NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 20: Rapper Birdman attends BET Networks 2016 Upfront at Rose Hall at Jazz at Lincoln Center on April 20, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/BET/Getty Images for BET Networks)
With the 50th anniversary of hip hop coming up this summer, Birdman is speaking his mind on how rap stars aren’t the only ones who deserve recognition. Specifically, he asserts that music executives deserve their flowers, too.
The Cash Money Records co-founder shared his statements in a now-deleted Instagram post. Within the upload, Birdman jumped right to the point and announced that that he was “confused” about why big-name CEOs don’t get the same love and recognition as the “legendary artists” who deliver the bops.
He went on to note that the “CEOs who kept these artists alive to be great” deserve to be “saluted in a major way.” He also adds, “CEOs kept hip hop alive frfr.”
“Im confused about 50yrs of hip hop where they salute legendary artists which is well respeked. Also I think CEOs who kept these artists alive to be great [and] showed them how to keep hip hop alive should be saluted in a major way. I remember wen they said hip hop was dead and we kept it alive YMCMB 20plus summers respek our hussle CEOs kept hip hop alive frfr.”
According to The Source, some heavy-hitters within the industry spoke up in support of Birdman’s post ahead of it being removed.
Pierre “P” Thomas of Quality Control Records—the label that signed noteworthy acts like Migos, Lil Yachty, City Girls, and Lil Baby—commented that the matter “should be discussed in a major way.”
“Real talk OG. This should be discussed in a major way.”
Snoop Dogg—who became the owner of Death Row Records last year, as The Shade Room previously reported—also commented a supportive message beneath Birdman’s post.
After simply writing “facts” at first, the “Ain’t No Fun” rapper proceeded to add, “Great work cuz u and slim did that.”
So, while Birdman ultimately removed the upload, his statement on the matter didn’t come without support from others within the industry.
Do you agree with Birdman’s stance on how industry CEOs should be honored alongside rappers? Additionally, what do you think about his statement regarding how the CEOs are the ones who “keep hip hop alive.”
