S. Samuel
G-Unit's Sha Money XL has been named Def Jam Senior Vice President of A&R and addressed speculation of Lloyd Banks and 50 Cent joining the label's roster.
According to Sha, the position presented itself after developing a relationship with Island Def Jam executive LA Reid.
“I’ve been floating around this industry since I’ve just been executive-producing 50 [Cent]‘s albums,” XL said in an interview. “Finally, the call came. It felt so good. Def Jam is such a strong company and strong roster. The staff is amazing. I felt it instantly. I knew that this is something I can do with my New York vision and New York swag and bring that for all the guys that’s based out here…I spoke to Fif, to [his manager Chris] Lighty. I would love to see [G-Unit] there…Banks has an amazing record right now, independently. If things work out, then yeah, I would love to see that happen.” (MTV)
Lloyd Banks recently talked about possibly joining the Def Jam roster amongst the likes of Rick Ross.
“I think he would make it his business not to be in the building when we around,” Banks said referring to if he were signed to Def Jam. “Some things you just can’t control. When, if, I get into that building, I will be the bigger business. You understand what I’m saying? So he would go from having an office to just operating from Florida. Pretty much. He knows that. This is the same guy months ago that said Def Jam would never sign me, what’s he an idiot? He’s crazy man. They putting that stuff up they nose. That stuff man, put them lobsters down and pick up the mic. I’m just saying. I haven’t had security, you’re just gonna see me and my guys [when we’re traveling]. Me? I can be professional and have a level mind, but things happen. Difference with me is these guys is a little older and the guys around me are still young and stupid, so I would hope not to run into those types of situations just for me. I’ve done been in this game for seven, eight years and the people, you just got understand when to separate the rapping from the real problems. You don’t be no bump into these guys [types of] situations, they make it they business not to be there and I can go anywhere I want to go. I’ve been doing it and won’t nothing stop.” (“The Cosmic Show”)
Banks claims he is receiving offers from Def Jam and Interscope.
“I mean, yeah, they been reaching out, Interscope” Banks confirmed in an interview. “And a few other labels, Def Jam, at this point man, like I said, I’ve been completely independent, we’ve sold over 200,000 units already through iTunes — at this point, whatever makes sense, is the deal I’ll go with. If it makes more sense to stay where I’m at, then I’ll stay and be independent. If they drop that big bag, then we can talk. I don’t ever want to shut no doors out so we’ll see what happens in the near future.” (Posse TV)
DJ Khaled was made Def Jam South’s president in February 2009.
“This is what I’ve always wanted to do, is be an executive and take it to another level,” Khaled told MTV. “L.A. [Reid] just hit me one day. He was like, ‘We should bring Khaled on board. He makes hits, he has relationships.’ I got a team of producers and we go in hard. My job is to bring hits to the table and work with new artists and work with established artists. I’m bringing new energy to the game and to the building.” (Hiptics)
Check out Lloyd Banks talking about Def Jam below:
