Hit-Boy walked away from an 18-year publishing agreement, likening it to a prison term, crediting JAY-Z and Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez for helping him finally break free.
The Grammy-winning producer announced his release on social media, calling the moment life-changing and thanking the two industry powerhouses for stepping in.
“Helped secure my freedom,” he wrote, referring to JAY-Z’s involvement. “Today I am a free man. I feel like I just got out the pen after an 18-year sentence.”
He also praised Perez, adding, “much appreciation to desiree perez for also making this happen the love and respect on my end runs deep and i appreciate all the help frr.”
Hit-Boy, who signed the original deal when he was 19, said the experience taught him the value of ownership and creative control.
“More valuable than a plane or anything tangible,” he said of his independence.
The producer, known for crafting hits like “N****s in Paris,” also reflected on his journey with JAY-Z and how their connection began.
“The first CD i ever bought with my own money was the Blueprint by Jay-Z when i was 13 years old,” he wrote. “I never would’ve imagined when playing that album over and over and studying it that i would have the opportunity to work with him 10 years later.”
He continued, “The first song ever released that i produced for jay was ‘n**gas in paris’ i remember getting a text from hov after the song dropped and was going crazy and he said ‘if you get me another ‘ns in paris’ ill get you a plane’ jokingly.”
Hit-Boy Shares New Single “What’s The Deal?”
Now free to move on his own terms, Hit-Boy dropped a new single titled “What’s the Deal?” on Thursday (July 24), marking the beginning of a new chapter. “First day of the rest of my life!” he posted, teasing the track and its accompanying video.