The evolution of Lil Wayne's Young Money: Lil Twist, Cory Gunz & others carrying it forward
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience.
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways
For many Hip Hop fans, the name Young Money immediately calls to mind its so-called golden era — the meteoric rise of Drake, Nicki Minaj and Tyga under the watchful eye of Lil Wayne. Other artists, including CurrenSy, Jay Sean, Glasses Malone, Austin Mahone, Chanel West Coast and a slew of affiliates, have also found success by aligning themselves with the house that Weezy F. built.
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The legendary label based in New Orleans continues to champion a diverse group of voices, and an episode of Young Money Radio brought the spotlight back to the label's roster. In the clip, Wayne welcomed virtual day-ones like Cory Gunz and Lil Twist and distinct voices like Lucifena and Domiio for an intimate, full-circle conversation on artistry and growth. The episode reaffirmed one thing: Young Money isn't just a legacy brand. It's a launching pad for talent determined to uphold and evolve its standard.
Here's a look at the voices defining Young Money's always evolving sound — and how they're keeping the fire burning.
1. Lil Twist
A longtime Young Money staple, Lil Twist was first signed at just 12 years old after opening for Lil Wayne in Texas. Though his early buzz came during the label's peak, Twist has maintained close ties with Wayne and continues to release music independently and through YM. His style blends youthful charisma with reflective storytelling, and while one commercial moment may have passed, his influence within the camp remains steady. It's clear that Twist is still in it for the long run.
2. Cory Gunz
Cory Gunz will forever be known as the lyrical firecracker on Wayne's '6 Foot 7 Foot,' but his skills run far deeper than a single verse. A Bronx native and the son of Peter Gunz, Cory kept a loyal presence in Hip Hop, dropping independent projects like Gunz x Bars (with David Bars) and maintaining a rep as one of Young Money's most technical spitters. On Young Money Radio, he spoke about growth and staying inspired, signaling a continued focus on artistry — a mindset that mirrors Wayne's own ethos.
3. Jay Jones
Hailing from Hollygrove (the same neighborhood as Wayne), Jay Jones brings a gritty authenticity to the label. He's the son of J-Dawg from Black Menace and carries that New Orleans heritage with pride. Jones made waves through collaborations with Wayne, along with solo projects like 2000 Hollygrove and Almost Forgot Who I Was. He and Allan Cubas teased a collaborative project, Flight 504, with Wayne himself expected to appear on the tape.
4. Allan Cubas
Allan Cubas blends New Orleans street rap with a bilingual twist, reflecting his Honduran roots. As one of the standout voices signed to Young Money after its superstar phase, Cubas has performed with Wayne on tour and built a growing fanbase with introspective rhymes and sharp delivery. His chemistry with Jay Jones — particularly around Flight 504 — positions him as both a strong soloist and dynamic collaborator within the camp.
5. Domiio
Originally known as part of the duo Vice Versa, Domiio has rebranded and stepped confidently into the spotlight. With a sound that balances sharp flows and laid-back energy, the man formerly known as Drizzy P is carving out a new identity while continuing to rep the Young Money banner. His recent freestyles and teasers point toward a versatile catalog in development, and his presence during the Young Money Radio reunion solidified his place in the label's future-forward mission.
6. euro
euro (born Eufradis Rodriguez) was raised in Rhode Island and first connected with Lil Wayne through an explosive guest verse that immediately set him apart. Since joining the label, he's dropped solo efforts like Don't Expect Nothing, Vendetta, and 'Patience,' showcasing a lyrical dexterity and confidence that stand tall among his peers. He's one of the more seasoned MCs in the lineup and remains a dependable pen for posse cuts and deep solo cuts alike.
7. Poppy H
Poppy H, the other half of Vice Versa alongside Domiio, brings bounce and personality to Young Money's orbit. Since being brought into the fold during the label's post-superstar phase, he's played an integral role in pushing its aesthetic forward. Poppy continues to share music through social media and maintain visibility across shows and performances — a reminder that Young Money's roots in New Orleans are as strong as ever.
8. Lucifena
Lucifena adds something wildly different to the Young Money roster: A mash-up of rock, rap and gothic flair that challenges genre conventions. Hailing from Los Angeles, she's collaborated with Lil Wayne on music videos and appeared on Young Money Radio as a voice helping expand the label's sonic palette. As the woman in the collective, she brings a bold, dynamic energy that stands out — not just within Young Money, but across Hip Hop's broader landscape.
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The baby was 'just days old' and found wrapped in a sheet, The West Australian has reported. A police spokesman said multiple resources had been sent to the location as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. It is understood ambulance crews were initially called but were stood down. Police also issued an emergency alert on Monday evening to all Perth maternity hospitals with concerns for the welfare of the mother. Detectives remained at the scene late on Monday, after police spent the afternoon doorknocking nearby residents. It has been reported a large portion of the road remained blocked off to the public well into Monday evening. - NewsWire Police have launched a major investigation after a baby's body was discovered inside a stormwater drain in Perth's northern suburbs. Tradesmen cleaning the drains on La Salle Road made the tragic discovery in Alexander Heights at about 1pm on Monday. The baby was 'just days old' and found wrapped in a sheet, The West Australian has reported. A police spokesman said multiple resources had been sent to the location as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. It is understood ambulance crews were initially called but were stood down. Police also issued an emergency alert on Monday evening to all Perth maternity hospitals with concerns for the welfare of the mother. Detectives remained at the scene late on Monday, after police spent the afternoon doorknocking nearby residents. It has been reported a large portion of the road remained blocked off to the public well into Monday evening. - NewsWire Australia slams Israel's 'unjustified' visa move Foreign Minister Penny Wong has slammed Israel's decision to revoke visas for Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority as 'unjustified'. Her counterpart in Israel, Gideon Sa'ar, announced the move overnight in response to Australia cancelling a visa for a far-right Israeli MP. It is the heaviest blow to the bilateral relationship, which has been severely strained by the Albanese government's opposition to large-scale civilian suffering in Gaza. 'At a time when dialogue and diplomacy are needed more than ever, the Netanyahu Government is isolating Israel and undermining international efforts towards peace and a two-state solution,' Senator Wong said in a statement. 'This is an unjustified reaction, following Australia's decision to recognise Palestine. 'We will continue to work with partners as we contribute international momentum to a two-state solution, a ceasefire in Gaza and release of the hostages.' Read more from NewsWire here. Foreign Minister Penny Wong has slammed Israel's decision to revoke visas for Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority as 'unjustified'. Her counterpart in Israel, Gideon Sa'ar, announced the move overnight in response to Australia cancelling a visa for a far-right Israeli MP. It is the heaviest blow to the bilateral relationship, which has been severely strained by the Albanese government's opposition to large-scale civilian suffering in Gaza. 'At a time when dialogue and diplomacy are needed more than ever, the Netanyahu Government is isolating Israel and undermining international efforts towards peace and a two-state solution,' Senator Wong said in a statement. 'This is an unjustified reaction, following Australia's decision to recognise Palestine. 'We will continue to work with partners as we contribute international momentum to a two-state solution, a ceasefire in Gaza and release of the hostages.' Read more from NewsWire here. Children targeted in e-bike crackdown Children are the target of Queensland Police's latest e-bike crackdown as momentum to get to grips with their illegal use continues to grow nationally. Police in Brisbane have launched Operation X-ray Stamp this month to target the illegal and dangerous use of e-scooters and e-bikes along the city's popular Kedron Brook Bikeway. "With many offences involving children, the operation strongly focuses on educating both children and their parents about their responsibilities and the consequences of allowing their child's illegal use of these devices," Queensland Police said on Tuesday. 'The main issues we see with e-scooters and e-bikes include unlicensed driving of unregistered vehicles, speeding, dangerous driving such as swerving in and out of pedestrians, and illegal modifications," Senior Sergeant Saskia Toohey said. 'Our focus is on education and engagement, but the QPS will take enforcement action, including issuing fines or confiscating non-compliant devices, if necessary, to stop unsafe behaviour." So with the latest effort to get to grips with the issue, we're asking you if you think authorities are doing enough when it comes to the illegal use of e-transport. Have your say below. Children are the target of Queensland Police's latest e-bike crackdown as momentum to get to grips with their illegal use continues to grow nationally. Police in Brisbane have launched Operation X-ray Stamp this month to target the illegal and dangerous use of e-scooters and e-bikes along the city's popular Kedron Brook Bikeway. "With many offences involving children, the operation strongly focuses on educating both children and their parents about their responsibilities and the consequences of allowing their child's illegal use of these devices," Queensland Police said on Tuesday. 'The main issues we see with e-scooters and e-bikes include unlicensed driving of unregistered vehicles, speeding, dangerous driving such as swerving in and out of pedestrians, and illegal modifications," Senior Sergeant Saskia Toohey said. 'Our focus is on education and engagement, but the QPS will take enforcement action, including issuing fines or confiscating non-compliant devices, if necessary, to stop unsafe behaviour." So with the latest effort to get to grips with the issue, we're asking you if you think authorities are doing enough when it comes to the illegal use of e-transport. Have your say below. Trump makes big promise to Ukraine Donald Trump has told President Volodymyr Zelensky the US would help guarantee Ukraine's security in any deal to end Russia's war there, though the extent of any assistance was not immediately clear. Trump made the pledge during an extraordinary summit at the White House, where he hosted Zelensky and a group of European allies days after Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska and months after a disastrous Oval Office meeting that saw Trump and Vice President JD Vance publicly criticise the Ukrainian leader. A peace deal appeared far from imminent, however. Just before the talks began, Russia's Foreign Ministry ruled out the deployment of troops from NATO countries to help secure a peace deal, adding complications to Trump's offer. Both Trump and Zelenskiy said they hoped Monday's gathering would eventually lead to three-way talks with Putin. The Kremlin has not yet publicly accepted such a meeting, and it remains to be seen whether Putin, whose forces have been slowly grinding forward in eastern Ukraine, is prepared to sit down with Zelenskiy or make meaningful concessions. Read more here. Donald Trump has told President Volodymyr Zelensky the US would help guarantee Ukraine's security in any deal to end Russia's war there, though the extent of any assistance was not immediately clear. Trump made the pledge during an extraordinary summit at the White House, where he hosted Zelensky and a group of European allies days after Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska and months after a disastrous Oval Office meeting that saw Trump and Vice President JD Vance publicly criticise the Ukrainian leader. A peace deal appeared far from imminent, however. Just before the talks began, Russia's Foreign Ministry ruled out the deployment of troops from NATO countries to help secure a peace deal, adding complications to Trump's offer. Both Trump and Zelenskiy said they hoped Monday's gathering would eventually lead to three-way talks with Putin. The Kremlin has not yet publicly accepted such a meeting, and it remains to be seen whether Putin, whose forces have been slowly grinding forward in eastern Ukraine, is prepared to sit down with Zelenskiy or make meaningful concessions. Read more here.
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Indianapolis Star
14 hours ago
- Indianapolis Star
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Let's start with the byline, which probably looks unfamiliar: Hi, I'm IndyStar's new pop culture reporter. If you're into music, movies, TV shows, books, celebrities and all the art and culture Indianapolis has to offer, we're about to get to know each other really well. In that vein, let me explain why I chose Lil Wayne for my first review. As most critics, branded T-shirts and Wayne's DJ T. Lewis will tell you, Lil Wayne is the best rapper alive. And he's the backbone to some of the definitive party music of the 21st Century. There are few things in this life that thrill me like a great artist and a great party, so this was a no-brainer. I headed out to Ruoff for the same reason fans packed arenas to watch Michael Jordan play when he rocked a Washington Wizards jersey. I wanted to see a superstar be a superstar, and around two-thirds of the way through Lil Wayne's frantic, gleefully jumbled set at Ruoff Music Center, I thought he had that in the bag. The crowd was eating out of the palm of his hand, hanging on every word spit with that signature rasp. He did his little dancey dance, marching around the stage in a way that begs comparison to the Seven Dwarfs Hi Ho-ing off to work (that's Bashful, Doc, Dopey, Happy, Grumpy, Sleepy, Sneeezy and Weezy, to you). He ended every song with a big, lazy grin and an earnest 'thank you.' It's tough not to root for the guy. A top-heavy set that frontloaded the hits only built on the goodwill — never mind that he only got part of the way through most of those hits before they came to a screeching halt. By the time he had the crowd screaming to him that a certain group of women weren't loyal, I didn't think there was anything he could do to turn the tide against him. And just like that, the energy evaporated. Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Carter left the building, and he sent his Young Money proteges in his place. Signees to Wayne's storied record label grabbed the spotlight as the big boss disappeared, promoting their newest singles as enthusiasm dimmed. By the time Wayne returned with a new outfit — an all-white, Backstreet Boys-esque ensemble — some of the energy he started with built back up, but it never quite reached peak levels again. Lil Wayne's Ruoff stop on his Tha Carter VI tour — which runs until early October and includes stops in 36 North American cities — was a yo-yo of a thing, with thrilling highs and head-scratching lows. Fresh off his album of the same name and a year removed from his Indianapolis NBA All-Star Weekend appearance, Weezy F. Baby (one of Lil Wayne's many monikers) showed glimpses of the greatness that has etched him on rap's Mount Rushmore, but these moments were often all too fleeting. At his best, Wayne makes it all look easy. There's an effortlessness and a spontaneity to his delivery, as though even lyrics he's recited for 30 years are occurring to him in real time. With heavy hitters like 'Fireman,' 'Mr. Carter' and 'Uproar' early in the set, Lil Wayne tapped into that magic, bopping around with almost childlike joy in his yellow Balenciaga sweatsuit and toying with the inflection of his voice. But the wheels wobbled, with spurts of energy coming to dead stops as Wayne bounced from song to song. That Lil Wayne is in the awkward middle-ground of a legacy act still touring new music didn't help the flow. Crowd pleasers like 'Mrs. Officer' and 'Love Me' were mixed in with a quick guitar ballad dedicated to Wayne's unnamed crush who may or may not have been in attendance. The crowd filled in the blanks for his more iconic punchlines with fervor ('Smooches!' 'I couldn't blame Tammy!'). Calls to echo Wayne's shoutouts to the critically panned Carter VI weren't as well received. In this 'phones recording the whole show' epidemic we find ourselves trapped in, it's tough to tell whether the audience is actually enjoying the experience. I used the well-dressed gentlemen next to me, who recited Wayne's every word back to him during the front half of the set, as my litmus test. The first time Wayne brought his son, burgeoning rapper Lil Novi, out to perform their Carter VI collaboration 'Mula Komin In,' the guys sat down. As Young Money cleared the bench and Lucefina, Lil Twist Lil Novi and Jay Jones filled the stage one by one, the guys turned to social media for a break. By the time Domiio (who?) started on his to-be-released debut single, one of the guys dapped his buddies up and left. Another one feigned sleep. 'It's over for Lil Wayne,' he announced upon waking up. With most of my section back in their seats or beelining for the concessions, it certainly felt that way. Still, rock star privilege means the rules don't apply, and Lil Wayne is absolutely a rock star. You can start your set a little late. You can clutch the pricey white Fender and eke out a few squealing solos, even when your skill on the six-string is notoriously mediocre. You can bring your teenage son onstage and make the entire amphitheater watch as he tries to stunt like his daddy. But the dip in energy was a critical hit, and honestly, I felt Wayne never fully recovered. A flashback to Wayne's legendary mixtape run with 'Swag Surf' and 'Watch My Shoes,' among others, got the ball rolling again. Guest spots from opener Tyga (who rolled out a no-frills set chock-full of 2010s party smashes — though I could've done with a little less from the Chris Brown catalog) and Gudda Gudda for Young Money posse cut 'BedRock' carried the newfound momentum. As Ruoff's 11 p.m. noise curfew crept closer, it seemed like Lil Wayne might get the show back on track. But like most of the night, the flame died out before it really roared. A verse or so into 'A Milli' and Mr. Carter called it. Thank you. Big grin. Whitney Houston's 'I Will Always Love You,' played him off, and the house lights went up. The moments were frustratingly scarce, but what a thrill that they were there at all. Maybe that's the key to a career that spans decades: Leave them wanting more.
