A rare documentary has provided a glimpse into the early days of Cash Money, shortly before its glory days during the late ’90s and 2000s.
The 37-minute film, which is undated but seems to mostly contain footage from around 1997, appears to have been uploaded to YouTube several days ago by former CM artist Turk, who labeled it The Lost Files From Cash Money Millionaire's [sic]. Concert clips, behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and more really highlight the crew’s strong influence in the south, even as a fledging label.
“I’ve been rich […] I’m tryin’ to see a billion,” CM boss Birdman, formerly known as Baby, says. “[…] When I retire from this shit, I’mma have about $500 million. My clique gonna have at least $100 to $200 million apiece. Niggas just gonna sit back and live a life overseas.”
The documentary includes appearances by Juvenile (who raps a hysterical impromptu ode to liquor stores about four minutes in), B.G., Mannie Fresh, Slim, and very young Lil Wayne. It also includes footage of the crew visiting the offices of Pen & Pixel, the company that designed the label's iconic album covers.
It’s unclear why the film was recently shared, but it arrives just less than a year after rumors of a Cash Money reunion tour began circulating. Sources told TMZ Birdman has been planning a North American tour that would include current and former Cash Money artists. (We have a strong feeling Weezy won't participate.)
While we wait for more information, you can check out The Lost Files From Cash Money Millionaire's above.
