PAPERMAG: Chatting with Lil Wayne, Drake, and Erykah Badu at the Young Money Cash Money Grammys Party

Friday night in Los Angeles, Lil Wayne's Young Money Cash Money Billionaires (YMCMB) label transformed Paramount Studios Stage 18 into a French wonderland complete with decadent touches included black truffles and duck pate. Attendees included Busta Ryhmes, Cory Gunz, Porcelain Black, Tyga, Lil Twist, Shanell and Warren G. Erykah Badu, Drake and Mr. Swagger himself, Lil Wayne, performed live and the evening was, well, insane. We chatted with a few performers and attendees and here are some random highlights from the red carpet:

Erykah Badu

You look great tonight! What's your favorite part of your outfit?

EB: These winged brass cuffs were made especially for me. The hep me get into performance mode.

What are you going to be performing for us this evening?

EB: I'm going to show everyone a little bit of what I've been working on lately and at some point I'm going to bring it back to '97.

Lil Wayne

Are you excited to see Erykah Badu perform tonight?

LW: We tried to pay her, but she would not take a dime. She insisted on doing it for free, this woman has a huge heart and talent.

Drake

How's it been being a part of YMCM?

D: Wayne has believed in me since day one, when no one else on the motherfucking planet believed in me. I'll always be grateful to him.

And having Nicki Minaj on the label must be exciting!

D: Well, we're missing a key player in our family -- Nicki isn't here tonight and her energy is being missed. She'll be doing her thing Sunday and she deserves to be walking away with an arm-full of Grammy's.

Shanell

You have a new cd and single coming out. Tell us about them:

S: My first single features Lil Wayne and Drake. I mean. what else could I ask for? Oh I know: speed boats, race cars, helicopters and Miami, cause that's all coming too.