The relationship between Lil Wayne and Birdman has come under question for many years. In the public eye, their closeness and almost very intimate moments have led many to produce a side-eye. And as for them, it hasn’t always been on the up-and-up. Let’s take a look at the relationship between Lil’ Wayne and Birdman, and determine whether things are great or not.
When Bryan Williams, aka “Birdman”, met a young Dwayne “Lil’ Wayne” Carter in 1991, not many would have guessed that the two would go on to build what they have. With the Cash Money Records label having been established, Birdman saw something in Lil’ Wayne. Soon, Lil’ Wayne was taken under Birdman’s mentorship, becoming his protege.
Very early on in Lil’ Wayne’s life, his father, Dwayne Carter Sr., abandoned their family. A man by the name of Reginald “Rabbit” McDonald was his stepfather and who he would acknowledge being his “real father” later in his life. The rapper even honored “Rabbit” with a tattoo of him on his arm. As it pertains to his biological father, he relayed his sentiments to GQ claiming they do not have a relationship.
Both Birdman’s influence and encouragement of Lil’ Wayne pursuing his Hip-Hop dreams made it easy for him to fill the shoes of a father figure. However, according to Lil’ Wayne, his mother was not very inviting of Birdman being close to her son. In an interview with Beats 1 Radio, Birdman shared with Ebro that he attended school with both of Lil’ Wayne’s parents. His mother knew the type of street life Birdman was leading and was also not as encouraging of Lil Wayne becoming a rapper. Ultimately, Lil Wayne decided that he wanted to pursue his dreams and soon would become one of the biggest new acts on the planet.
Lil’ Wayne was introduced to the world as a member of the Hot Boys, which also included Juvenile, Turk, and B.G., at just 14. Following their split, Lil’ Wayne signed on to Cash Money as a solo artist. He would go on to become largely successful under the Cash Money Records label, even developing his own imprint, Young Money Records.
By this time the inseparable relationship between Birdman and Lil’ Wayne began to show signs of tension. They would continue to work together and maintain a close relationship through the speculations. There was also the infamous “kiss” between Lil’ Wayne and Birdman. A photo that quickly went viral on social media in 2006. With all the chatter surrounding the picture, Birdman provided the explanation in an interview with New Orleans radio station Q93 that Lil’ Wayne was “like his first-born son” and that’s how they express their love.
That was not the only time, however, that Lil’ Wayne and Birdman publicly displayed their affection. On one occasion, Lil’ Wayne kissed Birdman while on 106 and Park saying, “I’m the only one he [Birdman] kisses.” The pair embraced yet again, on an episode of BET’s Rap City.
But years of frustration came to a head when Wayne began to publicly call Birdman due to his grievances with the label. Things began to go from “inseparable” to “irreparable.” Finally, in 2015 Lil’ Wayne filed a massive lawsuit for $51 million with claims of numerous contractual violations. The “A Milli” rapper was also seeking to be released from his contract with Cash Money Records.
Their relationship undoubtedly became full of turmoil, but would soon find reconciliation. After years of battling, Birdman and Lil’ Wayne would reunite at Lil Wayne’s annual “WeezyAna” festival. Birdman popped on stage during Lil’ Wayne’s set and also publicly apologized in front of thousands of fans to his “son.”
Since then, it seems that their relationship has been repaired. Birdman has expressed in several interviews that the two are back to being friends and “talking every day.” As far as money issues go, according to Birdman, that may be fully resolved… with interest. Birdman recently revealed during an interview with Revolt TV’s Big Facts Podcast that upon receiving a huge payout from Universal Music Group, he, in turn, gave Lil’ Wayne upwards of $500 million “out of pocket.” He also shared that Drake and Nicki Minaj also received an equally generous amount.
