By Ismael AbduSalaam
After 5 years as a mainstay on Irv Gotti’s The Inc., R&B singer Lloyd has declared his time with the former powerhouse label has “run its course.”
Although he released his third LP in August 2008, the young crooner feels his career has become stagnant in the wake of The Inc’s separation from parent label Universal Records.
“I’m ready for a change,” Lloyd told AllHipHop.com. “There’s no bad blood. I just feel I need to take more control over my career and get a fresh start. Hopefully Irv can understand my position.”
Lloyd’s announcement comes just one month following the departure of Inc first lady Ashanti, who was granted a contract release after years of distancing herself from the beleaguered label’s legal and professional conflicts.
While his own situation plays out, Lloyd is moving forward with a new mixtape to build anticipation for his fourth studio album.
“We have plans to get in the studio with Jim Jonsin, The Runners, Cool & Dre, Rodney Jerkins, and others,” Lloyd detailed. “In the future, I still hope to work with Irv as a producer as well.”
Lloyd’s manager Henry “Noonie” Lee framed his client’s decision as an essential business necessity to prevent any further career monotony.
“We find ourselves in limbo for the second time in three years,” Lee told AllHipHop.com in a statement. It’s frustrating to know that opportunities to advance Lloyd’s career are out there but we can’t exploit them due to our current situation. Even though Lloyd is appreciative of the opportunity that has been afforded him by The Inc, he feels it’s time for him to move on and seek opportunities that will allow him to build and enhance his brand.”
At press time, Inc CEO Irv Gotti could not be reached for comment.
Lloyd is best known for his hit single’s “You” and “Get It Shawty.”
He released three albums on The Inc:
Southside (2004)
Street Love (2007) and his most recent,
Lessons In Love (2008).