i think rappers & singer need to be thinking forward about their career, when you hit the big time & your contract is up set up your own label because all these record label’s think they know what real music is, they are picking & choosing who they think will sell based on trends. That has nothing to do with the music & supporting the artist to have core fan base to build on.
Akon, lil Wayne, P Diddy, Luda they own their own labels to keep them were they are

i surprised akon career has lasted this long but the man is smart he has his own label, lady gaga is a big star part of the money she produces goes to akon i think owning your own label and moving away from the big name record labels is how you will keep your career in this industry today.