Free Hit-Boy should have been on a t-shirt. The super producer and artist is finally entering a brand new chapter in his career.
On Thursday, July 24, the Grammy-winning producer and artist released his latest single, titled “What’s The Deal?” through his imprint, Surf Club. More than just another record, the track marks his first as a fully independent artist, following his exit from a publishing contract that had lasted nearly two decades.
Over self-produced production, the Fontana native reflects on everything he’s accomplished while locked into a restrictive agreement that started when he was barely a teenager. In the wake of the release, Hit-Boy took to socials to share just how major this moment is for him and how he finally got free with a bit of help from one of hip hop’s most powerful figures.
“Today I can say [JAY-Z] got me something more valuable than a plane or anything tangible,” he wrote. “He helped secure my freedom from an 18 year publishing deal I was stuck in and I can’t thank him enough for pushing that thru. Much appreciation to Desiree Perez for also making this happen the love and respect on my end runs deep and I appreciate all the help frr. Today I am a free man, I feel like I just got out the pen after an 18 year sentence and have a chance to start over with more knowledge than I ever had. My best has yet to be seen God is Great! WHAT’S THE DEAL?!”
The story of Hit-Boy’s long-running publishing bind isn’t new to fans who caught his appearance on The Shop last year. During the episode, he revealed that he originally signed the deal with Universal Music Publishing Group when he was just 13 years old. For an advance of $50,000, the paperwork reportedly included no listed end date, which locked him into the deal for years as his star continued to rise.
Despite the legal entanglement, Hit-Boy went on to produce major hits for artists like Nas, Big Sean, Kendrick Lamar, and most famously, JAY-Z and Ye’s chart-dominating anthem N**s In Paris.
Now, after securing his independence with help from JAY-Z and Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez, Hit-Boy is finally free to move on his terms. And judging by What’s The Deal?, he’s stepping into that freedom with purpose and momentum.
Watch Hit-Boy’s full breakdown of the journey and check out the official video for What’s The Deal? now.