Cash Money Records

Cash Money Records is an American hip hop record label founded in 1989 by brothers Bryan “Birdman” Williams and Ronald “Slim” Williams in New Orleans, Louisiana.

History

For the first few years, Cash Money played host to a number of local releases by artists, selling hundreds of thousands of albums without ever releasing a music video or having a Billboard hit. Cash Money’s big break came in 1997 when the label’s most popular artists, the Hot Boys, B.G. and Juvenile in particular, caught the attention of Universal Records executives. Juvenile’s Cash Money release Solja Rags sold 200,000 copies independently. In 1998, Cash Money signed a $30 million pressing and distribution contract with Universal, entitling the label to 85% of its royalties, 50% of its publishing revenues and ownership of all masters. However, B.G. and Juvenile later left the label in 2002, claiming financial mismanagement.

Between 2001 and 2003, the label sold 7 million albums. The song “Still Fly” by the Big Tymers was nominated for two Grammy Awards. In April 2003, Juvenile returned to the label for a reported $4 million deal, and in return, he signed over the rights to Juve The Great, an album which would go on to sell over a million copies. Cash Money also signed deals with several other artists, including Sean John and Jacob the Jeweler. In 2007, former Hot Boy member Lil Wayne was named president of Cash Money Records and CEO of Young Money Entertainment, giving the rapper full creative control over all releases under the two labels. Later that year, however, Lil Wayne stepped down as president to focus on his career, especially Tha Carter III. In 2008, Lil Wayne re-signed with Cash Money, ensuring that his next few albums will be produced by the label. In September of 2008, the label diversified by releasing rocker Kevin Rudolf’s smash-hit debut single “Let It Rock” featuring label-mate Lil Wayne, it went on to sell over 3,200,000 to-date, easily becoming the best selling rap rock single in history. On October 15th, 2008 at the MOBO Awards, British R&B singer Jay Sean announced that he had signed with Cash Money Records.

In February 2009, the Williams brothers were featured in CNBC’s Newbos: The Rise of America’s New Black Overclass, a documentary show profiling several black multi-millionaires. Former Roc-A-Fella Artist Freeway and 2 Pistols recently signed to the label. On August 16th, 2009, Bow Wow announced that he signed with Cash Money Records.

The Orchard

The Orchard is a New York City based digital distribution and entertainment services company that works with independent bands. The company was started in 1997 by Richard Gottehrer and Scott Cohen.

It focuses on distribution of digitized music, video, and new media to online music retailers, advertising firms, and music and film agencies, and caters to numerous well-known independent artists and labels such as Barsuk, Nuclear Blast, and Daptone. The company has offices and representatives in 27 regions around the world.

The Orchard was formerly owned by Dimensional Associates, which also owns eMusic, but has since merged with competing distributor DMGI and now trades on Nasdaq. The label bought TVT Records in a bidding war over the bankrupt label.^[1] Most recently, the company has announced a distribution partnership with Amie Street and Wynton Marsalis.

Def Jam Recordings

Def Jam Recordings is a United States based hip-hop record label, owned by Universal Music Group, and operates as a part of The Island Def Jam Music Group. In the UK, the label takes on the name Def Jam UK and is operated through Mercury Music Group.

Company history

Def Jam was founded by Rick Rubin in his dorm room at New York University and its first release was a single by his punk-rock group, Hose. Russell Simmons joined Rubin shortly after they were introduced to each other by DJ Jazzy Jay. The first single released with a Def Jam Recordings logo was T La Rock & Jazzy Jay “It’s Yours”. The first releases with a Def Jam Recordings catalogue number were LL Cool J’s “I Need a Beat”, and the Beastie Boys’, “Rock Hard”, both in 1984. The singles sold well, eventually leading to a distribution deal with CBS Records’ (which would later become Sony Music Entertainment) Columbia Records the following year. This created a short-lived subsidiary label called OBR Records, catered toward R&B artists — the first artist signed to that imprint was Oran “Juice” Jones, who enjoyed success with his hit single “The Rain”. Def Jam also signed thrash metal band Slayer. As the decade drew to a close, the label signed Public Enemy, whose controversial lyrical content garnered the company both critical acclaim and disdain.

Lyor Cohen became president of Def Jam in 1988, after winning a power struggle with Rubin, who would shortly thereafter leave the company to form Def American Recordings (now known as American Recordings).

Def Jam under PolyGram

In the early 1990s, the company created “Rush Associated Labels,” a larger moniker under which Def Jam and its various auxiliary labels would operate as subsidiaries. By 1992, despite recent multi-platinum selling releases from ONYX, LL Cool J., Public Enemy, and EPMD, Def Jam ran into severe financial troubles and was faced with folding. Salvation came in 1994, however, when PolyGram purchased Sony’s 50% stake in Def Jam Recordings — subsequently bringing the label into their fold. Following PolyGram’s acquisition of the company, Def Jam released Warren G’s Regulate… G Funk Era, which went triple platinum and effectively revived the label.

PolyGram acquired an additional 9.8% in Def Jam Recordings in 1995, further strengthening their ownership of the company. Shortly thereafter, “Rush Associated Labels” was renamed “Def Jam Music Group.” Def Jam remained in the black, as its veteran star LL Cool J released his widely successful album Mr. Smith in 1995. The label later signed a then-teenaged Foxy Brown, whose début album Ill Na Na became a platinum seller in 1997.

Def Jam under Universal Music Group

In 1998, PolyGram was purchased by Seagrams and merged into its Universal Music Group. Following Universal Music Group’s takeover of PolyGram, it purchased the remaining interest of Def Jam Recordings from Russell Simmons for a reported $100 million. Simmons went on to focus more on his Phat Farm clothing line and the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN). Universal merged Def Jam with Island Records to form The Island Def Jam Music Group. In spite of the formation of IDJMG, Def Jam and Island continue to operate as separate imprints underneath the bigger umbrella.

Lyor Cohen was appointed president of IDJMG, and Kevin Liles succeeded him as president of Def Jam. In 1999, Def Jam created an R&B spin-off label called Def Soul Records, which inherited many of Island Records’ urban artists, including Dru Hill and its lead singer Sisqo, The Isley Brothers and Kelly Price. Def Soul also issued recordings by Musiq, Montell Jordan, Case, 112, Patti LaBelle, and Christina Milian.

Also in 1999, the label also began distributing releases by Murder Inc. Records, run by former Def Jam executive Irv Gotti. Murder Inc.’s roster of artists would include Ja Rule, Ashanti, Lloyd, Vita. The following year, it launched another subsidiary, Def Jam South, which focused on Southern rap and distributed releases from labels such as Disturbing tha Peace Records, whose successful artists have included Ludacris, Chingy, and Bobby Valentino. Def Jam South would begin distributing Slip-N-Slide Records releases, featuring Trina, Rick Ross, Plies, and others, in 2006.

Def Jam in the 2000s

In 2000, Lyor Cohen announced Def Jam Germany, the first international Def Jam company. This increased the label’s presence around the world. Def Jam Germany signed German rappers Spezializtz, and Philly MC. The label was located in Berlin and opened in May 23, 2000. In addition to signing and marketing local artists, Def Jam Germany also marketed all U.S. signed Def Jam artists in the German territory.

In 2002, Def Soul was absorbed into its Def Jam parent. A year later, Murder Inc. became the center of a money laundering investigation involving illegal profits from drug trade,  leading to the label’s eventual release from its distribution contract by 2005. Roc-A-Fella Records was sold to the company in 2004, by which time it had launched the career of producer-turned-rapper Kanye West.

DMX helped the company to great heights during 1998 and 1999 selling millions of records and revived hardcore hip hop during this time. The same year, Cohen left IDJMG for Warner Music Group, and was replaced by former Arista executive L.A. Reid. An unhappy Liles eventually decided to follow Cohen to Warner.  A bidding war for Jay-Z’s contract began, and Reid appointed Jay-Z president of Def Jam. 

Under Jay-Z’s leadership, Def Jam launched new successful acts such as pop and contemporary R&B singers Rihanna and Ne-Yo. Jay-Z’s contract as president of Def Jam was not renewed, forcing him to step down at the end of 2007, remaining with Roc-a-Fella/Def Jam as a recording artist.  Following Jay-Z’s resignation as president, L.A. Reid took over leadership of the label, as opposed to hiring a replacement. It was announced in early June 2008 that Def Jam A&R executive Shakir Stewart, credited with bringing Rick Ross to the label, would take over as vice president of Def Jam. Stewart committed suicide on November 1, 2008.

“Roc Nation” is an American 360° management, music publishing and entertainment company founded by Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter.

It was reported that Jay-Z, no longer heading Def Jam, has signed a deal with Live Nation to set up a joint venture called Roc Nation. Implementing a reportedly redesigned business model, the full service entertainment company serves as management for Wale, The Ting Tings and Melanie Fiona, and has signed North Carolina rapper J.Cole. Roc Nation has signed a deal and will be distributed by Sony Music Entertainment. The label will also seek distribution deals with other labels similarly to how Jay-Z dealt with his own album; The Blueprint 3.

Roc-a-Fella Records

Roc-A-Fella Records is an American vanity record label founded by Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, Damon Dash, and Kareem “Biggs” Burke. A subsidiary of Universal Music Group, the label’s title refers to American oil magnate and businessman John Rockefeller.

The foundation of Roc-A-Fella Records occurred in 1996, beginning as an independent outlet for rapper Jay-Z’s first album. After being turned down by several major labels, Carter, Dash and Burke started their own label through Priority Records, using money from the music videos provided by Payday Records due to their singles only deal. Though Reasonable Doubt didn’t immediately attain commercial success, it spawned several hits, a close relationship with The Notorious B.I.G. and procured him a reputation in the hip-hop community. Starting out as Roc-A-Fella’s only artist, Jay-Z was supported by Biggie producer DJ Clark Kent and DJ Ski, who was then working with Camp Lo; affiliated rappers included duo Da Ranjahz, Sauce Money, Jaz-O, and a young Memphis Bleek, though only Bleek would eventually sign with the label. According to Dame, the label had intended on releasing Nas’ group The Firm, but the deal fell through:

The snub, and a sample clearance issue with the Nas-sampling Reasonable Doubt song “Dead Presidents,” were elements that contributed to tension between Jay-Z and Nas. As such, the Roc’s only release in 1997 was Carter’s second album, In My Lifetime, Vol. 1, but the label and its figurehead artist saw increasing popularity, mainly due to a high-profile appearance by Jay on B.I.G.’s posthumous Life After Death, complete with Roc-A-Fella and Dame Dash references. While Memphis Bleek signed with the Roc, Sauce Money chose to pursue a deal with Priority, and Jaz refrained from signing anywhere and provided production for only one song on Vol. 1, “Rap Game/Crack Game.” In 1998, Roc-A-Fella released the movie Streets is Watching and the accompanying soundtrack; the film compiles various Jay-Z videos into a continuous story, and the album introduced more affiliated acts, including Ranjahz member Wais, then-signed singer Christión, future Roc-A-Fella signees M.O.P., N.O.R.E. and DJ Clue, as well as producer Irv Gotti and the short-lived group, Murder Inc. (namesake of Irv’s record label, Murder Inc.) which then consisted of Jay, DMX and Ja Rule.

Jay’s 1998 album, Vol. 2… Hard Knock Life, saw him largely depart from his previous entourage and venture forth with producers Swizz Beatz, Timbaland, The 45 King and Jermaine Dupri. Vol. 2 spawned his first major hit, “Hard Knock Life,” and became the label’s first platinum release; it was the last Roc-A-Fella release to see appearances by Jaz-O or Sauce Money, and the first to feature new Roc artists Beanie Sigel and Amil. DJ Clue released the first of his compilation-album-style series in The Professional, which saw the first Roc-A-Fella appearance of Cam’ron; while DJ Ski had, at the time, formed the production company Roc-A-Blok, affiliated with Sporty Thievz, but the company folded after Ski moved out of New York to take a break from music.

Though Da Ranjahz put in appearances on Memphis Bleek’s first album, Coming of Age, in 1999, they soon parted ways with Roc-A-Fella. Jay-Z’s 1999 album Vol. 3…Life and Times of S. Carter continued Jay’s new affiliations with then-popular producers; in 2002, the label saw a redefinition in both sound and roster. Jay-Z put out The Dynasty: Roc La Familia as a solo album. Originally intended to be a compilation project, it nonetheless featured heavy appearances by Beanie Sigel, Amil and Memphis Bleek, along with a Philly rapper Freeway guest spot that led to his being signed to Roc-A-Fella. Rather than return to Timbaland or Swizz Beatz for production, Jay selected beats from a new crop of producers: The Neptunes, Kanye West, Just Blaze, Bink! and Rick Rock. Except for Rock, each beatsmith would go on to become consistently involved in future Roc-A-Fella projects.

Prominence & Split

The new millennium saw Roc-A-Fella Records begin to expand one figurehead artist. While Jay-Z remained the label’s prominent image—with the acclaimed release of The Blueprint and the closing of his trial for the 1999 stabbing of producer “Un” Rivera–other Roc artists began to gain popularity and acceptance. Beanie Sigel’s The Truth had reached #5 on the Billboard charts in 2000, and DJ Clue released The Professional 2 in 2000. Despite the lackluster sales of Amil and Bleek’s albums, Jay-Z and Dame Dash began signing up new talent, including Cam’ron, Freeway, and several young Philly rappers that were later compiled into the Freeway/Sigel-led group, State Property. During this time, Jay-Z and Beanie Sigel were embroiled in a feud with Ruff Ryders artists Jadakiss and DMX. Disses back and forth between Jay-Z and Jadakiss implied a conflict between Jay and former groupmate DMX, led to a full-on war of words between Sigel and Kiss, and eventually culminated in a diss by Beanie Sigel over Jada’s hit “Put Your Hands Up,” after which the rivalry faded.

Cam’ron put out his major label debut Come Home With Me in 2002 to platinum sales, and shortly signed his group The Diplomats to Roc-A-Fella, as well. From 2002 to 2003, Dame Dash signed several artists in response to Jay-Z’s talk of retirement after his 2002 album The Blueprint²: The Gift & the Curse. He signed M.O.P. and Ol’ Dirty Bastard, gave Grafh a joint-venture deal, and attempted to sign Twista and Joe Budden. Roc-A-Fella experienced its height in product releases and overall popularity as a brand name during this period, seeing the release of State Property’s Chain Gang albums, Juelz Santana’s From Me to U, Freeway’s debut Philadelphia Freeway, The Diplomats’ group album Diplomatic Immunity, Memphis Bleek’s M.A.D.E. and Jay-Z’s alleged final album, The Black Album. Rumors of friction between Carter and Dash became apparent; though denied by both camps at the time, problems involving Dame’s media attention and Jay’s alleged inaccessibility had been brewing since the video shoot for “Big Pimpin’”.

After Jay-Z’s supposed last hurrah, it was revealed that he had accepted a position as CEO and President of Def Jam. Dash, poised to take greater control in the company, began heavily promoting artists Cam’ron/The Diplomats, State Property, Kanye West and Twista. In 2004, Kanye’s album, College Dropout, became a huge commercial and critical success, selling multi-platinum, and Foxy Brown was signed and began work on her album, Black Rose. The infamous ’split’ occurred when it was revealed that Carter, Dash and Burke had sold their 50% interest in Roc-A-Fella to Def Jam, making the label full owners. As President, Carter retained control of the Roc and his masters, ousting his two former partners. He later explained that he had offered to turn down the position and ownership for the masters to Reasonable Doubt alone:

As Dash and Burke set up their own fledgling record label, originally called Roc4life and later rechristened Dame Dash Music Group, each artist was offered their choice of labels. The Diplomats were the first to make the move to DDMG, and began a public campaign against Jay-Z, dissing him in songs and interviews, backed heavily by Dame Dash; Cam’ron was especially vocal, claiming Jay blocked him from an executive position Dame had offered him at Roc-A-Fella.

Beanie Sigel, then doing a year’s incarceration on an attempted murder charge, put out his album The B.Coming on Dash’s label; this was accompanied by accusations from Dame that of all the members of State Property, only Oschino had gone to visit Sigel in prison. Though Beanie had initially chosen DDMG, the rest of the group refused, preferring to remain on Roc-A-Fella; in response, Beanie Sigel effectively put the group on hold, claiming disappointment in his groupmates. M.O.P. and Grafh also left the Roc for DDMG, though both acts parted ways with Dash soon thereafter. Due to the 2004 death of Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Dash also brought with him masters of the rapper’s project and promises to release the album, A Son Unique, though this never occurred.

Memphis Bleek and Kanye West released 534 and Late Registration, respectively, in 2005, along with the Young Gunz’ sophomore effort and Teairra Mari’s debut, though only Kanye’s project saw significant reviews or sales. It was stated by Memphis Bleek that Cory Gunz had signed, but nothing materialized. By the end of the year, Dash had split his label from Def Jam and Jay-Z’s role overseeing his project, after asking for more money and a bigger role in the company. DDMG left Def Jam and was subsequently dissolved.

Roc Redefinition

In 2006, releases were largely limited to those of Roc-La-Familia, a Latino-geared label under the Roc that followed the trend of Reggaeton. Hector “El Father” and N.O.R.E. both put out albums, and the label was home to New York rapper Tru Life, but has since folded. Jay-Z made his return that year with Kingdom Come, to mixed reviews. He stepped down from his Def Jam position and put out a second album in 2007, American Gangster, to more positive reviews and sales, along with Kanye West’s Graduation, Beanie Sigel’s The Solution, and Freeway’s Free at Last; West’s album sold multi-platinum to rave reviews. Freeway’s project received critical acclaim but not major sales, and contained comments aimed at West and Just Blaze for not supplying production. He later amended his comments, stating he desired to work with Just Blaze but the producer hasn’t reached out. This may have been due to Just’s work on American Gangster and complications regarding his Atlantic-distributed label, Fort Knocks Records, and his artist Saigon.

The signing of Ruff Ryders artist Jadakiss, former rival to both Jay-Z and Beanie Sigel, also came in ‘07, as did Uncle Murda. Foxy Brown was dropped from the label after two years, in light of a jail sentence. Though Young Chris and Peedi Crakk continued to appear on projects, neither seemed any closer to a solo projects, and in 2008 Peedi announced that the entire State Property had been dropped from the label. This was countered by Beanie Sigel’s manager, who confirmed that Sigel and Freeway were still part of Roc-A-Fella. Young Chris also apparently signed as a solo artist. ‘08 saw only the release of Kanye’s 808’s & Heartbreak to positive reviews and sales. It also brought repeated disses in songs and interviews from Peedi Crakk towards Jay-Z, claiming the rapper/exec held up his project on purpose^[14], though he claims to have moved on. During that year, Jay-Z had inked a $150 million dollar deal with Live Nation that included concerts, endorsements and recordings, and included a platform for him to launch his Roc Nation label. Uncle Murda left the label after a year and a half with no release, citing lack of executive interest after Jay-Z’s exodus from parent label Def Jam.

In March 2009, Freeway procured his release from Def Jam, claiming a need to explore his options; shortly, he announced his signing to Cash Money Records, while stating he would always respect Roc-A-Fella. Longtime signee Memphis Bleek also reported his departure from Def Jam, deciding not to travel to Roc Nation in favor of starting his own record label, but he is still very closely associated with Roc-A-Fella. Additionally, rapper Tru Life has been referred to as a “one time [or past] affiliate” of Roc-A-Fella upon his turning himself in to authorities for his connection to a retaliatory stabbing. On May 21, 2009, Jay-Z had bought back his contract from Def Jam for an unprecedented $5,000,000 and started his deal with Live Nation. Beanie Sigel, Jadakiss and Kanye West are the only artists still remaining on Roc-A-Fella. It is currently unknown whether the label will be shut down or transferred to new management.

ROC Films

In 2002, following the release of the Rocawear clothing label, Roc-A-Fella Records released through Lions Gate Entertainment, State Property. The movie while not the first for Dame Dash, would be the start of ROC Films/Roc-A-Fella Films. The film studio would go on to release Paid In Full the same year and follow up in 2003 with Paper Soldiers and the hip-hop satire Death of a Dynasty. In 2005 the sequel to the studios debut release would hit theatres State Property 2, featuring rap stars such as Beanie Sigel and Damon Dash, who also produced and co-created the story. Cameo roles included musicians Kanye West, N.O.R.E and Mariah Carey, and Light Heavyweight champion boxers Bernard Hopkins and Winky Wright. The list of films include:

• Streets Is Watching (1998)
• Backstage (2000)
• State Property (2002)
• Paid in Full (2002)
• Paper Soldiers (2003)
• Death of a Dynasty (2003)
• Fade to Black (2004)
• State Property 2 (2005)

Armadale

In 2002 Roc-A-Fella Records announced they will be taking over U.S. distribution rights for the Scottish, Armadale vodka, from the previous owner William Grant & Sons. The vodka is described as an 80-proof brand of “hand-crafted triple distilled vodka.” Burke describes the motivation for purchasing the label: “You always hear about us talking about the [vodka] in the songs so, like with the clothing and the music industry, we were like: ‘Why are we still making money for everyone else?’” It is believed the vodka was named after the town of Edinburgh, town of Armadale, due to its strong history of vodka distilling.