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Bobby Shmurda has departed his deal with Epic Records, Billboard reports. Shmurda has repeatedly taken to social media in recent weeks to express his frustration with the label that first signed him in 2014. In an Instagram post shared earlier this week the rapper confirmed his Epic departure, stating: "I just sign my release papers" and claiming that he will begin releasing music independently in the near future.
Shmurda was first signed to Epic by executive L.A. Reid, who exited the label in 2017. Shmurda was one year into a five year prison sentence at that time, where he remained until 2021. Since leaving prison he has released solo tracks including “Shmoney” featuring Quavo and Rowdy Rebel. However, he has also shared his frustration with Epic CEO Sylvia Rhone. Variety reports a social media post from last year in which the rapper wrote: “I got a 70 year old lady running my label and I love her dearly but doesn’t want to let me go at alllllllll. I did six years in jail trying to get off this label before I came home, you name one person in the industry a lable [sic] keeps sign in jail for six years???? Yeah IK IK I made them more millions than they ever gave me!!! Just let me gooo."
Shmurda was imprisoned in August 2016 after pleading guilty to weapons charges. He remains on probation until 2026.
