Lil Wayne has built an empire with Young Money, launching superstars like Drake and Nicki Minaj, but now it’s time for him to put his full weight behind a loyal protégé: Lil Twist. At 42, Wayne is ushering in a new era for his label, and Twist, with his uncanny ability to channel Wayne’s prime-era flow, could be the key to keeping Young Money relevant in 2025. Their “big bro/lil bro” dynamic, forged over nearly two decades, makes Twist a natural fit to carry the torch.
Here’s why Wayne should go all in on Twist with co-signs, collaborations, and a major push to make him the face of the label’s next chapter.
Twist, born Christopher Lynn Moore, was just 14 when Wayne signed him to Young Money in 2007 after a standout performance in Tyler, Texas. Wayne saw star potential and flew him to Atlanta to test his skills. Since then, Twist has been a constant in Wayne’s camp, sticking by him through the Cash Money legal battles and his own personal struggles. In a 2020 interview, Twist described Wayne as family, saying his 2010 incarceration felt like “losing a family member.” This loyalty sets Twist apart, making him a safe bet for Wayne to invest in as he rebuilds Young Money’s roster.
Wayne has consistently backed Twist with high-profile co-signs. In 2009, Twist featured on the gold-certified We Are Young Money compilation, holding his own alongside Drake and Nicki Minaj. His 2011 XXL Freshman List nod, fueled by Wayne’s influence, boosted his credibility. This year, Wayne brought Twist onto Young Money Radio to spotlight the label’s new wave, praising his shift to “alternative hip-hop rock” with a live band—a move that echoes Wayne’s own genre-blending Rebirth album from 2010. These endorsements show Wayne believes Twist can lead Young Money’s 2025 roster, which includes artists like Cory Gunz, Jay Jones, and Lucifena.
Their collaborations prove their creative chemistry. From tracks like “3 Peat” and “Girl I Got You” on We Are Young Money to appearances on Wayne’s Dedication mixtapes, Twist matches Wayne’s rapid-fire delivery with ease. In July 2025, Twist teased a new track, “Addict,” featuring a verse from Wayne, hinting at more joint work to come. Twist’s collabs with artists like Justin Bieber on “Twerk” and Miley Cyrus show his versatility, a quality Wayne values as he pushes Young Money into new sonic territory. These efforts position Twist as a link between the label’s storied past and its future.
Twist’s latest verses, like those recently shared, drip with Wayne’s influence:
“I’m jumping off the top ropes, I feel like Randy Orton, nigga Lord knows /
How you want it, Basquiat or Picasso?”
The wrestling references, art metaphors, and slick wordplay recall Wayne’s Tha Carter III peak. Some might call Twist’s style a carbon copy, but it’s a natural result of Wayne’s mentorship since Twist was a kid. In an industry where most artists blend together, their shared New Orleans-rooted sound feels distinct. Twist’s pivot to alternative hip-hop rock adds his own spin, blending Wayne’s legacy with fresh energy.
With Tha Carter VI dropping in June 2025, featuring eclectic guests like Bono and Miley Cyrus, Wayne is redefining Young Money’s identity. Twist, with his loyalty and Wayne-esque flow, is the perfect candidate to lead this charge. His feature on the NBA 2K25 soundtrack and mainstream collabs show he can generate buzz. The “big bro/lil bro” story—Wayne raising Twist like a son—hits home, especially in their shared New Orleans roots, making it a marketable narrative for fans.
Twist’s path hasn’t been perfect. Legal issues from 2013 to 2017, including DUI and assault charges, slowed his rise. His 2017 mixtape Young Carter earned praise but didn’t break through commercially. Some fans question whether Young Money’s new roster, Twist included, can match Drake or Nicki’s impact. Still, Twist’s persistence and Wayne’s support suggest he’s ready for a bigger stage with the right push.
