Shallipopi has made waves in the music industry with the announcement of his dramatic departure from Dapper Music, the record label owned by entertainment mogul Damilola Akinwunmi, better known as Dapper. The news, which has sent shockwaves through the industry, comes on the heels of Shallipopi’s breakout success, which began with his rise to fame in 2022.
On December 11, 2024, the rapper took to Instagram to share an emotional and heartfelt statement about his decision to leave the label. Calling the split the most difficult choice of his career, Shallipopi framed his departure as a stand for all creatives who, despite dedicating their lives to their craft, face betrayal and exploitation from those they trust.
He accused Dapper Music of undermining the very foundation of their partnership, alleging that the label’s actions prioritized its personal gain over his artistic vision and growth. The rapper’s bombshell revelations have sparked a heated debate online, with fans and industry figures alike weighing in on the fallout and its broader implications for artist-label dynamics.
In his Instagram post, Shallipopi expressed the difficulty of his decision but stressed his resolve to move forward. He shared that he could no longer continue working with a label that he claimed mishandled his finances, disrespected his rights as an artist, and broke his trust.
“I come to you today with a heavy heart but an unshakable determination. I’m Crown Uzama, your Shallipopi, and I’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,” he wrote.
Shallipopi’s post went on to explain that his departure was not just about his personal struggles but about standing up for all artists who face exploitation in the industry. He voiced his frustration over what he described as manipulative practices by Dapper Music, especially the alleged coercion to sign a publishing deal with its subsidiary, Dvpper Digital, a move he claims undermined his financial independence and creative freedom.
“‘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 wrote, emphasizing the conflict of interest he believes undermined his career.
Perhaps the most shocking allegation came when Shallipopi accused Dapper Music of withholding financial details and obstructing his attempts to understand the state of his earnings. Despite repeated efforts to seek transparency, he claimed his requests for clarity were ignored, leaving him in the dark about the money he was owed.
“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,” Shallipopi wrote.
The most damning accusation was his claim that Dapper Music attempted to trap him in a predatory contract that would have bound him to the label for life. According to the rapper, the proposed “forever contract” would have allowed the label to take 30% of his revenue indefinitely, even after their professional relationship ended.
“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,” Shallipopi declared.
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Olawale Moses Oyewole is an adept writer who stays on top of current events and curate informative and engaging articles for his readers. He is a digital strategist who help brands gain online visibility.
