Gucci Mane wants to focus on two artists: Pooh Shiesty and Foogiano. To do that, he’s decided to drop every other artist from his label 1017. While social media reacts to the executive’s move, at least two former artists, Lil Jay and BigWalkDog, have spoken out about being released.
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Gucci Mane Explains Why He’s Shaking Up His Label 1017’s Roster
Speaking from inside his car on Oct. 18, Gucci said he meant to announce the changes at 1017 on Oct. 17. Running a day behind, the rapper explained that as a “businessman,” the label numbers call for him to release “almost all” his artists.
“This is a decision I didn’t want to make. I thought about it, I could keep all them under the contract. But I said, hey, f**k it. Let’s just make the unselfish decision and, you know, let them take their talents elsewhere,” Gucci Mane said.
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Gucci added that he previously informed the artists and their lawyers about the contract releases. Additionally, Gucci said that although he will focus on Pooh Shiesty and Foogiano’s careers, he’s still looking for new talent.
“…That’s where imma put my focus. And I just wish them the best and I just want to let everybody know that cause hey that’s where we’re at.”
Two Former Artists React To 1017 Cutting Their Contracts
Following Gucci Mane’s public label announcement, two former artists spoke out. Lil Jay took to social media with a video response. He shared his happiness over 1017 cutting him.
“Aye man, this is what I wanted. I ain’t tripping, I been talking bout this sh*t the last, past two, three days. I don’t give a flying f**k. N****s know what to do before the truth come out, n****s know,” Lil Jay said.
Former 1017 artist Lil Jay is happy Gucci Mane dropped him from the label. 👀 pic.twitter.com/skI0umdL8L
— My Mixtapez (@mymixtapez) October 19, 2024
Meanwhile, BigWalkDog appeared more understanding about Gucci having to make a business decison. He slid into the comment section of Gucci’s video announcement. “You kno I appreciate ya always Wop,” BigWalkDog wrote, adding a lock emoticon.
On his Instagram Stories, the ‘Hold Of Me’ rapper added, “That was a business move for Wop on his behlaf. What make you think I’m suppose to lose after that? I’m already here.”
No word from Pooh Shiesty and Foogiano as the last two artists standing, for now, in 1017. Ironically, Pooh and Foo are both currently behind bars serving a five-year sentences for separate cases, gun conspiracy and removing an ankle monitor and possesion of a gun as a felon, respectively.
For context, Gucci Mane’s record label has taken a few losses since its rebranding in 2020. This year, HotBoy Wes was sentenced to 15 years in prison for 10 counts across six indictments, per KWTX. His was charged with multiple felonies, including violent acts against his children’s mothers and endangering children.
A year before HotBoy Wes’ sentencing, Mac Critter was arrested for first-degree murder.
Arrests aside, the labels artists’ have also been impacted by deaths. Emchanting and Big Scarr passed away from drug overdoses, in December 2022 and June 2024, respectively.
