Bobby Shmurda's Lawyer Speaks On Epic Records Not Supporting The Incarcerated Rapper

ENTERTAINMENT ATTORNEY MATTHEW MIDDLETON SAYS LABELS MAKE MILLIONS FROM INNER CITY KIDS

(AllHipHop News) After Bobby Shmurda was arrested in December, Epic Records executive Sha Money XL released a statement in support of the Brooklyn rapper. However, Bobby’s label home did not put up any money to bail the “Hot N***a” performer out of jail, and Shmurda later revealed no one from Epic has even visited him since being incarcerated.

[ALSO READ: Bobby Shmurda Says Epic Records Is Not Standing By Him During His Incarceration]

“They’re not bailing me out. They’re not standing by me that much. Every time I call them, there’s excuses about [parent company] Sony, this and that,” Bobby told Billboard. “I haven’t gotten a visit from one of them yet.”

Shmurda’s entertainment lawyer Matthew Middleton spoke with the New York Times. Middleton expressed Epic is not required to offer bail money for its artists, but Bobby expected more financial and emotional support than he has received from the label.

“These companies for years have capitalized and made millions and millions of dollars from kids in the inner city portraying their plight to the rest of the world,” said Middleton. “To take advantage of that and exploit it from a business standpoint and then turn your back is disingenuous, to say the least.”

If Bobby Shmurda beats his case, he plans to either break from Epic immediately or leave the label after completing his contractual music requirements. The 20-year-old head of the GS9 imprint is currently facing up to 25 years in prison for criminal possession of a weapon, conspiracy, reckless endangerment, and other charges.

The seriousness of the allegations may be the reason Epic has decided not to back Shmurda, but Middleton points out so far there have only been accusations of crimes being committed. He also notes the label has already made a profit off its deal with Bobby.

“[Epic] made their money back at least two or three times over,” Middleton added. “I understand from a corporate standpoint that companies cannot put themselves in a position where it appears they’re supporting and condoning criminal activity. But he hasn’t been found guilty of anything yet.”

[ALSO READ: Bobby Shmurda’s Uncle Calls Out The Industry For Not Supporting His Nephew (AUDIO)]