Big Cat Records CEO Responds to Trap-A-Thon Controversy
Days after Gucci Mane spoke out on the controversy surrounding the release of a new album of previously unreleased material, the CEO of the rapper’s former record label is weighing in on the situation.
In a recently-released statement, Marlon "Big Cat" Rowe voiced his excitement over his former artist’s album, Trap-A-Thon, despite Gucci Mane’s opposition to the Big Cat Records release.
"People are saying the Trap-A Thon album is Gucci Mane's best so far and we agree, " Rowe said. "Even though our issues with his new label have become public, we still feel that Gucci Mane is one of the best in the game. His work on Trap-A-Thon, recorded last year after he was exonerated and released, is as street as it gets."
Rowe’s remarks are in direct contrast to a statement Gucci Mane issued last week.
The rapper washed his hands of Trap-A-Thon, claiming the album is unauthorized work that was recorded before he left Big Cat.
"Not only was this done with out my approval, but the music they are trying to release is unfinished and does not represent who I am today as an artist," said Gucci Mane, who urged his fans "not to support this release and instead wait for the official Gucci Mane, Back To The Trap House album coming out on my label So Icey Entertainment/Czar/ Asylum/Atlantic Records on November 13th."
Gucci Mane’s dispute with Big Cat Records is one of two grievances involving Rowe.
The label head is currently embroiled in a court case against the rapper and Atlantic Records.
The New York Times reports that the case, referred to as Gucci Mane and Atlantic Records v. Marlon Rowe, stems from Gucci Mane’s song "Freaky Gurl."
Rowe argues that Atlantic is capitalizing off Big Cat’s initial promotion of "Freak Gurl," which was originally featured on a CD released last year on Big Cat Records.
"They're trying to hijack my record," Rowe told The Times. "They have the resources and the money to create their own hits. They can work with any producer they want in the world. We're just a small independent out of Atlanta. It's not fair."
The Big Cat Records album includes a new version of "Freaky Gurl."
According to court records, Atlantic and Asylum argue that the release violates the terms of Atlantic’s buyout agreement with Big Cat.
In the case, Big Cat contends that it was offered $15,000 by Asylum to buy "Freaky Gurl," After talks failed between the two companies, Asylum began work on the "Freaky Gurl" remix, which features Disturbing Tha Peace rapper Ludacris.