Rick Ross Leaves Def Jam, Signs With Epic Records
For the last decade, Rick Ross has been a star at Def Jam Records. Since releasing breakthrough single “Hustlin'” in 2006, Ross released eight albums with the New York City based label. Five of those albums reached #1 on the charts, while half of those works have been certified gold. All of those albums have also been released through Ted Lucas’ Miami, Florida-based Slip-N-Slide Records.
This weekend, Ross announced that he has officially left Def Jam. Last month, the Dade County rapper and Maybach Music Group founder released Black Market. Now, he has joined close affiliate Puff Daddy at Epic Records. The label confirmed the news via Twitter:
Welcome @rickyrozay to the #EPIC family! pic.twitter.com/6jPSiwwOdo
— Epic Records (@Epic_Records) January 16, 2016
Prior to his career at Def Jam, Ross was signed to Suave House Records. That label, known for albums by Eightball & MJG and Tela would release 2007’s Top 100 effort Rise To Power, after Ross had found success with Def Jam. Previously, Ross was discovered by EPMD/Def Squad co-founder Erick Sermon (who was also a longtime Def Jam artist).
Related: Rick Ross & DJ Premier’s Black Market Collabo Holds Weight (Audio)
Signed in the mid-2000s by late A&R Shakir Stewart, Ross’ addition to the Def Jam family came during Jay Z’s label presidency. He, and fellow southern act Young Jeezy, had become two of the label’s longest-signed acts. There, he had also signed deals for his group, Triple C’s, and MMG acts including Gunplay.
Other Hip-Hop artists at Epic include Future, Outkast, Yo Gotti, and Travi$ Scott.
Related: Puff Daddy Wants Bad Boy To Be Epic Again. So That’s Where He Signed.