If Lil Wayne signed to Roc Nation, what's next for Drake and Nicki

On April 11, 2017 rapper and face of the Cash Money/Young Money business, Lil Wayne announced his recent signing to Roc Nation. After over a decade of rumors involving Wayne leaving Cash Money to sign with mogul Jay Z, the time has finally come. Here's a brief history of what has happened throughout the last 10 years of Lil Wayne and Jay Z's relationship.
 
First, Lil Wayne releases Tha Carter in 2004 with the hit single " Go Dj" which officially put Lil Wayne in competition to go mainstream. "The best rapper alive since the best rapper retired" said Wayne showing admiration towards Jay Z, especially since HOV announced his retirement in 2003, on the classic album The Black Album. 
 
After Tha Carter 2 released, Wayne created a solid fan base by releasing a plethora of Mixtapes titled "Da drought". So by the time Tha Cater 3 released in 2008 Lil Wayne was a mega star. Tha Carter 3 allowed Wayne to change the entire industry, by getting mainstream popularity with his unique sound and entry. Lil Wayne is the reason why so many artist today still use mixtapes  in attempt to get recognition. In 2007 Jay Z featured Wayne on his American Gangster album, and Wayne returned the favor on Tha Carter 3 with one of the few collaborations between Lil Wayne and Jay Z, with the song "Mr. Carter." 

Somewhere in between 2008-2010, Wayne and Jay Z had completely fell off with one another, and Young Money was created as a subsidiary under Cash Money. It's rumored that HOV attempted to sign Lil Wayne to Roc Nation, but Birdman wasn't having it. In 2013 on an interview with the breakfast club Jay Z slightly addressed the situation, confirming that him and Birdman did not see eye to eye. After it was said that the two had taken little jabs at one another, involving Wayne, Beyoncé, and their income. At the time Lil Wayne had pledged allegiance to the Cash Money empire. Well in 2015 the cat came out the bag, because Lil Wayne filed a lawsuit against Birdman claiming he wasn't receiving the right amount of royalties and status as the founder of Young Money. The suit has remained ongoing and now he's signed to Roc Nation.


As the face of Young Money, Lil Wayne leaving has turned our focus on Drake. Where does this leave Nicki Minaj and Drake? Drake has spoke subtly about his contract within his music, but nothing has ever been directly targeted towards Young Money or any member. Drake's recent album More Life was released under Young Money, so fans now question if this will be the last album under the label. Nicki Minaj on the other hand has never spoken or implied anything negative regarding her contract. Nicki has always pledged loyalty to Wayne and the Young Money family, so it would come as a complete shock if her opinion changes. It comes as no surprise that Lil Wayne has had contractual issues within Cash Money, being that he's one of many artist that has spoken out against the business. All of the original members have expressed issues within the company. No lawsuits has yet to be publicly resolved, so audiences wonder if the signing will affect this particular suit outcome. I guess we'll have to wait to see, but until then, fans welcome Weezy to Roc Nation, this is long overdue.