Birdman Still Interested In Shyne, Deportation The Hold-Up

Shyne's inability to be in the United States may be what has kept him from becoming Cash Money Records' latest acquisition.

Cash Money Records co-founder and CEO Bryan "Baby" Williams, known to Rap listeners as Birdman has signed a plethora of artists this year. After inking Bow Wow, Freeway and a Young Money venture with Cory Gunz, the onetime Big Tymers member may have his sights set on rapper Shyne.

The interest is mutual, as Shyne stated last month that he would prefer the New Orleans, Louisiana imprint to his Def Jam home, a deal the former Bad Boy Records rapper struck for a reported seven-figures earlier this year. After apologizing to his present label's Chairman Antonio "L.A." Reid for earlier comments made against Def Jam, not much has been said recently about Shyne shopping to any other imprint.

Speaking with TheBoombox yesterday, Birdman is still interested in the late '90s hit-maker, who is presently deported from the United States. "I think him not being able to come to the States is gonna play a big part [in the record deal]," said Birdman, noting that the two had spoken on one or two occasions.

At present, Cash Money Records' next release is slated to be Lil Wayne's The Carter IV, which could be released as early as next month according to some reports.