Rising rapper Shallipopi has rocked the music industry with the announcement of his dramatic exit from Dapper Music, the record label owned by Damilola Akinwunmi, popularly known as Dapper and a notable figure in the entertainment scene.
The partnership, which began with Shallipopi’s rise to stardom in 2022, came to a fiery end on December 11, 2024, when the rapper took to Instagram to reveal his decision in a heartfelt and emotionally charged statement.
Describing the split as the most painful decision of his career, Shallipopi framed it as a stand for creatives who dedicate their lives to their craft but face betrayal and exploitation.
He accused Dapper Music of breaching the foundation of their partnership, citing a lack of transparency and manipulative practices that allegedly prioritized the label’s personal gain over his artistic vision and growth.
The rapper’s revelations have sparked widespread reactions across social media, with fans and industry insiders debating the fallout and its implications for artist-label relationships.
As Shallipopi moves forward independently, many are eager to see how this pivotal moment shapes his career and future endeavors.
He wrote;
“I come to you today with a heavy heart but an unshakable determination. I’m Crown Uzama, your Shallipopi, and l’ve made one of the toughest decisions of my career. Today, I’m officially ending my agreements with Dapper Music and Dupper Digital. This wasn’t a choice I made lightly, but it’s a step I had to take after my trust was broken, my finances mishandled, and my rights as an artist were disregarded.
“This is bigger than just me. It’s about every artist and creator who pours their soul into their work, only to face betrayal and exploitation from people who should be looking out for them. It’s about standing up for fairness, integrity, and the respect that we all deserve.”
One of the most explosive revelations was the claim of a glaring conflict of interest, accused Dapper Music of reportedly coercing him into signing a publishing deal with its subsidiary, Dvpper Digital, essentially controlled both his creative output and financial rights.
He continued;
“‘Dapper Music and Entertainment Limited, my management company, pushed me into a deal with Dupper Digital Limited, another company owned by the same person(s). Instead of prioritizing my growth, they prioritized their own profits, putting my career and dreams at risk.”
Shallipopi expressed outrage over the label’s handling of his earnings, accused Dapper Music of withholding crucial financial details and deliberately obscuring the true state of his royalties. Despite repeated efforts to get clarity on his financials, Shallipopi alleged that every attempt was stonewalled, left him in the dark about the fruits of his labor.
He wrote;
“I’ve worked hard, and like anyone, I deserve to know where my money is going. Despite repeated requests, I was denied access to clear financial records of my money. Imagine not knowing how much you’ve earned or where it’s gone. This is devastating and unacceptable.”
Perhaps the most damning allegation of all was Shallipopi’s claim that Dapper Music attempted to trap him in a predatory “forever contract.” According to the rapper, this contract would have entitled the label to a staggering 30% of his revenues indefinitely, effectively chaining him to the label’s control for life.
He added;
“They tried to lock me into a contract where they’d take 30% of my earnings forever, even after we parted ways. Even after they no longer work for me, they want to continue to take a whole 30% of my earnings in perpetuity. That’s not just unfair, it’s exploitation and it is cruel.”
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