Gucci Mane wants to focus on two artists: Pooh Shiesty and Foogiano. To do this, he decided to drop all other artists from his record label 1017. While social networks react to the executive’s measure, at least two former artists Lil Jay and BigWalkDog, to have talked about being freed.
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Gucci Mane Explains Why He’s Changing His Record Label’s 1017 Roster
Speaking from his car on October 18, Gucci said he intended to announce the changes in 1017 on October 17. A day late, the rapper explained that, as a “businessman”, the record company’s numbers require him to release “almost all” of his artists.
“That’s a decision I didn’t want to make. I thought about it, I could keep them all under contract. But I said, hey, fuck it. Let’s just make a selfless decision and, you know, let them take their talents elsewhere,” said Gucci Mane.
Gucci added that it previously informed the artists and their lawyers about the release of the contract. Additionally, Gucci said that while he is focusing on the careers of Pooh Shiesty and Foogiano, he is still looking for new talent.
“…That’s where I’m going to put my focus. And I just wish them the best and I just want everyone to know that because, hey, that’s where we’re at.”
Two former artists react to 1017 cutting their contracts
Following the announcement of public label Gucci Mane, two former artists spoke out. Lil Jay took to social media with a video response. He shared his happiness at 1017 cutting him.
“Yeah man, that’s what I wanted. I’m not traveling, I’ve been talking about this shit for the last two, three days. I don’t give a fuck. Niggas know what to do before the truth comes out, niggas know,” said Lil Jay.
Former 1017 artist Lil Jay is happy Gucci Mane dropped him from the label. 👀 pic.twitter.com/skI0umdL8L
– My Mixtapez (@mymixtapez) October 19, 2024
Meanwhile, BigWalkDog seemed more understanding about Gucci’s need to make a business decision. He slipped in the comments section from the Gucci video ad. “You know I appreciate you always, Wop,” BigWalkDog wrote, adding a padlock emoji.
On his Instagram Stories, the ‘Hold Of Me’ rapper added, “This was a business move for Wop on his behalf. What makes you think I should lose after this? I’m already here.
No word from Pooh Shiesty and Foogiano as the last two artists standing for now in 1017. Ironically, Pooh and Foo are currently behind bars serving five-year sentences for separate cases, weapons conspiracy and remove an ankle monitor and carrying a weapon as a criminalrespectively.
For context, Gucci Mane’s record label has suffered some losses since rebranding in 2020. This year, Hotboy Wes was sentenced to 15 years in prison on 10 counts in six counts, by KWTX. He was accused of several crimes, including violent acts against his children’s mothers and child endangerment.
A year before HotBoy Wes’ sentencing, Mac Critter was arrested for first-degree murder.
Arrests aside, recording artists were also impacted by the deaths. Emchanting and Big Scarr passed away from drug overdoses, in December 2022 and June 2024, respectively.
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What do you think, roommates?