In 1998, Birdman signed a $30-million distribution deal with Universal Records for Cash Money Records, which allowed him to keep 85% of the royalties and 50% of the publishing, along with full ownership of his masters.
Birdman had claimed in 2010 that he and his brother were in the oil business, having started Browner Oil. In 2013, Birdman and brother Slim announced they were resurrecting the company and christening it Bronald Oil & Gas.
Birdman used his Miami home as collateral to finance a $12-million loan to pay for studio time and other expenses. It was later foreclosed on when he did not repay the loan.