Lil Wayne shares how he met Drake and Nicki Minaj [VIDEO]
Lil Wayne shares how he met Drake and Nicki Minaj
Young Money is still one of the most iconic record labels in history. With Lil Wayne as both a co-founder and face of the brand, the company grew to historical heights. One element that placed Young Money above others was their incredible line up of talent, including Drake and Nicki Minaj. In a recent interview Lil Wayne opened up about the moments that led to the discovery of hip-hop’s biggest stars. These stories not only highlight Wayne’s exceptional talent scouting but also offer a fascinating glimpse into the early careers of these now-iconic artists.
The Discovery of Drake
Lil Wayne’s first encounter with Drake was through a mutual friend who handed him a mixtape. Wayne was immediately struck by Drake’s unique style and lyrical depth. Lil Wayne stated “I heard his music and I was like, This kid is different.” At this time, Drake was an emerging artist from Toronto, trying to make his mark in the music industry. Lil Wayne wasted no time in reaching out to him and their collaboration began almost immediately. This partnership led to Drake signing with Young Money Entertainment, a move that would propel him to worldwide stardom.
Nicki Minaj’s Journey to Young Money
Nicki Minaj’s path to meeting Lil Wayne changed the female rap spectrum forever. Lil Wayne discovered Nicki through her mixtapes and was captivated by her versatility and charisma. Furthermore, Nicki Minaj already fit the criteria Lil Wayne was yearning for. He stated, “I wanted a female rapper from New York, and Nicki was perfect”. After reaching out to her, they quickly met and formed a professional bond. Nicki’s debut mixtape under Young Money, Playtime Is Over, showcases her raw talent and set the stage for her rise in the music industry.
The Impact of Collaboration
Since the labels official formation in 2005 as an imprint of Cash Money, the company has topped the Billboard charts for decades. In addition to the success of Drake and Nicki, in total the label has released more than sixteen albums. Their only compilation album, We Are Young Money debuted at number nine on the Billboard. That album was lead by the singles “Every Girl”, “BedRock”, and “Roger That”. Young Money also further launched the careers of Tyga and Dj Khaled.
Lil Wayne’s gift for recognizing and nurturing talent has had a profound impact on the music industry. His mentorship of Drake and Nicki Minaj not only transformed their careers but also solidified his legacy as a visionary of hip-hop. Although he spoke about this on the popular show All The Smoke Podcast in the past, this moment is going viral. His revelations about discovering Drake and Nicki Minaj offer a captivating look into their early years. His stories of mentorship and collaboration highlight the enduring power of talent and the importance of nurturing it. Although neither Drake or Nicki are no longer signed to Young Money, their mark on the industry remains true.
Lil Wayne shares how he met Drake and Nicki Minaj