Cash Money Records founders/CEOs and hip-hop icons Bryan “Birdman” Williams and Ronald “Slim” Williams will be the 2024 honorees at YouTube Music’s second Leaders and Legends gala. The invitation-only event will take place in Los Angeles on June 27.
Developing a roster that included pioneering hitmakers such as Lil Wayne, Drake, Nicki Minaj, Mannie Fresh and Juvenile, Birdman and Slim not only helped shine a spotlight on Southern rap during the late ‘90s and early 2000s. The siblings have also played an instrumental role in fostering hip-hop’s creative and cultural evolution over the last 30 years.
In a release announcing the honor, YouTube’s global head of music Lyor Cohen said, “The story of Cash Money Records is one for the history books. Leaders and Legends recognizes entrepreneurship and leadership in Black music and culture, attributes Birdman and Slim embody to their core. They defied the odds, raising up some of rap and hip-hop’s most iconic figures to superstardom and shattering sales records while doing it. We are humbled to honor their success and look forward to celebrating the music that continues to shape the label’s incredible legacy.”
In comments emailed to Billboard, Baby says of the honor, “I appreciate Lyor and YouTube for respecting what we’ve accomplished, and what we continue to do. This honor shines a light on all the artists who have been on Cash Money Records or have been affiliated with the label. They share in this honor, too.”
Adds Slim, “Over the years, we just stayed out of the way and let the music speak for itself. But it feels great to be recognized for our contribution to the culture.”
LaFace Records co-founders Antonio “L.A.” Reid and Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds were the honorees at YouTube Music’s inaugural Leaders and Legends gala, held in Atlanta in 2020. Cohen will present the Williams brothers with their award during the gala.
“We at YouTube are committed to pushing the culture forward, so leading the charge to celebrate Cash Money’s impact via Birdman and Slim’s leadership is an honor,” said Tuma Basa, YouTube’s director of Black music and culture, in the company’s announcement. “As a platform with a global reach and influence, it is our responsibility to acknowledge and elevate the stories of Black trailblazers in the industry and remind the world of the immeasurable impact Black music has on the culture globally. That’s what Leaders and Legends is all about.”
