Common Music Group (UMG) practically scrapped the discharge of a Pop Smoke monitor as a consequence of a controversial verse from Pusha T that executives believed aimed toward Drake. The revelation got here from Steven Victor, Pop Smoke’s label head and Pusha’s longtime supervisor, throughout a current Billboard interview.
The scenario stemmed from Pusha T’s look on Pop Smoke’s monitor “Paranoia,” slated initially for Shoot For The Stars Goal For The Moon deluxe version. Victor defined that UMG raised crimson flags over lyrics they interpreted as subliminal pictures at Drake, considered one of their marquee artists. “UMG thought he was dissing Drake on that track,” Victor advised Billboard. “He wasn’t, however they thought he was.” Regardless of the verse having no direct connection to Pop Smoke, Victor was advised in no unsure phrases: both Pusha T altered the lyrics or the label would halt the album’s launch fully.
Caught between his roles as Pop Smoke’s label exec and Pusha’s supervisor, Victor discovered himself in a good bind. “Pop was signed to Victor Victor, my label, and I handle Pusha. So once they got here to me like that, I used to be shocked,” he stated. “I’m considering, what occurred to freedom of speech? He’s not dissing Drake. However they mainly stated, ‘Change the verse or the track doesn’t come out.’”
Finally, the label prevailed. The ultimate model of “Paranoia” that appeared on the album featured Younger Thug and Gunna as an alternative of Pusha T. This wasn’t the primary time the Clipse rapper’s sharp lyrics stirred label nerves—he’d additionally been pulled from Rick Ross’ “Maybach Music VI” over equally perceived disses at Drake. Nonetheless, Pusha has remained unapologetically defiant. When Def Jam expressed concern about his Kendrick Lamar collaboration on his upcoming Clipse reunion undertaking, Let God Type ‘Em Out (set for July 11), Push refused to again down. The label finally misplaced rights to launch the album.
Whereas UMG could have succeeded in suppressing one verse, Pusha T’s pen continues to strike nerves—proof that his presence within the rap sport is as provocative as ever.
