Birdman Wants CEOs to Get Their Flowers for Hip-Hop’s 50th Anniversary

Cash Money cofounder Birdman says people need to put some respect on the contribution of CEOs to the culture in light of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.

On Feb. 5, fans gathered to watch a historic celebration take center stage at the Grammy Awards. The 15-minute tribute at L.A.’s Crypto.com Arena included performances from pioneers LL Cool J, Queen Latifah, Missy Elliot, Run DMC, and more. Newer MCs such as GloRilla, Lil Baby, and Lil Uzi Vert were also among the participants. 

In an Instagram post on Tuesday, Birdman shared his opinion on why execs deserve their flowers this year.

“Im confused about 50yrs of hip hop where they salute legendary artists which is well respeked [sic],” the 54-year-old mogul wrote, elaborating on how label heads pushed hip-hop into the forefront of music and should be honored just as much as artists. “Also I think CEOs who kept these artists alive to be great [and] showed them how to keep hip hop alive should be saluted in a major way. I remember wen they said hip hop was dead and we kept it alive YMCMB 20plus summers respek our hussle CEOs kept hip hop alive frfr.”

Quality Control CEO Pierre “P” Thomas—whose label was just acquired by Scooter Braun’s HYBE America for $300 million—cosigned Birdman’s statement. “Real talk OG,” he commented. “This should be discussed in a major way. Let’s Go.”

West Coast rap icon Snoop Dogg seconded his viewpoint, writing “facts” and “great work cuz u and slim did that.”

Birdman showed his appreciation for Snoop, writing “fuk with you dog 4life” and “real gangsta shit.”

Baby and his brother Slim founded Cash Money in 1992. The record label brought forth icons who played a significant role in impacting the culture for three decades and counting, including Lil Wayne, Drake, and Nicki Minaj.

Irv Gotti recently gave high praise to Birdman and his legacy. Asked if Stunna is flat-out “the best that ever did it,” Irv answered, “Yeah. As far as labels goes, there’s no disputing Cash Money is the greatest label ever. … No one’s even close to Cash Money, I don’t think. No one’s close to them. And if they ever wanted to sell, Baby and Slim could get a billi. Someone will give them a billion dollars.”