West Coast rapper and critical darling Dom Kennedy has been independent from the beginning and drops his music on his OpM label.
But he did flirt with signing with MMG some years ago.
In a new interview with Billboard, he explained why he didn't join Rick Ross's label.
That’s about the only person in business I really respect and got love for, who reached out to me and showed me major love when I was first starting and really, really genuinely looked out and showed me shit I otherwise wouldn’t have seen. It’s Ross. But just like now, at that time, I was super independent-minded. It was never nothing discussed or brought to the table that allowed me to articulate what I’m talking about now. I don’t work good with just the artist turning in your album, "look, cool" -- that’s not what I am. Not at 24 or 34. I got just as much to offer as the person who owns this building and keeps the lights on. One day, that’s going to be me. Today, for my people, that is me, so I have to act accordingly ... I respect [Ross] regardless, because at the end of the day, that’s what I’m trying to do for my family.
Do you think Kennedy would have been bigger with the public if he signed with MMG or did he make the right call staying independent?