signed on the low. The new formula seems to be have a successful independent grind & buzz, then big major label deal. But I'm thinking in some cases the reality is that these guys have affiliations and deals with the labels already, and strings are being pulled to make it look like these artists are making big independent moves, like bankrolling mixtapes, blog love, videos, etc..

Ever since "Kush & OJ" things have gotten a bit fishy. That project was made to look like an independent move, but I think Wiz had actually signed the major label deal already. They kept it on the low, and it ended up being a great look for him.