Label

Why did Busta Rhymes leave Cash Money? ‘I’m not compromising’

Busta Rhymes stated that he was no longer on Cash Money Records, and shared exactly why he and the label had to part ways. Busta explained that his leaving Cash Money and his previous departure from Aftermath Entertainment were not acrimonious at all.

Rihanna leaves Def Jam, reportedly signs with Roc Nation

Pop superstar Rihanna has departed her longtime label, Def Jam Recordings. The singer released all seven of her albums on the powerhouse label, but has now reportedly signed with Jay Z’s Roc Nation as an artist. Jay signed Rihanna to Def Jam when he was label president in 2005. Her latest Def Jam release was 2012’s Unapologetic. Jay formed Roc Nation in 2009 and Rihanna split from her former manager, Marc Jordan, and inked a deal with Roc Nation’s management team in 2010.

Azealia Banks is tired of ‘old white guys,’ begs to be dropped

Famously outspoken rapper Azealia Banks is going off on her record label, Universal. Banks publicly aired her grievances with her label in a series of Twitter posts this weekend, where she asked to be dropped due to her frustrations with “old white guys.”

Nicki Minaj reacts to Universal yanking her song from the Web

Hip-hop superstar Nicki Minaj shared a new track with her fans this week–only for her label to step in and yank it offline. This week, the rapstress posted a Soundcloud link for her new remix with PTAF, “Boss A– B—h”–much to the delight of her devoted base.

Lyor Cohen, Kevin Liles announce new content company 300, deal with Atlantic

Former Warner Music Group chief Lyor Cohen has announced the official launch of his new “content company,” 300. Cohen, alongside former WMG notables Kevin Liles and Todd Moscowitz are looking to spark a revolution in the way the music industry operates. All three men have long ties in the industry and as colleagues: Moscowitz is the ex-president of Warner Bros, Liles was formerly the executive vice president. All three men also worked together at Def Jam.

Just Blaze: Dame Dash’s ‘Mouth just got in the way’

The hills and valleys of Dame Dash’s career have been well-documented. In the last several years, fans have witnessed Dash’s fall; from amongst the top-tier hip-hop moguls to an industry footnote struggling through financial and legal hardship. In a recent interview with VladTV, superproducer Just Blaze shared his perspective on the Roc-A-Fella co-founder’s decline.

J. Cole almost joined G-Unit: ‘It was a good time in my life’

In an interview with VIBE, Roc Nation rapper J. Cole revealed that he came very close to joining 50 Cent’s G-Unit label. The North Carolina native said that he impressed members of the G-Unit crew after he visited 50 Cent’s home several years ago.

Nicki Minaj hints at Drake’s estrangement from Young Money

Hip-hop star Drake has been one of the biggest names on the Young Money label for a few years now. But lately there have been whispers that maybe the Toronto native is trying to strike out on his own–perhaps intentionally distancing himself from the label that made him famous.

Russell Simmons launches new record label, All Def Music

All Def will be a unique, YouTube-centered label, using the popular online video site for the promotion and development of artists. Via a partnership with UMG, they will also launch ADD (All Def Digital) management.