Lupe Fiasco has spoken out against Atlantic Records, his former music label, on allegations of breach of contract, and even unfair label management.
In a fiery Twitter rant, the GRAMMY-Award winning rapper has aired out his experience within the reputable label before parting ways with them in 2009.
Lupe Fiasco Responds To Fan Question, Blasts Atlantic Records
After a fan tweeted that Lupe Fiasco should be recieving the same amount of praise that J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar gets, another netizen butted in and gave his honest take. (via Complex)
According to the netizen, the praise that an artist receives boils down to having a "stable label."
He noted that Lupe Fiasco's label, Atlantic Records, at the time of his career peak in 2007-2014 was pushing for pop records, noting that the rapper "didn't want to conform" to that.
Lupe debunked him.
Not accurate. I was comfortable making pop records. The issue was who controlled those records and what the ownership and splits were. Atlantic would only promote my records if they owned a large portion of them or if I signed a 360 deal. I gave Bruno Mars Just The Way You Are https://t.co/9NcSjrKGm2
— “SAMURAI” Now Playing (@LupeFiasco) August 1, 2022
Per Lupe, the main issue wasn't the genre of the records, but it was the label's discretion to promote him. He alleged that Atlantic Records only promotes those artists who were signed with a 360 deal.
In a follow up tweet, the "Lasers" hitmaker clarified that it was not his ability to "make hit or pop records," but it was Atlantic Records who did not want to abide in his "solid" contract out of fear of missing out and "greed."
A fan then felt sorry on what Fiasco had to go through and how the industry did him "dirty." The rapper responded with a thought-provoking response.
“I cannot guarantee we will promote your records if you are not a 360 artist on the label”
— “SAMURAI” Now Playing (@LupeFiasco) August 1, 2022
-Lyor Cohen President Of Warner Music 2008
“We don’t think BattleScars is a good look for you so we’re not gonna sign off on the release”
- Mike Kyser Head Of Urban Atlantic Records 2012 https://t.co/u8vmHLnNRn
Fiasco also added that he did not mind collaborating or making decisions with the label and explained that he left the label in 2009 after noticing the management's decision-making process.
The 40-year old's statements on Twitter stirred up the conversations on abusive labels again, with fans and netizens weighing in on the issue.
Lupe, however, clairifed that he did this to clear out his name over speculations and rumors.
"I only put this out there again & again cuz folks think I be full of ego and or that I'm some hard to work with artist etc. but I've been in some deeply wack situations in this business that took all kinds of adjustments to stay sane and progress. I protect my peace at all costs," he tweeted.
Lupe Fiasco's newest album "Drill Music in Zion" is now available on streaming services like Spotify.
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