There hasn’t been a greater reported downfall in Hip Hop this year than anything involving Cash Money. From Lil Wayne’s open displeasure with the label enough to sue for millions to the inner beef between Tyga and Drake, Southern Rap’s iconic entity seemed even more like a shadow of its former self. Didn’t help as its face, Birdman, stayed fairly quiet outside of that extremely elusive exclusive with Angie Martinez on a yacht in Miami earlier this year.
Meanwhile, Orlando-native Caskey is attempting to make his way past the label drama since signing to Cash Money in 2012. Initially being under-the-radar for a while, some heavy touring and some quality projects have elevated him from a what seemed like a failed attempt from the label in breaking another artist in the mold of its former hitmakers to someone with huge potential. This year alone, the release of Black Sheep 2 in early September could have been considered the label’s best this year behind If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late. Speaking with DX, Caskey talks his attempt to change the perception of Cash Money alongside strive to be the new face of the label during its controversial period.
Caskey Explains Reason Why He Signed To Cash Money Despite Controversies
DX: Black Sheep 2 was one of 2015 most under-the-radar projects and pretty good. Some could call it one of Cash Money’s bright spots this year. How have you managed to continue your momentum with all the controversies going on at the label?
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Caskey: I think I just manage to push forward by ignoring all of that. I have a lot of growing to do myself and in my own camp. So, I don’t concern myself too much with that. I think there’s a huge misconception going around about Birdman and my label. I try not to listen to it.
DX: You’ve been at the label since around 2012.Have you been enjoying your time at Cash Money?
Caskey: Birdman found me when I was 19-years-old, flew me to Miami and we hit it off right away. I had a lot to learn and I developed here. I had some poor management for like the first couple of years I was signed there. I had to learn some things on my own. We’re working better and making better music. I have a better grip on everything and in a better creative space. We’re harder working.
DX: Before you signed, was there any trepidation considering their history of issues before the current drama around the label?
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Caskey: Honestly, there was no hesitation because right when I met Birdman, we hit it off. He’s just a genuine dude and was a fan of my music. It was a no-brainer when you’re sitting with Birdman and he takes an interest in your career.
DX: You dropped Black Sheep 2 and did some heavy touring this year. Sounds like despite everything going on with Cash Money, you had a fairly good 2015.
Caskey: I did my first nationwide tour and supporting a few tours. I’ve been working really hard and I built a lot of support. I think we hit a new tier when I dropped Black Sheep 2. For now, I’m just refining and continuing to get better. For the future, I have a lot of stuff I’m doing with Birdman coming out and releasing more videos. We’re going to change the perception of Cash Money.
Caskey Says Cash Money Is In A Transitional Period
DX: Would you say that Cash Money is in a transitional period considering the push of artists like yourself and Jacquees?
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Caskey: Yeah, absolutely. It’s a really great year for talent and the upcoming year with the new wave is going to be a serious one. We’re going to be at the forefront of me. It’s been me, Birdman and Jacquees working. Birdman has a studio in his house now so we’re more comfortable recording a lot more now.
DX: Must be annoying having to deal with the backlash the label has gotten this year?
Caskey: It’s extra annoying because I know how it goes with business and disagreements.The views and perceptions I have been different than the media or whatever. I’ve spent a lot of time with him and we’ve been working on a lot of stuff with him so my perspective is different.
DX: What have you learned from him?
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Caskey: Too much. I learned to not feed into the negativity and entertain the gossip that people want to keep creating. Stay consistent. That’s how he’s been successful for over 20 years. He has the same passion for music now as he did years ago.
DX: Last question on the subject. Is Cash Money in trouble?
Caskey: No, not at all. Everybody else is in trouble because they don’t have me.
DX: I remember reading that you were heavily into heavy metal before taking a liking to Hip Hop. How have you evolved as an artist considering your background?
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Caskey: In so many ways. At first, I was reserved from rap because I was connecting with it. When I got older, I discovered artists that changed my perspective on rap. I always wanted to be the vocalist and writer. I made huge leaps and bounds as an artist over the year. This is as I discover more about myself and energy I put into the air. I’m focusing more on getting the energy and vibe across. When I started, it was just a writing process.
Caskey Calls Young Thug “The Most Unique Talents In The last Ten Years”
DX: I remember seeing you hanging out with Lil Wyte at last year’s Gathering Of The Juggalos. Are you a fan?
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Caskey: I met him a while back when I shouted him out in a verse and that was someone I looked up to since high school. He was popping off when I was in 9th grade and he was someone whose always been doing it.
DX: Have you been surprised by anyone in the industry gravitating to your work?
Caskey: Yeah I just met Timbaland the other day and he told me he was a fan of my music.
DX: When should we expect a full-length album?
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Caskey: 2016. I don’t know what month but that year. I think the next mixtape I do will expand on Black Sheep 2.
DX: What have you found yourself inspired by?
Caskey: I’ve been listening to a lot of Young Thug, Birdman and Future. I’ve been also listening to ilovemakonnen. All the people I just mentioned, I’m going to find them and work with them. Young Thug has been in Europe for a while but when he gets back, we’ll most def work together.
DX: How do you feel about the rise of Young Thug over the years?
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Caskey: I feel like he’s one of the most unique talents in the last ten years. He’s doing something serious. He has a very unique sound and vibe.
