Lil Wayne’s private life is one thing, and his business drug policy is another, recently unveiled documents indicate. In 2021, Lil Wayne received $8.9 million for his Young Money Touring Inc. company, like many other businesses impacted by pandemic shutdowns, and he was forced to abide by drug-free workplace standards in order to secure the loan.
Business Insider reports that recently uncovered documents reveal Lil Wayne had to establish a drug-free workplace or lose out on millions in Small Business Administration (SBA) loans that rolled out after the COVID pandemic. The SBA began approving loans greater than $500,000 on Oct. 8, 2021. The since-closed Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program, which was designed to help struggling music venues that depended on in-person events avoid bankruptcy during the pandemic.
In 2021, Lil Wayne was forced to disclose to the government that his touring company was a “drug-free workplace.” The “dangers” of drugs—including his favorite, cannabis—were communicated to his employees, and they were told they could be punished or be forced to go to rehab in the event that they smoke weed or do other illegal drugs.
These workplace drug policies have been in place for some time: On Nov. 18, 1988, Congress enacted the Ronald Reagan-era Drug-Free Workplace Act which installed mandatory drug policies for employers across America.
Business Insider posted the actual document naming Dwayne Carter Jr., his real name, and the drug-free workplace requirements that he was forced to communicate to his employees. The report indicates that over $200 million in SVOG grants were given out to companies run by A-list artists.
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)—which is not related to SVOG loans, but can benefit similar businesses—was designed to help businesses keep their employees on payroll. A report of SBA data released in January found that 92% of PPP loans were granted full …
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Author: Benjamin M. Adams / High Times
