Brothers Birdman and Slim founded Cash Money in their native New Orleans to serve as a home for hip-hop. After initially following the “hustler” footsteps of their father, Slim says, they decided to try making a living in music. Early recruits included producer Mannie Fresh and rapper Pimp Daddy, but their best investment was an 11-year-old wordsmith who called himself Shrimp Daddy—later, Lil Wayne. Drake and Nicki Minaj followed, propelling Cash Money into the 21st century. Forbes’ Zack O’Malley Greenburg dives into the label’s past. (Forbes)
