When Ronald “Slim” Williams and Bryan “Baby” Williams founded Cash Money Records in 1991, their goal was to get out of the Magnolia Projects and to create positivity and prosperity for themselves, as well as for their community. Over 30 years laters, the label sold over 1 billion records, helping several artists and executives obtain generational wealth in the process. In breaking acts such as Juvenile, B.G., Lil Wayne, Drake, and Nicki Minaj, Cash Money has become one of the most successful music imprints in history.
Since its inception, artists signed to Cash Money Records have achieved a combined 12 number one albums on the Billboard 200 chart and seven number one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, along with a lengthy list of hits. Tracks like “Back That Azz Up,” “Lollipop,” and “Nice For What,” among others, have transcended their respective genres, rising to a level of timelessness that will forever remain in playlists and music rotations, regardless of era.
In celebration of Birdman’s upcoming performance at the ESSENCE Festival of Culture’s Evening Concert Series at Caesar’s Superdome, here is a look at some of the greatest songs in Cash Money’s existence.