Hit-Boy is officially a free man!
As AFROTECH™ previously reported, Hit-Boy, born Chauncey Alexander Hollis Jr., secured a deal with Universal Music Group in 2007 that included a $50,000 check. Due to his upbringing, which included having a father who was in prison for most of his life and a teen mother who did not have steady financial means, the music opportunity appeared to be a redemption arc.
“I never really had the sh-t I wanted. I always had what I needed, you know what I mean? Something to eat, place to stay, but I wanted more for myself,” Hit-Boy explained on “The Shop” podcast. “So, you know, just like, I took that opportunity and didn’t know, didn’t have the guidance, didn’t have those figures around me to tell me like, ‘Nah, they got you locked in this for a long time.’”
The deal with Universal Music Group was “the worst publishing contract” that Hit-Boy’s lawyers had ever seen. However, it appears Hit-Boy can finally run his victory lap thanks to the help of Jay-Z and Desiree Perez, CEO of Jay-Z’s Roc Nation. Hit-Boy has been credited on Jay-Z and Ye’s “Watch the Throne” and their song “N**gas in Paris.”
In an Instagram post, Hit-Boy confirmed he is officially free from his 18-year publishing deal.
“The first CD i ever bought with my own money was ‘The Blueprint’ by Jay-Z when i was 13 years old. i never would’ve imagined when playing that album over and over and studying it that i would have the opportunity to work with him 10 years later,” Hit-Boy wrote on Instagram. “The first song ever released that i produced for Jay was ‘N**gas in Paris.’ i remember getting a text from HOV after the song dropped and was going crazy and he said ‘If you get me another “N**gas in Paris,” ill get you a plane’ jokingly but today i can say he got me something more valuable than a plane or anything tangible. he helped secure my freedom from an 18 year publishing deal i was stuck in and i cant thank him enough for pushing that thru.”
He continued, “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!”
