NLE Choppa, if you don't know him, is a 16 year old rapper from Memphis who turned down a $3 million major label deal to remain independent. It takes a lot of discipline to do that. $3 million is a lot of money. Although he is still independent, he signed a distribution deal with United Masters. He still owns all his masters, but for a 10% fee, United Masters help with distribution, marketing, and some other things major labels normally do for artists. That's a smart move. By the way, United Masters was founded by legendary former major label exec, Steve Stoute in 2017.
In a recent interview on The Breakfast Club show, which had Steve Stoute present, NLE Choppa was asked why he turned down the major label offer, and he said...
"Really, just owning all your stuff. Cos like I think a lot of rappers when they sign they think short term. Excuse my voice. But long term like you not making no money out of you know what I'm saying, the song. Cos at the end of the day, the label own that song. But if you own your music you...you know what I'm saying, it's your song, you making money."At this point, Charlamange (one of the hosts) cuts in to say NLE Choppa is only 16, and he he is impressed that he turned down the money he was offered, stressing the fact that $3 million dollars is a lot of money, and asked what makes him so sure he would make that kind of money in the last couple of years by staying independent. NLE Choppa then said...
"What makes me think that? Well, it's really just...you know your worth type sh*t. Like, $3 million, you know what I'm saying...Do you think I'm worth $3 million? I think I can make more than $3 million without signing."
I wish him all the best. He made a great decision. There is nothing worse than being a creative person and having someone else own your creative works. It can lead to depression and drug use.
You can watch the full interview below...he talks about turning down the $3 million dollar deal around the one minute mark.
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