NBA Youngboy began his contract with Motown Records earlier this year, which already seems to be working out for him. In the midst of claiming that he’s been blackballed, Motown’s opened the gates for mainstream publications to enter his world. Earlier this year, he invited Billboard Magazine to his home for an insightful interview that detailed everything from family life to his musical career. It marked one of the first times since the beginning of YB’s career that he allowed the media to enter his world.
Most recently, the Louisiana star sat down with B.Dot and Elliot Wilson to discuss his upcoming project, the state of hip-hop, as well as his move to Motown Records. Following his tenure with Atlantic, reports emerged in late 2022 that his contract with Motown would begin in 2023. However, during his time with Atlantic, he delivered an abundance of projects beyond his contractual obligations with the label including The Last Slimeto, Realer 2, Ma’ I Got A Family, and 3800 Degrees.
NBA Youngboy On Atlantic Records & Moving To Motown
Despite the contract, NBA Youngboy over delivered with the number of projects he dropped on Atlantic Records. Some would consider it generous, while others feel as though it was not in his best interest business-wise but YB explained that it had more to do with his work ethic. “It wasn’t a favor, it wasn’t nothin’ planned. I just dropped music. It brings some type of good feeling to put together a tape and just release it” he said.
In terms of his move to Motown after years with Atlantic, NBA Youngboy said he just wanted to expand further. “You know, just try something new. See if I could get more out of a label situation,” he said. Interestingly enough, he said that Motown wasn’t just a specific label that he wanted to sign. The leverage he’s gained in his career apparently allows him to release music with any label under the Universal umbrella. “It ain’t actually just my specific label. With each tape, I can go anywhere on Universal I want to go and drop,” he said. Check out YB’s full interview with Rap Radar above.