Brooklyn rapper H-D has reportedly signed a deal with Def Jam Recordings according to a social media post from the artist on Wednesday (August 18). Taking to Instagram, he shared a video signing paperwork while tagging Def Jam and EVP of rhythm and lifestyle promotion, Noah Sheer, along with Universal Music Group.
“Deal signed,” he wrote to his 94,000 followers. “Everyone within my circle made this possible. Love you all. What a beautiful moment. @universalmusicgroup @defjam + @noahsheer Varick Street + Complas Music Group. Beautiful thing.”
Many famous names congratulated H-D in the comments, including legendary new jack swing pioneer Teddy Riley.
Talent manager Jay Washington also posted the video with the caption, “A whole year since I met @hdx24_ and the team good kid hardworking I was honored to bring him over need I say more.”
In another Instagram post, H-D made a speech thanking his family and management team for helping his career.
“I never thought I would have been here right now,” he admitted. “This moment don’t feel real, and without you guys, this moment wouldn’t feel authentic – it wouldn’t be real. So this moment isn’t just for me, it’s for every one of you who has contributed to me being here right now in this moment.”
He continued, “‘Cause there’s been many times I’ve second-guessed myself. I didn’t know, I didn’t understand, but I understood what sacrifices need to be taken. With the help of my mom and family and managers, everybody contributed to this one thing. Toast to you guys.”
H-D’s name circulated in late 2019 when people pointed out similarities to JAY-Z, who served as Def Jam president between 2005 and 2007 and released the majority of his albums on the label.
His song “Ghetto Sunday” has since racked up over five million views on YouTube, with a further 500,000 Spotify streams.
During an October 2020 interview with The Sitdown with EmEz, H-D explained how he feels about being compared to JAY-Z.
“Honestly, I see it as a huge compliment,” he said. “I have no negative light on it. I mean, to be compared to one of the greatest of all time is a phenomenal thing. But of course, throughout my career, and it comes with longevity and it comes with connsistency and persistence, that I’m able to separate myself. And that’s not just with the music and production in the music, but also the story. Because I have a different story than a lot of people I was around when I was growing up and things of that nature, so the story is definitely gonna distinguish.”
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He added, “I look at Kobe [Bryant] and how he handled comparisons with [Michael] Jordan – we’re both inspired by one of the greats. We’re cut from a different cloth is what I wanna say. I don’t see anything wrong with being inspired by Hov.”
He’s Dark skinned mini Jay-Z clone that will get lost in the Def Jam shuffle unfortunately due to label politics.
Or Hov holding him back
Wow. The amount of hate from so-called hip-hop fans is unbelievable. Who cares if that kid happened to be gifted with jay-z’s flow and tonal voice. I’m sure many of you hear would rather listen to trippie red,Tekashi69, As well as LilPump and Lil-Nas. That’s what you folks love. I would rather listen to a mini-jay-z then all those washed up rappers you guys love so much. Can i live?
This copycat was not “gifted with jay-z’s flow”. Jay-z came up with a flow that this dude copied. Simple as that. Voice I can understand but nobody is born with a certain flow 😀 To make matters worse, this dude also copied a whole set of jay mannerisms and that makes it even more cringe.
Remember Angelos. And the contract is just a loan. Invest it immediately.
I don’t think clones ever work out but I wish him well. Tupac had one named Krazy that floundered on No Limit Records. There are others I can’t remember at all.
Clones: biggie- gorilla black, Nas- your old droog, Ghost Face-Action Bronson….I’m sure I forgot some
Shyne-Biggie with a deeper base, Topp Dogg- Snoop Dogg’s replacement after he left Deathrow
not gonna work…this niggggaaaa sound too much like jay..Not content wise…voice wise which isnt good smh
There are a bunch of mubble rappers who all sound the same = No lyrical content + Wack Flow. Dude does sound like Jay BUT i would rather hear that then any of these no talent mubble rappers that are killing Hip-Hop
side note: I’m shocked Dame didn’t try to sign him and make another Hov
Lol…????
Rather hear him than 90 percent of rap out here. When Pap first came out he had a similar voice…now it’s not noticeable at all. Shit even Bathgate sounded like Jay but the industry wouldn’t accept him
Spot on, was going to say the kid sounds more like Bathgate and you’re 100 percent right the industry did that dude dirty. Especially the popular hip hop artists he ghostwrote for. Turn their backs on him
That flow actually comes from Jaz-O
He got a similar sound to hov but his lyrics not nearly as good
Maybe his whole flow is foolish and he came to roll some dice to get some change. Can he live???!!
The problem is not that his voice is Jay-Z’s, it’s clear he copied his flow, subject matter and even mannerisms. That’s an L in my book
Can he live? Damn. It’s OK to copy in every other industry except rap. Hard out here for a pimp.
can’t wait for “Watch the Clone”… I’ma go ahead and show myself out…
no… just… no…
Yeah he sounds like Jay, but better to sound like one of the best to ever do it than a drugged out mumble bitch
Lol thought he was Lip synching
Wtf in todays world as long as you sound like some one else you good
How can this be good for Def Jam?