Before Cash Money Records celebrates its 30th anniversary at this year’s Essence Festival, the city of New Orleans honored the iconic record label’s co-founders and brothers Brian Williams, better known as Baby or Birdman, and Ronald “Slim” Williams, with a street renamed ceremony in their old neighborhood on Wednesday (July 3).
With Birdamn and Slim in attendance, city officials, family, friends, former Cash Money artists, and fans crowded the Central City neighborhood to witness the unveiling of the Williams Brothers Way street sign. Juvenile and B.G., Cash Money artists from New Orleans, also attended and celebrated outside Glady’s Bar on Erato and S. Saratoga streets in New Orleans.
A unique roster of local artists-turned-global superstars with the signature southern rap style, bouncy production, and trendsetting personalities helped Cash Money Records rise to prominence in the early 1990s. In addition to Juvenile, Lil Wayne, Mannie Fresh, Drake, and Nicki Minaj, the label has produced some of the biggest names in hip-hop.
Last month, YouTube held a Legends and Leaders gala, at which It honored Birdman and Slim with Legends awards. Lil Wayne, Mannie Fresh, Juvenile, Top Dawg Entertainment CEO Anthony Tiffith, and Quality Control CEO Pierre Thomas were in attendance.
With Cash Money’s latest honor, New Orleans has now designated June 11 as “Back Dat Azz Up Day.” The mayor issued a proclamation on the 25th anniversary of the Juvenile’s iconic song, which remains one of Cash Money Records’ biggest hits.
Birdman will headline a Cash Money Records 30th-anniversary all-star set at Essence Fest on Friday evening. In an interview with People magazine, he revealed plans for Drake to appear during the set on Wednesday (July 3).