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.