuits over the years. These cases have typically been settled out of court or resolved through licensing agreements.