Rick Ross Epic Records Exit: Rapper Planning To Be an Independent Artist?

Rick Ross
Bryan Steffy/Getty Images for Drai's Nightclub

After being under the record label for years, Rick Ross has officially left Epic Records. Today, many fans wonder if he'll continue being an independent artist or scout for another music company.

In a new profile for Hot New Hip-Hop, the rapper said his partnership with Epic Records has ended, and he doesn't plan on staying independent for long.

The "Aston Martin Music" hitmaker said he's currently taking offers from big record companies like Def Jam Recordings (artists include BTS, Ashanti, Snoop Dogg, Jay-Z, and more).

Elsewhere in the profile, Ross opened up about his process for finding a new company and partnership, explaining that he wanted to be signed under a record deal when he started in the industry,

However, when he released his first record, he began renegotiating. He credited Slip-N-Slide Records CEO Ted Lucas, saying he salutes him (his first six albums were released under the company).

"Before I even made it to my last albums, I had damn near owned everything that I could own, other than a certain distribution percentage. Once you become successful - regardless of what you signed at first - you just come sit at the table like a man," he revealed. (via UPROXX)

From there, Ross said he did it on every album, and he asked for more. He invites his legal team to discuss his percentage whenever he sits down in a meeting regarding negotiations about his records.

"You renegotiate because you're learning as you go. Before every album, that's what you go sit down and say, 'Hey man, I gotta ask for something I ain't never had. I'm finna do something I ain't never done before,'" he added.

The rapper's final deal with Epic Records was releasing his 11th studio album, "Richer Than I Ever Been," in December 2021.

The record was not as successful as its predecessors, "Rather You Than Me" and "Port of Miami 2," as it peaked at No. 22 on the Billboard 200.

Rick Ross is teasing fans about a new project, which he'll announce this summer even though he's not signed under a record label yet.

Despite his partnership with Epic Records ending, it appears that his other business partnerships will continue, like the Rozay Cheddar Rap Snacks potato chips and with Luc Belaire.

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Rick Ross, Epic Records, News
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