On September 7th, 2018, The HotJem received a Press Release from a blog site called Critiqsite. The Press Release was a write up of their findings from an investigation they had conducted on a Cameroonian record label called Lolhiphop Records and their artist’s boy group called Realm Squad. Criqsite’s investigation was to follow-up to check the accuracy of information provided in a Press Release by Lolhiphop Records which was made public back in late June 2018 where Lolhiphop wanted to set the record straight about rumors that had been circulating for a couple of years that there was some major beef/disagreements between the label and its artists, allegedly resulting in their artists career coming to a halt because of the record label.
The HotJem received Lolhiphop’s Press Release back in late June 28th, 2018 which explained their side of the story. However, we did not published on our platform upon receipt. But since we have just received another Press Release which is kind of like a follow-up to Lolhiphop’s Press Release, we felt the need to publish the latter Press Release so that our readers can have access to the original communication.
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE FROM CRITIQSITE
This here is to address a situation that for some time, has bothered minds of supporters and fans of the music group REALM SQUAD that concerns their termination with
their former record label(Lolhiphop Records).
After our investigation, it is understood that initially, they did not have a proper signing ceremony. And back then, this could be a mistake for any upcoming artist. This was so because the contract was sent to them online by Lolhiphop Record which was based in South Africa.
After modifications, they signed and sent back expecting their own signed copy from this company but it was never given to them, the contract containing the company’s signature till date. But still, the group does not regret leaving this contract because their label was not living up to the terms of the contract, probably because they did not sign the contract.
So, After a series of complaints they made to the company for almost a year for breaching the terms of their contract, they were made to understand that it was more of a help or favor than business. probably why they did not sign, so REALM SQUAD won’t have the right to file for breach of contract.
The only song the label ever had interest in was “Chop No Dey” which in due time we realized that it was because this song featured the boss of the said label (Wax Dey) who is also an artist. This can be justified because, after that, they did 2 releases (Feel Me and Warm Up), but the label did not support the projects in any way.
It is understood that these guys were abandoned in Douala with no team to work with them because the whole team of the said label had quit because of poor management, A whole day can be taken to name the problems and drawbacks that this engagement cost them.
So REALM SQUAD left and went back to Buea to start all over again on their own trying to pick the pieces of their careers. Nevertheless, they thought it wise to do a proper termination with the label because after they left, it was noticed they were being blocked on various occasions and media. An example is the 237 Industry Nite in Buea at Chariot of which so many can testify.
So, on trying to make a peaceful termination with their formal label, They made them understand that they wanted them back to the label. But considering the fact that during this 3 years which they left, the label went silent on them and signed a number of other artists and it has not worked out. So the group REALM SQUAD said “NO”, they are not interested to come back but to get a peaceful termination with them.
So the label gave them 2 options, either they come back into the contract they sign a termination of 3 million FCFA of which Lolhiphop records will still have a management role to play to help raise this money and everybody goes their separate ways. considering that they have been blocking these guys since they left, they saw this as an opportunity to free their music and keep working on their own regardless of the 3 million FCFA.
After a series of meetings for the past 3 months, the group finally agreed to give them a second chance, thinking they have come to their senses and were willing to work this time around. Both parties made arrangements to forget the problems and continue to work for a “win-win”.
But when the time came to sign a proper contract, the label said they are not ready for a proper signing ceremony and that they want to in pitch this group REALM SQUAD to be nominated on “AFRIMA”. That “they should just work”.
But the group refused because it was the same mistake that happened at the beginning of the first contract when they went online and told the world that REALM SQUAD was endorsed for 10 million were from our findings, they did not! So, REALM SQUAD became wiser knowing fully well that if they accept to go to “AFRIMA” before coming for their contract, the said label will not still do a proper signing ceremony and if they try to back down, the label will use its’s contacts in the industry to paint a bad image about them.
Putting this in mind and considering the harm that have been caused to their career, the image the Lolhiphop team has painted against this young and talented Cameroonian artist with all the negative energy that they have surrounded their careers with, REALM SQUAD insisted that they cannot “just work” and represent their label until a proper signing is done with lawyers and witnesses.
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And ever since REALM SQUAD refused to work blindly, this label has gone silent. so they finally came to the conclusion that this is a way of distracting them and frustrating their purpose for music. It has been 3 months since REALM SQUAD and other parties of the song “C’est La Vie” postponed C’est La Vie release. So, Considering the time, money and energy that Realm squad put on the song together with their colleagues Fluri Boyz, They all taught it wise to release the song and let people enjoy it. Recently the label, Lolhiphop has written a copyright takedown note to Youtube.
Finally, this is what we don’t understand, this label does not want to do a proper signing ceremony with REALM SQUAD and they don’t want these guys to do music and pay up the said amount. What do they want? Kindly help us answer. But one thing remains, You can’t stop God’s handwork because these guys are a bunch of raw talent. Rumors are going on that REALM SQUAD are preparing a song concerning this matter. We all know that when it comes to music, these guys are unquenchable. So, our ears can’t wait to listen. Anticipate with us.
Now we all know how hard it is to make it in this industry and it takes a lot of resources to produce a song, shoots a video and gets people to watch it (Marketing). Our industry has been very controversial over the years and critics have always use the words “We are Not Supportive of our Own”. Industry Pioneers like Wax Dey should lead so others follow, no matter the situation taking down the video was not the best option, because this particular Song “C’est La Vie” is one of those songs that can actually attract foreigners to consume our music.
It is a great song that deserved to be viral, so taking down something that adds value to our industry is not “Supportive at All”. It is just like destroying government properties in the name of strike rather than having sincere dialogue to resolute issues. Not forgetting that if Realm Squad is successful, So too will their success story be traced and Lolhiphop’s influence will be added to this history. #BringBackC’estLaVie
