Lupe Fiasco Reveals Career Setback After Refusing Lyor Cohen’s 360 Deal Ultimatum [Video]

Rapper Lupe Fiasco recently detailed how his career took a hit after he refused music executive Lyor Cohen’s 360-deal offer.

In a candid conversation on “Way Up with Angela Yee,” Lupe recounted the conversation he had with Cohen after releasing his second studio album, “The Cool,” revealing the difficult position he found himself in. 

“Lyor was like, ‘Yo, if you don’t sign this 360 deal, we’re not promoting your records,’” Lupe recalled.  This ultimatum not only affected his upcoming projects but also threatened the promotion of his past work, leaving him in a precarious situation.

Lupe explained that he wasn’t inherently opposed to the deal but felt a pressing need for more clarity and involvement, especially considering he would be relinquishing control over multiple facets of his career, including merchandise rights. 

“I’m going to need some collateral, so why don’t you give me my masters?” he suggested to Cohen, hoping to find a more equitable arrangement.

Despite his willingness to collaborate and explore alternatives, Lupe felt dismissed. 

“It was kind of like, ‘Nah, we got a guy who can do that,’” he explained, highlighting the disconnect often occurring in negotiations between artists and executives. 

Ultimately, the “Kick, Push” rapper chose not to sign the deal, which he believed would lead to significant consequences for his career. 

“I didn’t sign, and my career was like ‘goodbye,’” he admitted, referring to how he felt after the release of “Lasers” in 2011.

Since then, he has released six additional studio albums.  However, none have reached the commercial success of his early music.  Recently, he even revitalized the work of the Child Rebel Soldier, which once consisted of himself, Pharrell Williams, and Kanye West.  The trio previously released three tracks together before disbanding. While it’s unclear if they will make a full comeback, Lupe has continued to move forward despite the Cohen fallout and other roadblocks.