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 album, Bad 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.