S. Samuel
Less than 24 hours after Atlanta rap newcomer Trinidad James inked a Def Jam record deal, his manager Fly has stepped up to silence the rapper's critics and apply logic to the renowned company's decision.
Fly believes Def Jam’s urge to grow and think of music’s future likely influenced their decision to add him to its star-studded artist roster.
“We sat down with everybody,” Trinidad James’ manager, Fly, told CBS Local. “We went with Def Jam because it’s credible. They breed hip-hop culture. And at the end of the day, the deal terms were right. … The thing about it is, you have to be able to change. If you can’t change, you’re not going to grow. That’s what separates the winners and losers.” (CBS Local)
He also narrowed in on some of the recent backlash James has received.
“Trinidad started rapping last year and then began taking it seriously,” he added. “People are entitled to their own opinion, everything is not for everybody. Trinidad has his own lane. There are other artists who have their own lanes. There are people who love and hate it. That means they are payng atention. In a situation so new it’s a great thing. Just to know that people are paying attention lets us know we are doing something right.” (CBS Local)
Shortly after yesterday’s record deal announcement, rap veteran Q-Tip publicly took aim at Def Jam.
“Yo @DefJamRecords brass! remember your BRAND! And what@UncleRUSH n co put out. Please! Don’t be short sighted,” Tip tweeted December 13th. (Q-Tip’s Twitter)
After buzz and gossip heated up the Internet earlier this week, James’ deal got confirmed Thursday.
“Def Jam, thank you for believing,” says Trinidad James. The signing also includes a joint venture with the rapper’s Gold Gang Records. Trinidad is now on the same imprint as Kanye West, 2 Chainz and more. “We’re excited to welcome a young talent like Trinidad James to the Def Jam family,” Joie Manda says. “Def Jam prides itself as both a cornerstone of hip-hop’s rich tradition, and as a vital, forward-thinking label dedicated to breaking and nurturing emerging artists. Trinidad James represents the cutting-edge of what’s happening in the culture today. We are thrilled to have him at the label, and look forward to growing his already massive buzz.” (Billboard)
Check out Trinidad James’ “All Gold Everything” music video:
