Young Dolph has been known for his massive success and notoriety as an independent artist. That is why some fans have been surprised to see him turn down a possible record deal this week via Instagram.
“Man, I got myself in a fucked up ass situation, dog,” he began while holding a stack of papers. “I don’t know what the fuck to do.”
Then the Memphis native faced the camera and continued, “Really, to tell you the truth, I do know what to do. But I’m going to let y’all know what’s going on. For the last six months, I’ve been having a motherfuckin’ 22 million dollar contract, debating on, ‘Should I do the deal or not?’ Know what I’m saying? I’m like, ‘Should I take the 22 million? or fuck the 22 million?”
After a dramatic pause, Dolph laughed and yelled, “Fuck the 22 million!”
From watching the video, it seems as though the 33-year-old artist will pass up the big payday for his personal happiness while investing time and money into his own Paper Route Empire Label.
And let’s be honest, this is not the first incident where an artist has decided to turn down a huge contract. For years, Dolph has always expressed his frustrations with being an independent artist.
Everybody know it ain’t nobody dong shit like I’m doing. On successful tours, you getting real bags. Everybody know to book Dolph. On all these top 20 songs. Ain’t no 100 percent independent artist doing that. They can only hold out for so long. Know the want a piece of that action.
And it’s the latter that affects so many successful artists from making money. Once everyone from the label gets their cut, artists are typically left with nothing unless they can put on a good show, a knack that many lacks. But maybe the $22 million deal is worth a second glance.
What do you guys think?
[…] Though Young Dolph makes flexing look easy, the Memphis-born rapper has earned every diamond, designer thread, and luxury car he owns. Dolph has never shied away from the intense circumstances into which he was born, rather, he celebrates the challenges he’s overcome while inspiring others to keep pursuing their dreams too. Today, he shares the video for the most touching and tender track from his Role Model project in which he celebrates the most important person in his life, his mom, whom he knights as his “Black Queen.” […]