Hit-Boy has revealed how Jay-Z and Roc Nation played a pivotal role in freeing him from an 18-year publishing deal that nearly derailed his career. Speaking on Bag Fuel, the Grammy-winning producer said he signed the deal at just 19 years old for $50,000, not realizing the contract had “no real end date.” Despite producing massive hits like Kanye West and Jay-Z’s diamond-certified “N****s in Paris,” Hit-Boy felt stuck and unable to fully flourish creatively or financially.
By 2021, after 14 years in the deal, Hit-Boy turned to Roc Nation — where he was managed — and shared his frustrations. Jay-Z and Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez stepped in, negotiating terms that allowed him to finally exit the contract in July 2025.
“They floated me a little bag to survive and told me I’d be free in four years,” he explained. Two months ago, Hit-Boy officially celebrated his independence with a lavish party at the same Beverly Hills mansion that hosts the annual Roc Nation Brunch.
The producer also shared a memorable moment with Jay-Z tied to his breakout success. “When I did ‘N****s in Paris,’ Hov texted me like, ‘Man, if you give me another one of these, I’ll buy you a plane,’” he recalled with a laugh. “I didn’t get the plane, but I got my freedom — and that’s even better.”
Hit-Boy says he now feels like he’s starting fresh, but with more resources, experience, and clarity. “I’ve been working with a black cloud over me all these years,” he said. “Now I can think clearly, create freely, and really take things to the next level.”
Source: Bag Fuel
