S. Samuel
Harlem rap newcomer A$AP Rocky is reportedy paving ways in a questionable music industry, record sales-wise, by admitting to cashing-in on a recent $3 million record deal with RCA.
In A$AP’s eyes, this marks the biggest deal since rap star 50 Cent signed with Aftermath/Shady Records for $1 million around 2002.
“About three million dollars. [Other rappers who don’t sign] are smart, but I feel like Sony/RCA is a family and the people there actually care about me,” A$AP responded when asked why he signed with a major. “When I came to meet [Polo Grounds Music founder] Bryan Leach, I got to know him on a personal level– he would set up car service for me to go to other labels. He wanted to see me make it. He’s from Harlem. I’m going to have creative control; there’s no bullshit. The situation is almost unrealistic. I mean, five months ago I had about $3,000 in my bank account. Now I’m worth $3 million. Nobody’s gotten a deal like that since 50 Cent.” (Pitchfork)
Polo Ground Music’s President Bryan Leach recently broke the news of Rocky’s signing.
“I haven’t seen an unsigned artist with this much hustle and confidence since I signed Pitbull and Lil Jon and Rocky being from Harlem (as I am) was gravy!” said Polo Ground Music head, Bryan Leach. “He dares to be himself which I love and will support fully. He’s also created great alliances and built a solid unit. Winning Rocky & his team’s confidence was not easy or fast but as they are partners I will make sure everything remains in his hands.” (The Boom Box)
A$AP also made sure to defend his decision to sign to a major via statement.
“I feel great about the new deal; I believe it was destined and with a label like Polo Grounds & RCA behind me I don’t see anything stopping us,” he said in a statement. “I wanted go with the right partner that can help get a bigger platform to get me and my A$AP crew’s music and movement out. I expect to be in the same league as today’s most relevant artists, and there are just some things you can’t do on your own. The plan is to not only release great music, culture, and style for myself and A$AP worldwide, but to also be the next major artist/exec in thebusiness and make great business men out of my brothers.” (Stereo Gum)
Coming after recently unsigned-to-major deal rappers like Kreayshawn and Machine Gun Kelly, Rocky reportedly has a mixtape and studio album on deck.
Harlem rapper A$AP Rocky has enjoyed a rising profile thanks to a few web singles and guest appearances, but things are about to blow up with the forthcoming arrival of his Live Love A$AP mixtape and the recent announcement that he’s signed with Polo Grounds Music/RCA Records. A$AP Rocky’s major label debut will likely come out in 2012, but his Live Love A$AP mixtape should be just around the corner. After discussing the mixtape with the New York Times, Rocky wrote on his blog that the tape would be slightly delayed but would still be dropping soon. (Exclaim)
Polo Grounds Music is known for being the home to rappers Hurricane Chris, Lil Caine, Yo Gotti, Yung Joc and Pitbull.
Check out A$AP Rocky’s “Peso” music video below:
