It has been reported that Pusha T of the Clipse had to pay seven figures to get out of their contract with Def Jam Recordings, a record label under Universal Music Group (UMG). This started when the label did not want Kendrick Lamar on the song “Chains & Whips,” which the Clipse recorded for their new album “Let God Sort Em Out,” under Def Jam Recordings. Pusha T and his rhyme partner and brother No Malice took a stand against UMG/Def Jam. They did not take Kendrick Lamar off the song nor drop it from their album. This power-struck behavior on behalf of the label proves we have entered a new era of Hip-Hop where labels try to dictate who can be on an album and what can or cannot be said due to their “influence”.
This whole ordeal is tied to Drake’s lawsuit against UMG for their support of Kendrick Lamar’s song “Not Like Us.” Drake lost a rap battle to Kendrick Lamar, then sued Universal Music Group (UMG). This has changed how artists’ lyrics can be used in legal matters claiming defamation of character and challenges the core of battle rap culture. With the Clipse not giving in to the “threat” of a cancelled project and stalled career, we have potentially seen a new era begin in Hip-Hop. An era where the artist can say f**k the label and take the independent route to success.
By leaving Def Jam, a highly regarded Hip-Hop label, and signing with Roc Nation for distribution, the Clipse can release music independently and potentially make more money from the project. The Clipse’s star power as a group, coupled with No Malice’s spiritual journey being documented, and Pusha T’s run with G.O.O.D., this album can be the beginning of a power shift for established artists to make money and noise in the culture again.
New artists may not be able to do this; however, artists like Method Man, Redman, Xzibit, etc., cannot be held ransom by labels. These artists have the credibility to create a buzz and attract new fans. We may see the greats return as independent artists, making labels powerless to control when they release, what to release, and who can be on their projects in the future. Salute to the Clipse for standing their ground and not allowing the labels to destroy their work.
Hip-hop has always been counterculture, anti-culture, and “THE CULTURE” in the world of entertainment. It is good to see the core of the culture being rebellious and showing the world that their power still exists. With this victory, I look forward to supporting them and showing the industry that Hip-Hop is not to be controlled. Hip-hop is to be valued and able to grow, representing God’s people. God’s people are his heritage, and his heritage is Hip-Hop.
The Clipse’s new album, “Let God Sort Em Out” drops on July 11, but you can pre-order it today.
