Back in December, “Planez” singer Jeremih blasted Def Jam for what he perceived as shady business handling in regard to his latest release, Late Nights: The Album. He further discussed the label’s disappointing rollout for the album during a recent interview.
While talking with Billboard, Jeremih referred to his album’s release as “the perfect ghetto rollout.” He also talked about going to retailers to buy his album and not seeing it in stores.
"It was kind of what I'd classify as the perfect ghetto rollout," Jeremih said. "To be out on Christmas Eve at Target and Walmart, doing my last minute shopping that I do every year, it just kind of sucked to go to these huge places where people buy music and not see a single Jeremih album on any shelf in Chicago. I can only imagine outside of the States. I wouldn't think it would be there, either. I went out and actually tried to purchase my own album and it wasn't there."
Def Jam pushed back the album's release several times in 2014. Subsequently, an official date was never confirmed and the project was released to digital retailers on Dec. 3.
Jeremih also noted that despite the seemingly lack of effort on the part of the label, Def Jam chose to extend his contract.
"I won't slander anybody's role or position, but I would think after a horrible rollout, that whoever rolled that album out didn't really care, that they would want to release not only me but the products that I make [as well]," he said. "Unfortunately, they had an option [to extend] after this last album, and they granted it. They actually didn't want to release me. Here I am, like, 'Why won't y'all release me if you're just going to throw it out like y'all just did?' But as long as my fans are there, I'm good."
The 15-track project was led by the double-platinum hit “Don’t Tell ‘Em” featuring YG and the J. Cole-assisted single “Planez.” The album also features guest spots from Big Sean, Future, Migos, Jhené Aiko, Ty Dolla $ign, Juicy J and Twista. According to HotNewHipHop, Late Nights: The Album didn't even crack the top 50, which means it sold less than 14k units including SPS.
Jeremih released his sophomore album, All About You, back in 2010. Earlier this month, he revealed that his next album will be Later That Night.
