S. Samuel
Rap newcomer Trinidad James recently spoke on landing a new record deal at Def Jam Recordings and explained why he is not going over the top to celebrate the power move.
Along with discussing the record label situation, James also delved into where his raps stem from.
“I mean, I don’t really celebrate things like this. I just thank God for it and keep moving. I was already grinding and working, doing my thing so just in general this isn’t doing nothing but adding more feel to the feeling I already had. We were already out of here. Shout-out to Def Jam for recognizing. … My inspiration comes from life and everything in life because all I rap about is real life. The real things that’s going on in my life. So I don’t ever call any artists’ names, because – for what? When you hear something, you’re gonna know where it came from. … Highlight of 2012? Signing to Def Jam.” (Power 106 FM)
Entering the weekend, James’ manager Fly spoke on the new record deal.
“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)
Both Trinidad and Def Jam head Joie Manda confirmed the partnership 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)
Some sites speculate the renowned label put up $2 million to snag the rap rookie.
During Trinidad James’ sold-out show at Santos Party House, label executives from both Def Jam and Atlantic Records were in attendance. “Joie [Manda], Pecas, Chris Atlas, Barry Weiss on The Def Jam side & [Mike] Keyser on the Atlantic side at Trinidad James show,” tweeted XXL’s executive editor Jayson Rodriguez. Now, rumored reports say that the rapper has settled a deal with Def Jam for $2 million. (XXL Mag)
Check out Trinidad James’ interview:
