Trinidad James has faced his fair share of criticism for his breakout hit “All Gold Everything.” But he got the last laugh, signing with Def Jam Records last month for a rumored $2 million.
Def Jam VP of A&R Sha Money XL, who helped architect G-Unit’s movement back in the late ’90s and early ’00s, spoke exclusively with HipHopDX, discussing how some listeners have slandered James for his appearance and music. To Sha, good music transcends criticism and that it’s all in a grand scheme to build a bigger movement.
“I think it’s really still about the music. Trinidad [James] created a record that everyone can say they liked,” he said. “No matter how much they make fun of him and mash him up with the jokes, they like the damn record. Music is music. The formula, when you talk about mixtapes and how you put content out, you have the seed to plant. You create awareness, and you grow. That’s a formula we all see. But I think the ultimate part of the formula is that the music has gotta be dope.”
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Since signing with Def Jam, the Atlanta, Georgia native has released an all-star remix to “All Gold Everything” featuring T.I., Young Jeezy and 2 Chainz and most recently announced his “Don’t Be S.A.F.E.” tour.
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