Birdman says he raised Lil Wayne like a son from the age of nine. But in January 2015, their relationship turned into a $51 million lawsuit.
Wayne sued Birdman and Cash Money Records after a dispute over his music and money.
At the time, Wayne wanted to leave the label. He publicly described himself as a prisoner, claiming the company was holding back his career.
His long-awaited album, Tha Carter V, was already finished but had not been released. Wayne also claimed he was owed an $8 million advance for the project.
The legal battle lasted more than three years.
In June 2018, both sides reached a settlement. The terms were never made public. Reports suggested Wayne received more than $10 million, although that figure was later disputed.
The settlement money reportedly came from Universal Music Group, not Birdman.
Wayne was released from his Cash Money contract, and Tha Carter V finally arrived in September 2018.
Three years later, Birdman discussed the dispute on the Big Facts podcast.
“I thought I did right,” he said.
Birdman explained that he believed he had changed Wayne’s life and struggled to understand why their relationship had fallen apart.
He also recalled visiting Wayne’s house on New Year’s Eve to ask how much money he wanted.
According to Birdman, Wayne asked for $30 million, but he gave him $50 million. Wayne has never publicly confirmed that account.
Despite their history, Birdman says they have repaired their relationship and now speak every day.
For Wayne, the dispute was about gaining his freedom. For Birdman, it was difficult to understand how someone he considered a son could feel trapped by the business they had built together