Lil Wayne Ushers in a New Era of Young Money With Fresh Faces and Familiar Names
Lil Wayne is officially turning the page on Young Money Entertainment, breathing new life into the iconic label that once helped shape modern hip-hop. As the rap veteran eyes the future, he's introducing a brand-new roster of artists under the Young Money umbrella—though some longtime fans will recognize a few familiar names still in the fold.
The imprint, launched by Wayne in the early 2010s, once boasted a powerhouse lineup that included global superstars like Drake, Nicki Minaj, and Tyga, along with core affiliates such as Jae Millz, Gudda Gudda, Lil Twist, Lil Chuckee, and Shanell. Over the years, artists like Euro and Cory Gunz also joined the collective. Now in 2025, as Wayne refreshes the brand, Euro, Gunz, and Lil Twist are holding down their spots, forming a bridge between the label’s storied past and its promising future.
On a recent episode of his Young Money Radio show on Apple Music, Lil Wayne formally introduced his new class of artists, showcasing a lineup that includes Jay Jones, Allan Cubas, Domiio, Poppy, and Lucifena. Each artist brings a unique voice and style to the table, signaling a creative shift and renewed ambition for the Young Money brand.
Fans might not have to wait long to hear this next generation in action. With Tha Carter VI set for release on June 6, speculation is swirling that some of these rising stars may appear on the project. The album’s artwork, featuring a young, tattoo-covered Weezy in a nod to Tha Carter III and Tha Carter IV, already has fans buzzing about what’s to come.
If the guest list is any indication, Tha Carter VI is shaping up to be Wayne’s most eclectic and expansive album yet. In a recent Rolling Stone cover story, the rapper revealed a lineup of collaborators that includes pop icon Miley Cyrus, U2 frontman Bono, and world-renowned opera tenor Andrea Bocelli. Additional appearances include Machine Gun Kelly, dancehall legend Elephant Man, and Wayne’s own 15-year-old son, Kameron.
The production team is just as star-studded, featuring names like Wyclef Jean, hitmaker Wheezy, and possibly even Kanye West. Wyclef is reportedly taking a leading role in shaping the project and has informally formed a supergroup with Wayne called The Gumbo, which includes a roster of New Orleans talent like Jon Batiste, Ledisi, Trombone Shorty, and PJ Morton.
“This time around, I wanted to challenge myself creatively,” Wayne told Rolling Stone. “If there’s one thing about this album that’s different, it’s me approaching it like, ‘Man, what would I sound like on something with such and such?’”
In addition to launching new talent and expanding his sonic palette, Wayne also hinted at a personal legacy project. He’s open to revisiting Like Father, Like Son, his 2006 collaborative album with Birdman—but with a twist. This time, he envisions recording a sequel with his three sons, Kameron, Dwayne III, and Neal, all of whom are beginning to explore music themselves.
With a reinvigorated label, an ambitious new album, and a legacy that now spans generations, Lil Wayne is proving once again why he's one of the most influential artists in hip-hop history. As the Young Money empire enters its next phase, one thing is clear: the best may still be yet to come.
Source: Hiphopdx
Image: Lil Wayne by RJ | Public Domain