Cory Gunz lands with Young Money
Cory Gunz Signs to Young Money, Eyes Big Break With Lil Wayne
After years of navigating New York’s unforgiving hip-hop landscape, Cory Gunz is now positioned for the breakthrough moment fans have long anticipated. The Bronx-born rapper has officially signed to Lil Wayne’s Young Money Entertainment, marking a pivotal shift in his career. The move unites one of New York’s most promising underground emcees with the industry’s most dominant rap label.
The deal has been a long time coming. Despite early hype due to his lyrical prowess and lineage—as the son of rap veteran Peter Gunz—Cory never quite found the right situation. Def Jam initially took a chance on the young emcee, but lackluster promotion and a crowded roster left Gunz fighting for visibility. Now, with Young Money, the spotlight is back on him, and the buzz is louder than ever.
Lil Wayne to Executive Produce Cory Gunz’ Debut
Cory Gunz is entering Young Money with more than just a contract. Lil Wayne himself is stepping up to executive produce Gunz’s debut album, offering mentorship and hands-on involvement. For Gunz, that level of support is priceless.
“Shout out to Wayne for giving me a shot. He kept it real,” Gunz says. “Wayne is gonna executive-produce the album. I trust his insight. He’s going to be overseeing everything.”
Gunz is quick to note that his core formula won’t change. “I’m gonna keep doing the things I been doing. I think that’s what’s gotten me noticed,” he says. “My whole team is gonna eat. I’m just telling everybody to get ready.”
That team includes his close-knit circle of collaborators who have stuck with him through highs and lows. Signing with Young Money isn’t just a win for Gunz; it signals a new wave of opportunity for his entire camp.
The Road From Def Jam to Young Money
Cory Gunz’s journey has been anything but conventional. Initially touted as New York’s next big thing, he was swept up in the Jay-Z-era Def Jam wave. For a time, Gunz looked poised to break out, especially after a guest verse on a remix of Rihanna’s “If It’s Lovin’ That You Want” caught industry attention.
Still, the deal with Def Jam stalled. He drifted back to the mixtape circuit, sharpening his craft and rebuilding his brand. His Apprentice mixtape series generated a solid following, and songs like the original version of Lil Wayne’s “A Milli,” which included a Cory Gunz verse, proved his lyrical muscle.
Ironically, it was Wayne—then already dominating the mainstream rap scene—who saw Gunz’s underground grind and extended a lifeline. As rumors swirled about Young Money’s next addition, Wayne confirmed it personally: “Shout out to my n—a Cory Gunz, about to be the newest member of the Young Money team.”
Gunz sealed the announcement with a simple tweet: “LOL. Young Money!!!!!!”
Industry Endorsements Add Fuel to the Fire
Cory Gunz is not lacking in co-signs. Actor and rapper Nick Cannon was an early supporter, praising Gunz’s talent and stage presence. “I met Cory when he was like fourteen at a mix show summit and knew he would be doing big things then,” Cannon said last year.
Lil Wayne’s belief in Gunz is perhaps the most significant endorsement. In an era where label heads often sign acts without personal involvement, Wayne’s decision to executive produce Gunz’s debut shows a deeper level of commitment.
And then there’s the Young Money roster itself—home to Nicki Minaj, Drake, and Jae Millz. With this kind of team behind him, Gunz enters an environment known for creating stars, not just signing them.
Chemistry and Legacy: Why This Move Makes Sense
While some may view the move as surprising, those close to both camps say it’s been a natural fit from the start. Gunz, with his rapid-fire delivery and punchline-heavy bars, brings something gritty and authentic to the Young Money table.
Gunz has already established camaraderie with existing Young Money members. “I haven’t met Nicki [Minaj] yet,” he shares, “but me and Drizzy met a while back when they was doing the I Am Music Tour in Arizona.”
And then there’s the New York connection. While Young Money is New Orleans-rooted, it has become a national powerhouse. With fellow New Yorkers like Jae Millz and Nicki Minaj on the roster, Cory Gunz joins a growing East Coast contingent helping to diversify the brand.
What’s Next for Cory Gunz?
As for what’s next, Cory Gunz is diving straight into work. With Wayne now serving a prison sentence, the pressure to maintain Young Money’s momentum falls on the crew’s newer members. Gunz is up for the challenge.
“I’mma just keep my grind moving,” he promises. He says his debut album is in the early stages, with Wayne overseeing its direction and sound. There’s no title yet, but the timeline is set: fans should expect the project to drop in mid-2011.
In the meantime, Gunz is focused on recording, refining, and continuing to build his buzz. His decision to leave Def Jam behind and sign with Young Money might be the most crucial move of his career so far. After all, these new labels are more in-tune with the culture than the legacy labels. Right now, Young Money/Cash Money is an epicenter in hip-hop.
A Return to New York’s Voice
For New York hip-hop, Cory Gunz’s signing has broader implications. For years, industry voices have asked when the city would reclaim its dominance. With Jay-Z focused on business ventures and many of the older guard transitioning to legacy status, a new crop of emcees is stepping up. Gunz, rooted in the culture and sound of the city, could be one of the leaders of that new generation.
He may have once been overlooked, but now, Cory Gunz has the right backing, the right timing, and most importantly, the right music. As he takes this next step, fans can expect to hear a more polished, more focused version of the emcee they’ve supported from the beginning.
The wait is over. Cory Gunz is officially Young Money.