Bobby Shmurda was arrested with members of his GS9 crew in December on multiple weapons and murder charges.
Epic Records received criticism for not posting the “Hot Nigga” rapper’s $2 million bail. L.A. Reid, CEO of the label, spoke with Rap Radar Podcast about his position in the artist’s legal battle.
“People don’t know anything about my business, right?” he says. “It’s really not their business. That’s the truth about it, right? We’re not elected officials here. And we’re not at liberty to disclose how we do business. It’s fair practice, I can tell you that. But, it’s not the industry that it once was. We seriously don’t make the money we used to make. That’s a fact of life, right?”
Reid further explains his comments about the changes in the music industry citing Snoop Dogg being acquitted of murder charges in 1996. Members of Death Row Records, including Tupac and Suge Knight, attended some of the trial proceedings to show support for the Long Beach, California rapper.
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“Bobby Shmurda is not the same as Snoop Dogg and Murder Was The Case, who’s coming off The Chronic and his first album,” Reid says. “It’s a different era, ya know? And, we’re a publicly held corporation. We just aren’t in the same position we were in back in those days. So, it’s a different day.”
Reid reflects on signing Shmurda and says that he is hopeful for the 21-year-old’s future.
“I’m crazy about that kid and I think about him often,” he says. “And I feel like, ya know, his better days are ahead of him. I do believe that. And I think it’s unfortunate what has taken place.”
For additional Bobby Shmurda coverage, watch the following DX Daily:
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