The Dreamville co-founder gave his artists massive payouts after ending the label’s UMG deal, however his supervisor, Ibrahim Hamad, confirmed the label was by no means bought.
J. Cole handed out sizable checks to his Dreamville roster after reducing ties with Common Music Group, however in line with his longtime supervisor Ibrahim “Ib” Hamad, the label wasn’t bought—it was only a payday from a closed chapter.
The payout, first talked about throughout a Bas interview with Elliott Wilson and later mentioned on The Joe Budden Podcast, sparked hypothesis that Dreamville had been bought. However Hamad shortly shut that down on social media, saying the windfall was merely a results of ending their cope with UMG.
“For those who misunderstood, we didn’t promote Dreamville lol,” Hamad posted on Twitter. “By no means will, by no means would. We ended our Dreamville partnership with umg and a few blessings got here with that. and When blessings come your means it’s solely proper to share these blessings with the household. Just a few readability.”
For those who misunderstood, we didn’t promote Dreamville lol. By no means will, by no means would. We ended our Dreamville partnership with umg and a few blessings got here with that and When blessings come your means it’s solely proper to share these blessings with the household. Just a few readability 🫡
— Ibrahim H. (@KingOfQueenz) August 9, 2025
J.I.D, considered one of Dreamville’s standout artists, praised J. Cole for his generosity and management in the course of the transition.
“Cole regarded out for everyone that was part of Dreamville,” J.I.D stated. “That’s probably the most stunning issues in hip-hop proper there. That by no means f_ing occurs. And it occurs to the regard the place, if n_as on Dreamville that was part of it don’t wish to do music they usually simply wish to transfer on with their life, they might be good. Be straight. You do it since you adore it.”
He continued, “I’m simply saying. If we wish to communicate to actual s**t within the business, if we wish to discuss an apology, apologize 30 extra occasions. That’s the biggest n#### on f###### Earth. On this predatory ass business. N#### was blessed in essentially the most unimaginable, selfless… You ain’t have to do this. I do know hella n##### who bought their subsidiaries or no matter and… Huh… For certain. That’s one of many biggest issues I’ve ever seen in music.”
Dreamville’s break up from UMG had not been formally introduced prior to those interviews, however the label’s inside strikes and public reward from its artists have made it clear that the transition was dealt with with care and loyalty.
The label’s partnership with UMG formally ended earlier this 12 months.
