Lupe Fiasco Speaks on Problems With Former Label Atlantic Records

Lupe Fiasco took to Twitter to discuss his problems with his former label Atlantic Records, which the Chicago rapper was signed to from 2005 to 2009.

Lupe Fiasco photographed in NYC
Getty

Image via Getty/Mark Sagliocco

Lupe Fiasco photographed in NYC

Lupe Fiasco went into more detail about his relationship with his former label Atlantic Records.

The conversation began when the Chicago rapper responded to a fan who tweeted that Fisco didn’t want to “conform” to a pop sound back when Lupe was signed.

“Not accurate,” Fiasco responded. “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.”

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

— “DRILL MUSIC IN ZION” Out Now! (@LupeFiasco) August 1, 2022

The fan then thanked Fiasco, to which he responded, “The issue was never my ability to make hit or pop records. The issue wasn’t even the business per se. My contracts were solid. It’s when the label didn’t want to abide by the contracts anymore and started throwing shitty little curveballs out of FOMO and greed. All bad after that.”

The issue was never my ability to make hit or pop records. The issue wasn’t even the business per se. My contracts were solid. It’s when the label didn’t want to abide by the contracts anymore and started throwing shitty little curveballs out of FOMO and greed. All bad after that https://t.co/57NFMtJRI1

— “DRILL MUSIC IN ZION” Out Now! (@LupeFiasco) August 1, 2022

When another fan suggested that the label did him “dirty,” Fiasco replied by quoting Lyor Cohen and Mike Kyser.

“I cannot guarantee we will promote your records if you are not a 360 artist on the label”

-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

— “DRILL MUSIC IN ZION” Out Now! (@LupeFiasco) August 1, 2022

Fiasco inked a deal with Atlantic in 2005, but left just a few years later, in 2009.

I don’t mind being controlled. It’s a team. Let win as a team. They were calling fouls on our own plays AFTER we already won the game!! I was like WTF are y’all doing??? After The Cool I was done. I stuck around to complete my contract but I checked out in 09 https://t.co/7sAPfF5i8u

— “DRILL MUSIC IN ZION” Out Now! (@LupeFiasco) August 1, 2022

The 40-year-old ended by explaining why he brought the topic up again, writing that he’s “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.”

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.

— “DRILL MUSIC IN ZION” Out Now! (@LupeFiasco) August 1, 2022

Fiasco most recently released his Drill Music in Zion album via 1st & 15th Too and Thirty Tigers in June, marking the follow-up to 2018’s Drogas Wave.

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