Cash Money Records CEO Birdman has stepped forward to address rumors and speculation suggesting Memphis rapper Young Buck and West Coast hip-hop artist Lil B are on the verge of joining his team.
While he admits both artists have his respect, Birdman said there is no truth to the speculation.
“Both of them is two of the little homies I have the utmost respect for,” he said. ” I don’t know Lil B’s situation. I don’t know Buck’s situation. I’m friends to both of them. If the opportunity ever came, I would love to work with both of them. I know Buck is in a situation. I really don’t know Lil B’s situation, he’s real cool with my son [Lil] Wayne. I got love and respect for both of them, but they never came across the menu ye — I spoke with Buck a few times, he’s been a friend of the family. B is a friend of the family. But it ain’t came to none of that. Not to this point. We like to be new, young. My son [Wayne] does the newer acts [on Young Money]. On our side [Cash Money] it be more veteran.” (RapFix)
Last month, Young Buck confirmed there were plans to join Cash Money.
In an interview Wednesday night, an exasperated Buck said the conversion is counterproductive because he is close to signing a recording deal with Cash Money Records that would allow him to pay all his debts and exit bankruptcy orderly. The proposed multi-party deal, independently confirmed by The Tennessean, would have settled Buck’s contract dispute with former mentor 50 Cent and his G-Unit Records and shipped him to New Orleans-based Cash Money. Buck is still under contract with G-Unit but has been prevented from recording since 2008 because of a personal falling out with 50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis Jackson. (The Tennessean)
In late November, Buck hinted at plans to join a new record label.
“Hold up deejay, hold up for a minute,” Buck said during a concert. “Make some noise in this motherf*cker real quick. Eh looky here, bruh, I would tell y’all who I just signed with, right, but I don’t want to spoil the moment. I don’t want to spoil the moment. I just want y’all to be like, ‘Ohhh sh*ttt. Ohhhh shhh*t.'” (This Is Young Buck)
Around spring 2011, Birdman denied Atlanta rapper Soulja Boy Tell Em‘s claims of speaking with him about a possible Cash Money deal.
“YMCMB busine$$ real talk.I neva tried 2 sign n0b0dy thts already sign 2 s0meb0dy.we d0nt r0ck like tht.I neva tried 2 sign s0ulja.but I respect tha lil h0mey wrk keep getn it$$$$” (Baby’s Twitter)
Check out some recent Birdman footage below: