Rapper Trinidad James broke the news last night that he has been dropped by Def Jam Recordings. The “All Gold Everything” rapper was a sensation at the tail end of 2012 and in early 2013 on the strength of that one hit, but no follow up single made an impression.
No album was ever released by Def Jam.
“I should tell yall. I got dropped by the Label,” the rapper tweeted. “My Album is now free. If u hear ur beat or verse on it. I hope u want dap cuz i got no money.”
With “All Gold Everything” becoming a major YouTube hit and making waves on iTunes, James landed a lucrative recording contract with Def Jam in December 2012, reportedly worth $2 million. James’ breakthrough was met with criticism from many in hip-hop circles who regarded him as a novelty act; nonetheless, he quickly became the biggest rap newcomer heading into 2013. He released his “10 Piece Mild” mixtape in the summer of 2013 and booked spots on major tours throughout the year. But none of that did much to sustain his commercial viability.
He also made waves last fall when he spoke out on the state of hip-hop in New York City while performing at Converse’s Rubber Tracks Studios in Brooklyn.
“I’m not trying to start nothing, but if you want to do something we can do something because I don’t give a f–k,” he said at the time. “I’m just being honest with you. I looked up to New York music. But now every n—a that’s really popping out of New York, you might as well say he’s from Atlanta. He’s from Atlanta. Y’all got n—as that interview that are more popping than n—as that are rapping.”
Pride comes before the fall. Is this the end of Trinidad James?
