Questlove, Nas, Pete Rock, Jarobi & More Boycott Tommy Boy Over De La Soul Controversy

Elijah C. Watson Elijah Watson serves as Okayplayer's News & Culture Editor. When…

#TommyBoycott has gained some support from fans and rap artists alike.

Following claims from De La Soul that their original label Tommy Boy will be releasing their early music on streaming and downloading services and keeping most of the profits, fans and rap artists alike have protested against the label.

READ: Tidal Will Not Be Streaming De La Soul’s Early Albums Over Tommy Boy Dispute

Questlove, Nas, Pete Rock, Jarobi and more have taken to Instagram to share a post of a prohibition sign over the Tommy Boy label image along with the #TommyBoycott.

“…been hoping and wishing and praying for their back catalogue to be made available on digital media FOREVER — but not like this Tommy Boy Records,” Questlove captioned the post with. “This narrative has been going on since the blues, since jazz, since rock n roll, since disco, since soul — I’m proud of De La for using their voice. Let’s fix this. For the greater good. Let’s be respectful and fair.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

I hate that it has come to this. Seriously. But there is no “if I have to choose a side?” #DeLaSoul means everything to me. @WeAreDeLaSoul gave me and millions of music lovers LIFE. I been hoping and wishing and praying for their back catalogue to be made available on digital media FOREVER—-but not like this @tommyboyrecords. This narrative has been going on since the blues, since jazz, since rock n roll, since disco, since soul——-I’m proud of De La for using their voice. Let’s fix this. For the greater good. Let’s be respectful and fair. 90% to the label & 10% to the artist is not fair. Normal protocol is just to 🤷🏾‍♂️ accept that’s how it is nowadays. We can change that. Change starts now. As much as it pains me to not cop 10 of those issues each and share all their timeless work of genius to a generation that has no clue—-join me in standing w De La Soul in this #TommyBOYCOTT. Do y’all understand I been waiting DECADES to finally listen to their awe inspiring work in the car, on lunch break, in the gym, just chillin? I can’t do that to them. Until you do right by the soul? There is no convo.

A post shared by Questlove Gomez (@questlove) on

“DE LA SOUL is the foundation for the young or old, Hip Hop lovers or not. It’s UNIVERSAL RESPECT for these brothers! My friends,” Nas said in his own post. “Word to the GZA – ‘Tommy ain’t my motherfucker boy’ When you don’t respect the foundation you’re Doomed for Bad Karma!”

Nas then ended his caption telling fans to “look out for new moves” from he and De La.

Tommy Boy has since postponed the release of the rap trio’s first six albums.

Check out responses from Pete Rock, Jarobi and more below.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

What they are doing to De La Soul makes my skin crawl😡

A post shared by Pete Rock (@realpeterock) on

 

View this post on Instagram

 

I never get involved in business that’s not my own. This hits way to close to home. I echo Questlove’s feelings. Y’all know De La is my favorite group in the world! Please repost this to all your followers. And ask your followers to do the same. Let’s try to fix this antiquated record label bad loan bullshit! #tommyboycott Reposted from @questlove – I hate that it has come to this. Seriously. But there is no “if I have to choose a side?” #DeLaSoul means everything to me. @WeAreDeLaSoul gave me and millions of music lovers LIFE. I been hoping and wishing and praying for their back catalogue to be made available on digital media FOREVER—-but not like this @tommyboyrecords. This narrative has been going on since the blues, since jazz, since rock n roll, since disco, since soul——-I’m proud of De La for using their voice. Let’s fix this. For the greater good. Let’s be respectful and fair. 90% to the label & 10% to the artist is not fair. Normal protocol is just to 🤷🏾‍♂️ accept that’s how it is nowadays. We can change that. Change starts now. As much as it pains me to not cop 10 of those issues each and share all their timeless work of genius to a generation that has no clue—-join me in standing w De La Soul in this #TommyBOYCOTT. Do y’all understand I been waiting DECADES to finally listen to their awe inspiring work in the car, on lunch break, in the gym, just chillin? I can’t do that to them. Until you do right by the soul? There is no convo.

A post shared by Jarobi White (@jarobiwhite) on

 

View this post on Instagram

 

@tommyboyrecords take care of De La Soul, Do he right thing! ✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾 #delasoul #dotherightthing #fightthepower #hiphop

A post shared by Chuck D 🎤 (@mrchuckd_pe) on

Want More?

Sign Up To Our Newsletter

Follow Us