The Rundown: Young Money, Young Money: Rise of an Empire
The house Birdman and Wayne built is back in full force.
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The Rundown: Young Money, Young Money: Rise of an Empire - Five years after their first official compilation (and nearly a year since 2013's Rich Gang release), Young Money is back to continue building their empire. Led by certified stars like Lil Wayne, Drake, Nicki Minaj and Tyga, up and comers like Lil Twist and Euro, as well as vets like Gudda Gudda and Jae Millz all get a chance to shine on the new release, Young Money: Rise of an Empire. Read on for a track-by-track review.(Photo: Courtesy of Young Money)
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Euro, Birdman and Lil Wayne, "We Alright" - The album kicks off with a fresh voice: Euro. The new Young Money signee shows both confidence and potential on this single, which also features Lil Wayne and Birdman.(Photo: Courtesy of Young Money)
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Drake, "Trophies" - Drake gets some solo shine on this triumphant, horn-filled anthem, which he first released late last year. It's Drizzy's only appearance on the album, but it's all he needs to craft what may be the project's best cut. And they don't make no award for that. (Photo: Courtesy of Young Money)
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Lil Twist, Euro and Corey Gunz, "Bang" - Three of the label's young talents jockey for position on this Sonny Digital-produced song. Lil Twist brings his boastful flow, while Euro again exudes confidence and Cory Gunz kicks a dizzying verse. (Photos: AdMedia/Splash News; Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for BMI)
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Tyga, Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne, "Senile" - Three of the label's four biggest stars hop on this banger, as Tyga, Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne play with the sound of the word "Senile" while continuously asking, "Can you see now?" They're counting on the answer to that question being "no."(Photo: Courtesy of Young Money)
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Euro, "Induction Speech" - He may be new, but Euro is already counting the spoils of his victories. Before lyrically delineating his come up and recent successes, the MC kicks off his solo song by stating, "This is my Hall of Fame induction speech."(Photo: Courtesy of Young Money)
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Lil Twist, Tyga and YG, "One Time" - YG joins the crew, alongside fellow West Coaster Tyga and Lil Twist, for "One Time." The fellas get their mack on as they wax raunchy about some females that they've got their eyes on.(Photos: John Ricard/BET; Jason Merritt/Getty Images; Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Interscope Geffen A&M)
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"Hittin' Like" - No guys allowed on this joint, as Shanell and Chanel West Coast grab the mic with intent to brag about what their love be "Hittin' Like."(Photos: Johnny Louis/WENN; Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for BMI)
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Nicki Minaj, "Lookin A-- N---a" - The unoffical cover art for Nicki Minaj's solo offering to the album caused a bit of controversy online, but musically there's no grey area. The superstar reverts back to her roots and spits fiery lyrics as she looks to remind that she may have pop hits, but she's not to be taken lightly. (Photo: Courtesy of Young Money)
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Gudda Gudda, Jae Millz, Flow, Mack Maine and Birdman, "Fresher Than Ever" - There's plenty of flossing on this posse cut, as some of Young Money's veteran roster — like Gudda Gudda, Jae Millz, Mack Maine and Flow — come off the bench to kick self-assured verses broken up by Birdman's classic s--t talk. (Photos: Imeh Akpanudosen/Getty Images; John Ricard/BET; Johnny Nunez/WireImage/Getty Images; WENN)
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