Cozz has set the record straight on J. Cole’s Dreamville label.
During a recent interview with TMZ, the Effect rapper confirmed that the 18-year-old hip-hop imprint had not been sold, as recently suggested by Dreamville artist JID.
“They didn’t go public, but Dreamville sold Dreamville,” JID said during an August appearance on The Joe Budden Podcast. “Cole looked out for everybody that was a part of Dreamville. That’s one of the most beautiful things in hip-hop right there. That never fucking happens.”
Did J. Cole sell Dreamville Records?
Cozz suspected that JID simply misspoke. Although he confirmed there was no change in ownership, he said the label did end its partnership with Universal Music Group and distribution deal with Interscope.
“To clear that up: They did not sell Dreamville,” he told TMZ. “They just ended their partnership with UMG. And, yes … We all got pieces of the pie. [Cole] didn’t have to do that, either. That was just something he decided to do as a token of gratitude for rocking with him and taking the Dreamville ride with him for all these years.”
Ibrahim Hadid and Bas shed light on Dreamville-UMG deal closure
Dreamville co-founder Ibrahim Hamad made similar comments on X last week, reassuring fans that the label hadn’t been sold.
“For those that misunderstood, we did not sell Dreamville lol. Never will, never would,” he wrote. “We ended our Dreamville partnership with umg and some blessings came with that and When blessings come your way it’s only right to share those blessings with the family. Just some clarity.”
Rapper Bas also addressed Dreamville’s status during his July 22 sitdown with Elliott Wilson, saying he and his fellow signees took a W when the label ended its UMG deal.
“We just kind of ended our Universal partnership at Dreamville, and the bros got a nice windfall,” he said. “They didn’t owe any of us anything, and they broke bread, top to bottom—serious bread.”
Cozz received ownership of his masters after Dreamville and UMG parted ways
Cozz, who signed with Dreamville back in 2014, said the UMG deal closure was “a blessing” but did not provide details on the payout.
“Something else that they did for me that they didn’t have to do is give me most of my masters,” he added. “I own the majority of that. So, that’s also dope. I can eat a bit more.”
Cozz teases his next full-length project: ‘Very triumphant’
Cozz said he was still “technically” signed to Dreamville but was working as an “independent” artist. He explained he hasn’t been able to drop a new project because of the “UMG-Interscope situation,” but was about to ink a deal with another distribution company.
Cozz said once that contract is signed, he will begin to roll out his next album, which will explore his struggles with alcohol and road to sobriety.
“I went through a lot within these couple years,” he told TMZ. “I’m explaining kind of where I was at—just financial issues, health issues, me being an alcoholic and all of that. I’m a year and two months now. I’ll just speak on that journey … just how I got up out of that. I feel like when a lot of people speak on sobriety or their troubles with addictions, it’s coming from a place of pity or sadness.”
Cozz said his upcoming project will be “very triumphant.”
