Who Owns Cash Money Records?
Cash Money Records is owned by Universal Music Group, a publicly traded music corporation listed on Euronext Amsterdam (AMS: UMG). Founded in 1991 by Birdman and Ronald "Slim" Williams in New Orleans, Cash Money was acquired by UMG in 2000.
Parent Company
Universal Music Group
Acquired
2000
Status
Publicly Traded
Headquarters
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Who Owns Cash Money Records?
- Parent Company: Universal Music Group
- Ownership Type: Subsidiary
- Acquisition Year: 2000
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock Ticker: Euronext Amsterdam: UMG
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| Cash Money Records | Universal Music Group | Subsidiary |
History of Cash Money Records
- Founded: 1991
- Founders: Birdman (Bryan Williams), Ronald "Slim" Williams
- Acquired by Universal Music Group: 2000
Cash Money Records was founded in 1991 by brothers Birdman (Bryan Williams) and Ronald "Slim" Williams in New Orleans, Louisiana. The label initially focused on local New Orleans hip-hop artists, building a reputation for authentic Southern rap sound and street credibility.
Throughout the 1990s, Cash Money Records became one of the most successful independent hip-hop labels, launching the careers of influential artists like Juvenile, B.G., Lil Wayne, and Hot Boys. The label's distinctive Southern sound and business model attracted national attention.
The pivotal moment occurred in 2000 when Universal Music Group acquired Cash Money Records in a landmark deal worth $30 million. Under UMG ownership, Cash Money continued its success while expanding its reach and influence in the global hip-hop market, particularly through Lil Wayne's emergence as a superstar.
About Universal Music Group
What does Universal Music Group own?
Universal Music Group owns a portfolio of record labels including Republic Records, Interscope Records, Capitol Music Group, Def Jam Recordings, Island Records, Motown Records, Geffen Records, Virgin Music, Polydor Records, and Decca Records, among many others. The company also owns Universal Music Publishing Group, one of the world's largest music publishers, and Bravado, an artist merchandising business.
Is Universal Music Group publicly traded?
Yes, Universal Music Group N.V. is listed on Euronext Amsterdam under ticker UMG. The company was spun off from Vivendi and listed in September 2021. Major shareholders include Tencent Holdings (approximately 20%), Pershing Square Holdings (approximately 10%), and Vivendi (a reduced stake). The remaining shares are held by institutional investors and public shareholders.
Who founded Universal Music Group?
Universal Music Group in its current form was created through the 1998 merger of Universal Music Group (owned by Seagram) and PolyGram (owned by Philips). The predecessor companies trace their origins to Decca Records (1929), MCA Music (1962), and PolyGram (formed in the 1960s and 1970s). Vivendi acquired UMG through its 2000 acquisition of Seagram and retained ownership until the 2021 Euronext listing.
Where is Universal Music Group headquartered?
Universal Music Group is headquartered in Hilversum, Netherlands, as its registered corporate headquarters, with major operational headquarters in Santa Monica, California, USA. The company also has significant operations in London, Paris, Berlin, Tokyo, and other major music markets worldwide.
How many record labels does Universal Music Group own?
Universal Music Group owns dozens of record labels across all genres of music. The major labels include Republic Records, Interscope Records, Capitol Music Group, Def Jam Recordings, Island Records, Motown Records, Geffen Records, Virgin Music, Polydor Records, and Decca Records. Each major label typically operates several sub-labels and imprints. UMG also provides distribution services to independent labels through its distribution network.
Who owns Universal Music Group?
Universal Music Group N.V. is publicly traded on Euronext Amsterdam. Major shareholders include Tencent Holdings (approximately 20%), Pershing Square Holdings (approximately 10%), and Vivendi (a reduced stake following the 2021 spin-off). Lucian Grainge serves as Chairman and CEO. The remaining shares are held by institutional investors and public shareholders worldwide.
- Founded: 1934
- Headquarters: Hilversum, Netherlands / Santa Monica, California, USA
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock: Euronext Amsterdam: UMG
Where Is Cash Money Records Made / Based?
- Headquarters: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Manufacturing / Operations: United States, Global distribution
Brands Owned by Universal Music Group
- Capitol Music Group - American record label umbrella founded in 1942, now owned by Universal Music Gro...
- Decca Records - Historic British record label founded in 1929, now owned by Universal Music Grou...
- Def Jam Recordings - American hip-hop record label founded in 1984 by Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons,...
- Geffen Records - American record label founded by David Geffen in 1980, specializing in rock, pop...
- Interscope Records - American record label founded in 1989, now owned by Universal Music Group, speci...
- Island Records - Historic British record label founded in 1959 by Chris Blackwell, now owned by U...
- Mercury Records - American record label founded in 1945, now owned by Universal Music Group, speci...
- Motown Records - Historic American record label founded in 1958 by Berry Gordy Jr., now owned by ...
- Polydor Records - German record label founded in 1924, now owned by Universal Music Group, operati...
- Republic Records - American record label founded in 1995 by Monte and Avery Lipman, now owned by Un...
- Verve Records - American jazz record label founded in 1956, now owned by Universal Music Group, ...
- Virgin Music - Historic British record label founded in 1972 by Richard Branson, now owned by U...
Cash Money Records Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Pioneer in Southern hip-hop with authentic New Orleans roots
- +Strong brand recognition in hip-hop and urban music
- +Backed by Universal Music Group's global resources and distribution
- +Proven track record of developing hip-hop superstars
- +Cultural influence extending beyond music into fashion and lifestyle
Considerations
- -Competition from contemporary hip-hop labels and independent artists
- -Digital disruption affecting traditional music business models
- -Need to balance heritage sound with modern hip-hop trends
- -Dependence on streaming platform partnerships and market trends
- -Pressure to maintain cultural relevance with evolving hip-hop landscape
Frequently Asked Questions About Cash Money Records
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Disclosure: We may earn commission from purchasesCompetitors to Cash Money Records
These competing brands operate in the same categories and provide similar products or services. Compare key attributes to understand market positioning and competitive landscape.
| Brand | Parent Company | Country | Founded | Market Position | Primary Market | Gender Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony Music Entertainment | USA | 2012 | Mass Market | North America | Male |
Learn More About Competitors
Competitive Analysis
Market Positioning: Cash Money Records competes with 1 brands in the same categories, ranging from mass market to luxury positioning.
Geographic Distribution: Competitors are headquartered across multiple regions, indicating global competition in this market segment.
Brand Heritage: Competitor brands range from established heritage brands to newer market entrants, with founding years spanning several decades.
Universal Music Group Stock Information
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