The Short Answer
Yes, NBA YoungBoy was briefly signed to Birdman’s Cash Money Records label in 2016. However, he was released from his contract after just a few months and did not release any music through Cash Money.
NBA YoungBoy’s Early Career
NBA YoungBoy, whose real name is Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He began taking music seriously around 2014 at the age of 15.
In 2015, YoungBoy released his first mixtape, Life Before Fame, which included the breakout single “Win or Lose.” The mixtape gained significant attention in Louisiana and the Southern hip hop scene.
This led to interest from established rap labels looking to sign the up-and-coming artist. In August 2016, at age 16, NBA YoungBoy signed a deal with Cash Money Records, the prominent label founded by Birdman.
NBA YoungBoy’s Time with Cash Money Records
NBA YoungBoy’s tenure with Cash Money Records and Birdman was very short-lived. He was officially signed to the label in August 2016. However, he would be released from his contract by October of the same year.
Reportedly, NBA YoungBoy was originally meant to be part of a new Cash Money supergroup called “The Raging Bulls” alongside Yo Gotti and 2 Chainz. But this project never came to fruition.
NBA YoungBoy only released one single during his brief time signed to Cash Money. The song, called “Kickin Shit,” came out in September 2016. An accompanying music video was released featuring Boosie Badazz.
However, NBA YoungBoy apparently did not get along well with Birdman or others at Cash Money Records. After less than 2 months, he was released from his contract without ever putting out a full body of work through the label.
Why Was NBA YoungBoy Released from Cash Money Records?
The exact reasons for NBA YoungBoy’s quick departure from Cash Money Records are unclear. However, there are a few likely contributing factors:
- Creative differences with Birdman and Cash Money management
- Concerns about YoungBoy’s gang ties and street life
- YoungBoy’s unpredictable and defiant behavior
- The label’s inability to fully reign in the independent-minded artist
In recent years, NBA YoungBoy has suggested he did not get along well with Birdman and felt the label was trying to control him and creatively stifle him.
Birdman may have also been concerned about YoungBoy’s criminal history and gang affiliations bringing unwanted attention and liability to Cash Money Records.
Regardless of the specific details, it appears both parties agreed to part ways quickly rather than trying to make the partnership work.
NBA YoungBoy After Leaving Cash Money Records
After getting out of his brief deal with Cash Money, NBA YoungBoy was determined to remain independent and maintain full creative control over his music.
In early 2017, he released the mixtape 38 Baby, which included his first charting single “Untouchable.” He quickly followed up with AI YoungBoy in August 2017.
The mixtape debuted at #24 on the Billboard 200 chart, demonstrating NBA YoungBoy’s rapid growth as an independent artist. More mixtapes and hits would follow in 2018-2019.
NBA YoungBoy is now one of the most popular and successful hip hop artists of his generation with multiple platinum and gold certifications. He built this success entirely independently after leaving Birdman and Cash Money behind in 2016.
Birdman’s Side of the Story
As for Birdman’s perspective on NBA YoungBoy’s brief tenure at Cash Money, he has addressed it on a few occasions.
In a 2016 interview with Power 106 Los Angeles soon after the split, Birdman confirmed the parting ways was a mutual decision:
“He’s definitely talented. Things just ain’t work out. Some things just don’t happen how you want them to be… It was a mutual thing. We have nothing but love for each other.”
Birdman cited “business” as the reason for the breakup but did not offer specifics. He praised YoungBoy’s talent and said there were no hard feelings.
In a 2021 interview with Bootleg Kev, Birdman again confirmed the amicable split:
“He’s super talented. Big fan of him. We just had a moment where business-wise we couldn’t connect. That don’t stop my love or my support for him.”
Overall, Birdman has had nothing but positive things to say about NBA YoungBoy even though their business relationship fizzled out quickly in 2016. The fame and success YoungBoy later found certainly suggests Birdman was correct in identifying his talent.
NBA YoungBoy’s Attitude Toward Birdman Now
From YoungBoy’s perspective, his attitude toward Birdman seems more indifferent than anything. In his music and interviews since 2016, he hasn’t often referenced his brief time at Cash Money Records.
When the subject does come up, YoungBoy usually describes not seeing eye-to-eye with Birdman and wanting to maintain his independence. But he doesn’t seem to harbor any resentment or bitterness toward his former label boss.
For example, in a 2018 VladTV interview, NBA YoungBoy stated:
“Shit just didn’t work out with me and Birdman. You feel me? I’ma just leave it at that. I just couldn’t move like how I wanted to move.”
YoungBoy explained that he didn’t feel comfortable signing to a major label in general at that point in his career. Overall, he downplayed the significance of his 3 months with Birdman.
It’s clear YoungBoy preferred charting his own path and was happiest leaving Cash Money behind him in 2016. But he seems to appreciate that Birdman recognized his talent, even if their pairing wasn’t meant to be.
Could NBA YoungBoy Ever Reunite with Birdman?
Given their history, some fans have wondered if NBA YoungBoy would consider reuniting with Birdman and Cash Money Records in the future. However, that seems very unlikely at this point for a few reasons:
- YoungBoy clearly cherishes his independence and freedom as an artist.
- He has proven incredibly successful staying independent.
- Birdman likely still has concerns about YoungBoy’s gang affiliations and legal issues.
- Neither side seems to feel their relationship failed due to personal beef or resentment.
Of course, you can never say never in the music industry. Artists tend to let bygones be bygones if an appealing opportunity comes along.
But NBA YoungBoy reconciling with Birdman does not seem to be anywhere on his radar. For now and the foreseeable future, YoungBoy seems intent on self-releasing his music his own way.
How YoungBoy Views Record Labels Now
In recent interviews, NBA YoungBoy has elaborated on his general views regarding record labels:
“I know how I am. I know how I work. I know how I think. I’d rather keep working like how I’m working…I own all my music. Everything I drop I own. That shit feel good.”
Clearly, YoungBoy values his creative freedom and ownership over his work. Though he briefly entertained signing with Birdman and Cash Money as a teenager, he quickly realized that path was not for him.
Other artists like YoungBoy may see the distribution, marketing, and resources of a major label as essential to their success. But YoungBoy has charted his own course with great success, proving an independent artist can thrive in the modern music landscape.
It’s possible YoungBoy’s stance toward labels could shift again down the road. But after thriving independently since 2016, it’s difficult to envision him signing a traditional record deal anytime soon.
Conclusion
In summary, NBA YoungBoy was briefly signed to Birdman’s Cash Money Records label in 2016 at the age of 16. However, he was released from his contract after just a couple of months and did not put out a project through the label.
YoungBoy did not see eye-to-eye creatively with Birdman and Cash Money management. He also bristled at the lack of independence and control as a signed artist.
Ultimately, both YoungBoy and Birdman agreed to mutually part ways. In the years since, YoungBoy has achieved tremendous success independently on his own terms.
Though his time at Cash Money Records was short, it taught YoungBoy at a young age that maintaining creative control and independence were critical to him as an artist. This experience shaped his path toward incredible success in the years that followed.