Chicago rappers Boo & Gotti burst onto the scene in 2001, appearing on R.Kelly’s Jay Z-featured smash “Fiesta.” The success of that single led to the duo signing a deal with Cash Money and in 2003, they put out their only album, “Perfect Timing.” The timing was not perfect, as the album debuted at 195 on the Billboard Hot 200 list.
2. TQ
Compton singer TQ signed to Cash Money in 2000, two years after he had a legit hit single. (The great “Westside,” which peaked at 12 on the Billboard Hot 100.) Signing with Cash Money might have been the worst thing he did: the singer’s career stalled. He only released music when appearing on other CMB artists’ songs. (Like Lil Wayne’s “Way of Life.”) TQ’s Cash Money album, “Gemini,” would never officially release.
3. Lil Mo
Lil Mo’s career has been one long journey. She started out on Electra, working under the guidance of Missy Elliot. She released one gold selling record, her debut “Based on a True Story,” and another album. In 2004, she would leave Elektra and sign with Cash Money. Like a lot of Cash Money artists during this time, her album wouldn’t drop. She eventually split from Cash Money and go independent.
4. 2 Pistols
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2 Pistols once had a semi-hit record: the platinum selling, T-Pain-featuring, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League produced “She Got it.” That’s been the most remarkable thing about 2 Pistols’ career. That song dropped in 2008. He signed with Cash Money in 2009. He was dropped by Cash Money in 2011.
5. Teena Marie
The early to mid-2000s were odd times for Cash Money. B.G. and Juvenile left the label; Turk went to prison; and Lil Wayne was still just an underground favorite. Big Tymers — a group with Birdman and producer Mannie Fresh — was the most popular act on the label. In 2004, CMB shocked folks when they released a Teena Marie album, her first in 10 years. She would release another album, “La Doña,” before moving on.
6. Omaron
Before Omaron signed to another rap label (Rick Ross’ MMG) the singer had a short stint with Cash Money. Like a very, very less-than-a-year stint with the label, from 2008 to 2009. During this time, no fire Omaron music was released.
7. Paris Hilton
Lil Wayne…Nicki Minaj…Drake…Paris Hilton? Yep, it’s true. Last year, the socialite signed a deal with Cash Money, even dropping a song with Tunechi, called “Good Time.” Time will tell if she’ll ever drop a follow-up to her “Paris” debut album.
8. Mystikal
When Mystikal was released from prison in 2012 — after serving six years in prison on sexual battery and extortion charges — the rapper found a home with Cash Money records. However, his time with CMB has not been time well spent — he has yet to release a new album.
9. Limp Bizkit
Veteran rock band Limp Bizkit joined Cash Money in 2012, a year after the band’s last album, “Gold Cobra” — which was released on Flip/Interscope — bricked. We are still waiting to hear what Limp Bizkit on Cash Money really sounds like. Judging by the Lil Wayne-featured “Ready to Go,” it’s not good.
10. Cory Gunz
In the mid-aughts, Cory Gunz was seen as one of the more talented NYC mixtape rappers. Everyone thought he was outta here after he appeared on Lil Wayne’s “A Milli.” Things didn’t go as planned. Cory didn’t appear on the album version of the song. He did end up signing a deal with Cash Money in 2010, but his career has stalled ever since. (He did appear on Wayne’s excellent “6 Foot 7 Foot” single.)
11. Busta Rhymes
We’re not sure what Busta Rhymes was trying to achieve when he signed with Cash Money in 2011. We just know he didn’t achieve it. The legendary rapper spent three unsuccessful years on the label, where he released no new albums. (He did release a free album in 2012, called “Year of the Dragon.”)
12. Bow Wow
Bow Wow is currently best known for being one of the hosts of “106 & Park,” but the rapper/actor is still one of the musical acts signed to Cash Money records. You wouldn’t know it by his musical outtake, though. But head to http://www.CashMoney.com. He’s there.
