Two Fridays ago, Birdman went on Power 103 The Breakfast Club to initially do an interview. However, the interview would be short lived–the shortest Breakfast Club interview ever, according to the staff–when the Cash Money CEO demanded all three hosts to “put some respek on his name.”
That ultimately lead to Baby memes galore for “7 whole days (in my Toni Braxton voice).”
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Nobody’s tripping on his Otis Redding/Aretha Franklin approach, the mispronunciation and misuse of American English is what stole the spotlight. But what’s the fuss? Baby said he was “tha number 1 Stunna,” not number 1 at grammar.
But never mind that. When Baby began chin-checking, I immediately understood the angle. Additionally, it was my assumption that DJ Envy, Angela Yee, AND Charlamagne understood the angle as well. Hell, how could you not? Every since Lil Wayne filed a lawsuit against Baby and his imprint for unfair compensation practices, tons of artists, business partners, producers, landlords, etc. have come out claiming they’ve been shorted by the CMR cofounder as well.
From that point, everybody–blogs, news outlets, etc.–has taken Baby’s name through the ringer. Putting “respek” on his name was the last thing on people’s mind. I’d imagine it affected his brand tremendously. Who wants to do business with a guy notoriously known for not paying? Keep in mind, Cash Money was once considered one of the most successful labels in Hip Hop, luring in artists such as Nicki Minaj, Drake, and Tyga, while effectively keeping a big name like Lil Wayne on the roster up until last year.
So, yes, Birdman wants us to “respek” his name but, he not finishing the interview is why he didn’t get it. However, fellow New Orleans native Master P was able to get the respect, he and Baby, both demanded, but yet, at a more calmer request.
As most of us can recall, P had to give Charlamagne a lecture on respect after the host acknowledged that his former signee Mercedez “had a fat a**.”
“Hold up, hold up, hold up; don’t talk about Mercedez like that,” P interrupted.
“It’s about respect, Charlamagne,” he later added.”
P informed Charlamagne that he would not allow any female that’s associated with his click, past or present, to be disrespected. In turn, he assured the same; even if it’s a “hooker.” Charlamagne apologized, respectfully.
R&B legend Keith Sweat once sang “there’s a right and a wrong way to love somebody.” Apparently, there’s a right and wrong way to check Charlamagne Tha God.
[“Hip Hop Roundtable” by HHAD podcast coming SOON!]
There’s always ish on my mind…I just vent on Wednesdays.