(AllHipHop News) Lil Durk is the latest Hip Hop act to take the indie route. Billboard reports the rhymer has cut ties with Def Jam.
“I’ve been with Def Jam Records for five years and they gave me my first recording contract so for that I’m forever grateful,” said Durk. “But I’m a different artist than I was five years ago, and the time is right for a change. At the same time, Def Jam is making changes in their offices and trying a new direction. I didn’t want to be a part of another regime change.”
Last August, Eminem’s longtime manager Paul Rosenberg was named the new CEO of Def Jam. The industry veteran officially took over the position earlier this year.
Durk released two studio albums during his time with Def Jam (2015’s Remember My Name, 2016’s Lil Durk 2X). The 25-year-old dropped a new mixtape title Just ‘Cause Y’all Waited today. PartyNextDoor, Ty Dolla $ign, and Lil Baby appear on the project’s tracklist.
Lil Durk joins Cyhi the Prynce and Big K.R.I.T. as recent departures from Def Jam. The company’s roster still includes 2 Chainz, Big Sean, Dave East, Fabolous, Pusha T, Teyana Taylor, Vince Staples, YG, and others.