Cozz is clearing up the rumors surrounding J. Cole’s Dreamville label.
In a recent chat with TMZ, the Effect rapper confirmed that the 18-year-old hip-hop imprint has not been sold, despite claims made by fellow Dreamville artist JID.
“They didn’t go public, but Dreamville sold Dreamville,” JID had said during an August appearance on The Joe Budden Podcast. “Cole looked out for everybody that was a part of Dreamville. That’s one of the most beautiful things in hip-hop right there. That never fucking happens.”
Did J. Cole sell Dreamville Records?
Cozz believes JID likely misspoke. While he confirmed there’s been no change in ownership, he did note that Dreamville ended its partnership with Universal Music Group and its distribution deal with Interscope.
“To clear that up: They did not sell Dreamville,” Cozz told TMZ. “They just ended their partnership with UMG. And, yes … we all got pieces of the pie. [Cole] didn’t have to do that, either. That was just something he decided to do as a token of gratitude for rocking with him and taking the Dreamville ride with him for all these years.”
Ibrahim Hamad and Bas on Dreamville-UMG deal ending
Dreamville co-founder Ibrahim Hamad echoed the clarification on X last week, assuring fans the label was never sold.
“For those that misunderstood, we did not sell Dreamville lol. Never will, never would,” Ibrahim Hamad wrote. “We ended our Dreamville partnership with UMG and some blessings came with that, and when blessings come your way it’s only right to share those blessings with the family. Just some clarity.”
Rapper Bas also spoke on Dreamville’s status during his July 22 interview with Elliott Wilson, saying he and the rest of the roster scored a big win when the label wrapped up its UMG deal.
“We just kind of ended our Universal partnership at Dreamville, and the bros got a nice windfall,” Bas said. “They didn’t owe any of us anything, and they broke bread, top to bottom — serious bread.”
Cozz gains ownership of his masters after Dreamville-UMG split
Cozz, who’s been with Dreamville since 2014, called the end of the UMG deal “a blessing,” though he didn’t share details on the payout.
“Something else that they did for me that they didn’t have to do is give me most of my masters,” he revealed. “I own the majority of that. So, that’s also dope. I can eat a bit more.”
Cozz teases his next album: ‘Very triumphant’
While still “technically” signed to Dreamville, Cozz said he’s now working as an independent artist. He explained that the “UMG-Interscope situation” had stalled new music, but he’s close to sealing a deal with another distributor.
Once that’s done, he plans to roll out his next album, which will detail his battles with alcohol, financial struggles, and health issues, as well as his journey to sobriety.
“I went through a lot within these couple years,” he told TMZ. “I’m explaining kind of where I was at — just financial issues, health issues, me being an alcoholic and all of that. I’m a year and two months now. I’ll just speak on that journey … just how I got up out of that. I feel like when a lot of people speak on sobriety or their troubles with addictions, it’s coming from a place of pity or sadness.”
Cozz says his upcoming project will be “very triumphant.”
