(AllHipHop News) Years ago, if a performer wanted to reach a national audience, the most successful route was to sign to a major label. However, there were some independent artists that were able to connect with millions of fans without the backing of a corporation.

[ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: DJ Paul Talks ‘Master Of Evil,’ Three 6 Mafia Reconciliation, EDM VS. Hip-Hop, Wanting To Work With Snoop, & BBQ]

DJ Paul of Three 6 Mafia sat down with Hot 107.9 to promote his new solo album Master Of Evil. The Memphis native also discussed how he and his group managed to make a comfortable living by starting their own independent label Prophet Entertainment/Hypnotize Minds.

“It was great. Back in those days, CDs were like $16.99, so we were getting $8.50 a unit for those records. We were selling like 500,000… 300,000 – 400,000,” said Paul. “So we were making millions and millions of dollars off the independent game. That’s why today I still do the independent game. It ain’t $8.50 these days, because it’s like $9.99/CD. So we do like $6.00 [a unit].”

Paul explained it costs more money to be independent, but in his eyes the payoff is worth it. According to the Oscar winner, major labels only pay around $1.50 for every album unit sold.