I agree with Nas's letter and him publishing an open letter to the execs at Def Jam. Too many artists are silent and compliant about how they are treated behind the scenes, they really are slaves/property of the label, not partners at all. But when an artist decides to attempt to take control over their career (sound, image,etc) they are often shelved ,stalled and/or dropped ( I believe all the labels do this not just Def Jam). Even if this album never sees the light of day at least he went out fighting. All labels are about the bottom line-profit, so artistry is tossed, that's why they run to the same people for hits ( and then leaving us to wonder why everything sounds the same). Gaga's song "Paper Gangsta" is about her experience with Def Jam and their bullshit.

Take a look at Def Jam's roster and see how many people are signed that haven't released anything in a few years or anything at all. Look at Def Jam's old roster and see how many artists aren't there anymore. Kinda shocking. Def Jam used to be a hip hop/rap label but not anymore...there's nothing wrong with expanding, but don't abandon your core audience. They are hanging their success on a few people and disregarding the others, not smart because what happens when the artists decides to leave (ex: Jay Z), their fanbase will leave also. Nas is right, its not about them, its about the artist and the audience. I love when he says they aren't the stars, even though most of them tried - L.A. Reid anyone?