EMPOWERED INDEPENDENCE: Meek Mill Says Goodbye to 13% Cuts and Hello to 100% Control
In a powerful declaration of artistic freedom, Meek Mill has announced he’s taking complete ownership of his music career—no more cutting deals that leave him with just 13% of what his art earns. During a candid chat on Raud’s Twitch stream, the Philadelphia heavyweight revealed he’s done with the corporate model that limited him. Now, it’s all Meek: from production to profit. Here’s a deep dive into his bold move, the music he has ready for summer, and why blurred lines between independence and opportunity are now crystal clear.
The 13% Era—Instrumental but Insufficient
From 2008 to 2021, Meek’s signature sound echoed through labels: Grand Hustle, Maybach Music Group, Warner, and Atlantic. Albums such as Dreams and Nightmares and Championships benefited from massive promotional budgets—but the cost was only 13% of his own revenue.
“I had to learn this shit on my own,” he explained. “I was getting 13 percent for, like, 13 years. Now I’m getting 100 percent of this shit.”
It’s a sharp turnaround: from relying on traditional label functions to seeking total ownership via his own imprint, Dream Chasers Records.
The 100% Shift—Ownership That Matters
With full control comes complete accountability. Meek hinted at future partner deals, but this time on his terms:
“I might give 10% to certain partners… Now I’ve got all ownership so I had to take over. And now we’ve got it.”
The bigger picture: he’s reclaiming his voice—financially and creatively.
New Music This Summer—A Full Project Incoming
Meek didn’t just drop a truth bomb; he’s setting the bar. Expect a full-length album this summer, independent and unfiltered.
HotNewHipHop reported:
“Fans can expect ‘a whole project’ this summer.”
Previously, he’s released independent tracks like “Giving Chanel” ft. Future and “Survivor’s Guilt” with G Herbo—issued through Dream Chasers Records. His trajectory has been building momentum.
Breaking Free from Label Frustrations
Meek’s frustration isn’t new. He’s called out Atlantic and other majors for underfunding and delaying his work. With Expensive Pain (2021) and DC4 (mixtape, 2016), he felt the backing was minimal.
“Label told me don’t drop nothing,” he once shared, noting support from Shari Bryant helped him push DC4 forward.
Now, he won’t hesitate. He’s positioning himself to drop music when he’s ready—not when a label decides the time is right.
Dream Chasers Records & Roc Nation Alliance
Meek’s independence doesn’t mean isolation. In 2019, he teamed up with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation to expand Dream Chasers Records. The label now nurtures artists like Yung Bleu, Vory, and Lil Snupe.
This partnership blends independence with strategic power—keeping Meek in control while accessing industry muscle. It’s a blueprint that favors creator-first economics.
Digital Age Challenges & Office Autonomy
Meek has also been outspoken about modern music distribution:
- He sought new distributors for his music, revealing he had one song left on his current deal plus the upcoming full project.
- Meanwhile, he called out algorithms that favor dance clips over serious content, lamenting that “tech and propaganda campaigns hurt artist brands.” Whether posting himself dancing or rapping, the contrast in views was stark.
These moves signal his resolve to #ControlYourOwnNarrative—taking charge of when, how, and why his music goes live.
Why This Shows Real Growth
- Financial Freedom: With 100% ownership, Meek pockets every dollar instead of collecting crumbs.
- Creative Power: He can release art that matters without label pressure to chase trends.
- Legacy Building: Owning his masters secures control and legacy—an advantage few industry veterans ever reach.
- Artist Empowerment: For his signees, Meek offers a pathway toward creator-driven careers. It’s a modern twist on mentorship.
But Independence Isn’t Without Risk
- The artist carries full responsibility—marketing, finance, distribution.
- Without label spends, he must rely heavily on streaming, touring, and collaborations (like those with Future, G Herbo, or Roc Nation).
Yet Meek is ready.
“I’m about to do something else, something they’ve never seen before. I’ll talk about it when we do it.”
What’s Next: The Summer Storm
- Upcoming project: Independent and powerful, dropping this summer.
- New distributor: Meek actively seeking allies to get his project out under his terms.
- Dream Chasers expansion: Continued Roc Nation influence will elevate his label.
- Fan Engagement Shift: With control over release timelines, expect Meek to engage fans more personally—perhaps teasing singles live or printing limited merch.
The Final Word
Meek Mill’s proclamation—“13% for 13 years, now I’m getting 100%”—is more than a financial victory. It is a statement of intent and power. He’s refusing to play by old rules and building a model centered on artistic integrity and empowerment.
As summer unfolds, the rap world awaits to see if Meek’s first fully independent project matches the promise. Will it shock the music industry? Will it redefine what independence means in the streaming era?
Either way, Meek Mill’s bold move is a battle cry for artist control, creative freedom, and the courage to own your own story.
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