S. Samuel
Young Money's Nicki Minaj discusses her experience in an ever-changing entertainment industry and why she does not have time for the business' foolishness in the new issue of Teen Vogue.
Within her cover feature, the self-proclaimed Barbie admits the industry can be very deceptive.
“People treat this business like it’s high school,” she tells Teen Vogue. “It can absolutely feel like one big popularity contest, and you know what? I can’t be bothered. I can’t allow myself to play ridiculous games with grown adults in the industry. I can’t be nice to someone just because they’re hot right now. I can’t do it.” (Teen Vogue)
Last week, Nicki shared similar remarks when asked about her feud with fellow “Amercan Idol” panelist Mariah Carey.
“Imagine someone you loved your whole life. Imagine meeting them and then, all of a sudden, feeling like you did something horrible to them but you just don’t know what you did,” Minaj said in an interview when asked about her relationship with Carey. “That’s what my relationship with Mariah is and that’s what it’s been from the beginning. I just thought that we were really friends but that’s the other thing I learned. This industry is so fake. You walk away thinking people are your friends and they’re not.” (E!)
A few days ago, Grand Hustle’s T.I. called out music labels for trying to short change him with record deal offers.
“I am currently a free agent,” Tip revealed in an interview. “Everything’s coming out my pockets. Y’all do me all the favors you want to. [laughs] There’s nothing wrong with a helping hand. [laughs] You know what the problem is, nobody wants to pay fair market value. I done went into all the distribution houses, the Sony’s, the Universal’s and the Warner’s of the world and it’s across the board. The consensus is pretty much unanimous, they want to be in business, they just don’t want to pay to be in business. And so I’ma tell you like this — you might be able to catch you knows who’s out of you knows where but you ain’t gonna be able to get no ‘King’ on your roster, man or anything less than eight-figures. I’m just gonna tell everybody, let that be a message to you. I can nickel and dime myself to where I’m going.” (Streez 94.3)
Last year, music veteran DJ Kay Slay warned aspiring artists about the industry’s cutthroat ways.
“Keep your mind on your business, not personal. The executives, CEOs and A&R are not your friends. It’s business. When it’s all said and done, n*ggas won’t give you [a way] to pay your rent or feed your family, man. Everything is business. Another one for artists and DJs: When you do someone a favor, make sure you get whatever it is you need from them right there on the spot. A lot of these cats, when they blow up, it’s hard for some reason to return the favor.” (XXL Mag)
