In 2019, Tory Lanez began complaining about his label, Interscope Records. By February 2020, he announced his departure. After spending five years with the label, this ushered in a new era for the artist. He's amassed success from his collaborations with other artists—including Meek Mill, Drake, and Chris Brown—to his mixtape series that topped the charts. Sincerely Tory (2013), Conflicts of My Soul: The 416 Story (2014), Chixtape III (2015), The New Toronto (2015), Chixtape IV (2017), International Fargo (2019), and The VVS Capsule (2020) and just a handful of hitmaking releases that fans continue to stream into the millions.
Controversial Artist
Tory Lanez has been involved in several controversies throughout his career. This is in addition to the legal case surrounding the shooting incident with Megan Thee Stallion. Lanez was subsequently charged and convicted and currently awaits sentencing. He has also faced criticism for his behavior and comments. In 2016, Lanez was involved in an almost physical altercation with rapper Travis Scott at a music festival. The incident was reportedly captured on video and widely circulated on social media.
Moreover, he's beefed with Drake, Joyner Lucas, and Don Q. These feuds have often involved diss tracks and social media insults, which have led to controversy and negative press. In addition, he was criticized for performing at a series of indoor concerts in Florida during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many fans and health officials criticized him for putting the public at risk by performing at these events. He's also being accused of plagiarism, with some accusing him of copying the flow and lyrics of his fellow artists.
Despite these controversies, Lanez has maintained a loyal fan base and has released several successful albums and singles. However, these incidents have impacted his reputation.
Leaving Interscope
Lanez began his musical career in the mid-2000s, initially as a rapper and later as a singer, songwriter, and producer. He gained recognition for his mixtapes, including Conflicts of My Soul: The 416 Story and Chixtape series. They showcased his versatility and eclectic range of influences, blending elements of rap, R&B, and reggae. In 2015, Lanez signed with Mad Love Records and Interscope Records, where he released his studio album, I Told You So, in 2016. The album received positive reviews and peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart. Tory has since released several more albums and mixtapes, including Memories Don't Die, Love Me Now? and The New Toronto 3.
Lanez has not publicly stated the exact reason why he left Interscope. So, it's not clear what the specific factors were that led to his departure. However, it has been reported that Lanez and his team had been pushing for more creative control over his music. Before announcing his leave from the label, Tory went on a Twitter rant announcing the release of The New Toronto 3.
Differences with Interscope over the direction of his career and the level of artistic autonomy he sought may have played a role in his decision to leave the label. Additionally, there have been reports of tensions between Lanez and Interscope executives over the release and promotion of his music. Ultimately, the exact reasons behind Tory's departure from Interscope remain unclear.
Is Tory Lanez An Independent Artist Now?
Lanez has found immense success as an independent artist. He has been navigating his career outside of a label for the last few years. Alone at Prom, his 2021 release, was delivered as an independent project. It is unclear if he is fully independent or has a distribution or marketing deal with a label or distributor. Undoubtedly, his legal trouble has dented his music career. He has filed appeals for a new trial, but things don't look promising at the time of this publication. However, his fanbase has continued to support him, calling for his release from jail.
