# Birdman Breaks Silence on Lil Wayne Feud: Payments, Betrayal, and Lingering Wounds

Bryan “Birdman” Williams, the co-founder of Cash Money Records, has finally opened up about the long-running feud with Lil Wayne, one of the label’s biggest stars.

In a recent podcast interview, Birdman addressed the rumors and lawsuits claiming he never paid Wayne millions in royalties. He insists the money was delivered, but the drama runs deeper, rooted in a father-son bond turned toxic. Fans are divided: does this clear the air, or fuel the fire?

Birdman and Wayne’s story began in New Orleans in the early 1990s. Wayne, then just eight, lost his biological father and found a mentor in the older Birdman, a local street legend. Wayne’s mother, initially wary, eventually approved after tragedy struck their family. At 11, Wayne signed with Cash Money as part of the duo The B.G.’z. Birdman treated him like a son, guiding his rise to fame. Together, they built an empire, dominating rap with hits and multimillion-dollar deals.

But cracks appeared in 2014. Wayne accused Birdman of blocking his album *Tha Carter V*, tweeting that he felt like a prisoner. He demanded release from the label and blasted Birdman publicly.

The feud escalated with Wayne’s 2015 lawsuit seeking $51 million for withheld earnings and rights to collaborate outside Cash Money. Diss tracks followed: Wayne called out the label on songs like “Sorry 4 the Wait 2,” portraying Birdman as ungrateful.

Violence marred the conflict. In April 2015, shots were fired at Wayne’s tour bus in Atlanta, though no one was hurt. Investigators linked it to associates of Young Thug, who was close to Birdman. Weeks later, Wayne was jumped outside a Miami club; rumors pointed to Birdman’s crew. The drama spilled into business, with Birdman suing Jay-Z’s Tidal for releasing Wayne’s *Free Weezy Album* without permission.

Birdman admits early mistakes due to youth and inexperience. “I had some incidents early on,” he said, but claims he resolved them. For Wayne, he paid $50 million to settle, more than asked. “I ain’t never took from them, I always bless,” he explained, emphasizing his role in the label’s success. He sees Wayne as family and regrets the fallout.

By 2016, reconciliation seemed possible. In 2018, Birdman publicly apologized at Lil Louisiana Fest, and Wayne settled with Cash Money and Universal. Details were sealed, but sources say Universal covered the payout, not Birdman. Yet, tension persists. Wayne has walked off stage during reunions and continues subtle jabs in music.

Birdman insists the beef is squashed, but fans disagree. The issue isn’t just money—it’s trust. Allegations of personal betrayals from Wayne’s youth linger, unproven but damaging. Cash Money’s history includes unpaid artists like producers and rappers, painting Birdman as a boss who “blesses” rather than pays fairly.

Their legacy is undeniable: they revolutionized hip-hop. But the scars remain. Birdman calls Wayne his son, but Wayne’s actions suggest otherwise. Can millions heal what time and betrayal broke? For now, the Hot Boys reunite for fans, but Birdman and Wayne’s chapter feels closed.