Shallipopi has thrown down the gauntlet, and Dapper Music isn’t taking it lightly.
The “Elon Musk” crooner, known for his viral hits and street-savvy lyrics, set the industry abuzz on Wednesday after announcing his departure from Dapper Music. The bold move came with heavy accusations: allegations of financial mishandling, trust violations, and stunted career growth.
The label, which played a central role in catapulting Shallipopi into the limelight, fired back on Thursday, painting a different picture. In a detailed statement, Dapper Music described their operations as the epitome of "transparency and fairness" while addressing the accusations head-on.
They dismissed claims of exploitation, stating that Shallipopi willingly entered into a 30% management commission agreement—an industry-standard practice that reflects the significant investments required to launch a budding artist's career. The label also clarified that their contracts only cover projects initiated and funded during the contractual term, with no strings attached to future earnings.
“After the success of Mr. Crown Uzama’s first album,” Dapper Music revealed, “he had the opportunity to review and renegotiate the terms with full legal representation. On October 28, 2024, we varied the terms to ensure he had the freedom to explore new opportunities.”
Dapper further disclosed that Shallipopi and his team signed a second agreement voluntarily. But the relationship seems to have soured, with Shallipopi now alleging a lack of financial accountability. Dapper, however, maintained that they’ve provided full financial transparency and are actively cooperating with an audit initiated by the singer.
The label didn’t mince words about the backlash. “We have received several emails from legal representatives threatening to destroy our business by utilising the court of public opinion,” the statement read, emphasizing their readiness to defend their integrity in court if needed.
As the dust settles, one thing is clear—this battle of narratives is far from over. Will Shallipopi’s claims hold water, or will Dapper Music’s receipts speak louder? Time will tell, but the saga has already gripped fans and industry insiders alike.
