NAV Claims DJ Drama & Don Cannon Won't Clear Lil Uzi Vert's "Habits" Verse

BY Erika Marie 7.5K Views
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NAV
The rapper says it's all about the money for them.

The business side of the music industry can be a slippery slope for artists. While many musicians just want to make music, oftentimes collaborating together to create art that fans love, executives don't always have the same vision. This can slow down the process of releasing new music, sometimes even stopping it altogether. 

That seems to be the issue NAV has been running into when it comes to putting together his forthcoming record. His anticipated albumBad Habits, is set to release this Friday, but he still doesn't have all of his ducks in a row when it comes to one of the record's tracks. The Toronto rapper took to Instagram to explain what's been going on, saying that he's been getting strong-armed by DJ Drama and Don Cannon over a Lil Uzi Vert verse.

“I know y’all wanted habits on the album," NAV wrote. "I had an open verse for the longest and Uzi blessed us one. Unfortunately DJ Drama and Don Cannon won’t clear his verse legally. I use to be a big fan of them since Gangsta Grillz mixtapes and always thought they support new artist. I guess it’s all about $$$$ for them now. It’s crazy but it’s true."

Lil Uzi Vert is signed to Drama and Cannon's Generation Now label in a joint-venture partnership with Atlantic Records. This isn't the first time that NAV has had struggles with releasing new music. The last few months have become so frustrating that the Canadian rapper has threatened to retire and quit making music. Fortunately, his Brown Boy EP dropped recently, showing that the 29-year-old is still in the game.


About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.