Atlanta rapper CyHi the Prynce has released a deeply personal and critical new track, “The G.O.O.D. Ole Days,” detailing his experiences with Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music label and the factors contributing to its eventual dissolution. The six-plus minute song, structured as an interview with radio host Gina Views, doesn’t shy away from naming names, addressing relationships with West, Travis Scott, Kid Cudi, and former label president Pusha T. The release comes as fans continue to follow the evolving narrative surrounding West and his musical empire.
The song serves as CyHi’s account of the inner workings of G.O.O.D. Music, a collective that once housed some of the biggest names in hip-hop. While acknowledging West’s creative influence, CyHi raps about the challenges of navigating the label’s often turbulent environment. The release of “The G.O.O.D. Ole Days” marks a significant moment for both CyHi, who is preparing to release a new album, and for those interested in the behind-the-scenes story of one of music’s most influential labels.
CyHi’s grievances extend to specific artists within the G.O.O.D. Music orbit. He alleges a strained relationship with Travis Scott, stemming from a lack of reciprocity after co-writing Scott’s 2018 hit “Sicko Mode.” According to the lyrics, CyHi felt he was unable to secure a guest verse from Scott in return, despite the song achieving 11-times platinum status. “When I helped him with his album, it went like [11-times] platinum,” CyHi raps, “but I still ain’t got my swap and he mad that I’m even askin’.”
The track also touches on the fallout between West and Kid Cudi, a situation CyHi describes as deeply unsettling. He raps, “It could have got real ugly / They said that Ye almost fucked around and killed buddy,” and continues, “And that’s why they relationship is still muddy / And I’m caught between it all.” This alludes to reports from 2022 regarding a public dispute between West and Cudi, with CyHi feeling caught in the crossfire. HipHopFreaks.com provides further context on the song’s revelations.
Pusha T Receives Praise Amidst Label Criticism
Amidst the criticisms leveled at other artists and West himself, Pusha T emerges as a figure CyHi holds in high regard. He describes the former label president as “the realest,” drawing a comparison to Colin Kaepernick’s stance of taking a knee in protest. “He never took a fee, he gave me them verses and hooks for free,” CyHi states, adding, “We stayed tight through all the G.O.O.D. Music beef, ‘cause we both learned about loyalty in the streets.” This praise stands in contrast to the more critical reflections on other relationships within the label.
CyHi also acknowledges West’s role in the label’s instability, stating, “Sometimes Kanye could be a little difficult / I secure it, but I understand him in a different way / Y’all just recognize the beautiful dark twisty Ye.” This suggests a complex understanding of West’s personality and its impact on G.O.O.D. Music’s trajectory. The song doesn’t offer a simple condemnation, but rather a nuanced perspective on the label’s internal dynamics.
The release of “The G.O.O.D. Ole Days” coincides with the announcement of CyHi’s upcoming album, The Story of Mr. EGOT, his first full-length project since 2017’s No Dope on Sundays, which featured collaborations with many of the artists mentioned in the song. HotNewHipHop notes that CyHi has been building anticipation for both the album and his reflections on G.O.O.D. Music for some time.
G.O.O.D. Music, founded by Kanye West, once boasted a roster including Big Sean, John Legend, Common, and Teyana Taylor, among others. The label’s distribution deal with Def Jam ended in 2021 following the release of West’s album Donda. Pusha T stepped down as president in 2022, publicly distancing himself from West following controversial remarks, as reported by Pitchfork. West later issued an apology for his past behavior in a full-page ad in the Wall Street Journal in January, attributing his actions to a 2002 car accident.
As CyHi prepares to release The Story of Mr. EGOT, “The G.O.O.D. Ole Days” serves as a compelling prelude, offering a raw and honest appear into the complexities of navigating a creative partnership with one of music’s most enigmatic figures. The song’s release is likely to spark further conversation about the rise and fall of G.O.O.D. Music and the lasting impact of Kanye West’s influence on the hip-hop landscape. The coming weeks will reveal how this narrative unfolds with the release of CyHi’s new album and potential responses from the artists mentioned in the track.
What are your thoughts on CyHi’s perspective on the G.O.O.D. Music era? Share your comments below and let us know what you suppose.
