an explanation, an acknowledgement

I’ve been trying to find a way to open up without feeling like a failure or a letdown to the people who have loved and supported me over the years. I’ve been trying to say the following without feeling like I failed myself.  

As young as I was when I came into this industry, it was full speed ahead from the jump. Ironically, I was also taught “speed kills'', even figuratively. I met the right independent label, innanetwav., at the right time, and I’m thankful I did, my life needed change. I got to live out my wildest dreams, see the world and meet people I never thought I’d get the opportunity to experience. I was content with everything I was achieving and all the moments I’d experienced on that journey.

However, as we progressed, more often than not, certain things were mishandled and communication became strained. I felt under-appreciated; like I wasn’t being taken seriously, and I wanted to be independent. In trying to leave the label, I wanted to handle things peacefully, respectfully, and quietly; I wanted this out of consideration to the personal relationship I’d already built before ever signing to their label. 

In the spring of 2020, I was assisted by Tailor Made Consultants and M3NA Media to mutually separate from the label. All of this changed when details of their dealings became known to me. While signed to innanetwav. I was being manipulated and exploited by people whom I considered family. A six-figure deal was signed, using my power of attorney, without total disclosure of the details, money and financial records related to my name and music were being withheld from me. 

We informed innanetwav. of various breaches and the subsequent desire to terminate. When they didn’t clear up the breaches according to protocols and timeframes they dictated in my deal, we concluded the contract to be terminated. I was free, fair and square, I thought.

This hasn’t stopped them from trying to slow my career down though. The money they’ve illegitimately withheld from me wasn’t enough for them. When I released “Peace Of Mind” independently, they issued takedowns to the DSPs under false pretenses. As a result, I’m not able to release the art I put all my time and effort into without their harassment, strong arming, and fraudulence flushing it down the drain. 

I find myself on the brink of giving up the dream I chose to live out. I don’t have the same confidence or hunger I had when I was trying to make a name for myself. My ambition is slowly wasting away and all I can do is watch while I continue a fight that should’ve ended months ago. 

I’m only opening up because I’m tired of not having a voice when my voice is the only good thing I have going for me. This voice helps provide for myself and my loved ones. I’m tired of being graceful. I’ve watched and heard people mistaken my silence for complacency. I’m speaking up for myself because there are so many other artists like me who were taken advantage of, regardless of age, and sold down the river under the guise of their future being “secured”. 

I want to come back harder and stronger than I was, with no one stopping me from claiming my destiny. I really still love what I do, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve made plenty of mistakes, but the biggest one I could have ever made was to see what I’ve accomplished and think I didn’t want to achieve more.  

At the same time, I don’t regret anything I’ve lived through. It taught me lessons money couldn’t buy and showed me things my own eyes couldn’t see. To my supporters, Tailor Made Consultants, M3NA Media, Ramsden Small Fernandes Attorneys and whoever I have left in my corner, thank you for not giving up on me.  

This journey has been a tough one and it’s only going to be an uphill battle from here, as I’ve decided to pursue legal action against innanetwav.