S. Samuel
The producer behind Olivia's "Control" has stepped forward and addressed the confusion surrounding Drake's guest appearance on the track.
According to Raffi “Special K” Kenadjian, Drake made sold his verse to an indie label in 2007.
“Drake’s performance on Olivia’s ‘Control’ was paid for by Souled Out Records. Souled Out Records approached the then up-and-coming artist in 2007 in recognition of his talent. Souled Out Records is shocked to hear that Drake has not authorized Souled Out Records to use his recorded performance, as the service was already paid-for,” he says. “Olivia’s contribution, through Dollaz Unlimited, elevated the reach of the record and was a win-win situation for Dollaz Unlimited, Souled Out Records and DJ Finesse.” Kenadjian also stated that Souled Out made several attempts to reach out to Drake. No comment was made addressing the track’s original owner, Leia, who recorded an undisputed version with Drake, titled “All Night,” in 2007. (VIBE)
Yesterday, Olivia issued a statement to SOHH regarding the track.
“In no way was I trying to deceive anyone,” Olivia promised. “The producers, Rony Arzoumanian, Raffi “DJ Special K” Kenadjan and DJ Finesse approached me about the record and asked if I could create a song around the beat and Drake verse they owned and created. Since I had not spoken to Drake, I was very clear that the record could not be used for my album and could only be used for mixtapes. After the record was done, it was released without my knowledge and we were quick to let people know it was a mixtape record. The producers put together the record and leaked it before they confirmed with Drake. The record “Control” was for my mixtape Under the Radar which comes out on the 25th on Oliviaworldwide.com. I was not pleased when the record leaked and made a statement regarding that on my Twitter. My team and I were not ready but it leaked and I did not leak it. It is what it is. It’s the internet age we live in, it’s a gift & a curse.” (Statement)
Prior to Olivia’s statement, Drake said he did not willingly appear on the track.
“I support artist collaborations and sampling music that inspires you but I don’t support taking unauthorized recordings and marketing them as features,” Drake explained. “I’ve never worked with Olivia and I apologize to any fan who was duped into thinking that ‘Control’ was a collaboration of mine.” (All Hip Hop)
The record leaked online late Friday (April 9) night.
New hot track called “Control” by singer, Olivia who is also a former G-Unit first lady surfaced recently. It features Canadian rapper, Drake. Olivia is currently working on her sophomore album titled ‘Show the World’ and is due to be released sometime in mid or end of 2010. (Music Juzz)
Listen to Drake reference Souled Out Records on “Control” down below:
