Papoose Reveals Regrets Over Nas, Kay Slay, and $1.5M Jive Deal [VIDEO]

Loyalty to Kay Slay: A Double-Edged Sword

In a candid interview on The Danza Project, Papoose shared his reflections on the complex relationship he had with legendary DJ Kay Slay. This partnership brought him both recognition and challenges. While Kay Slay’s endorsement gave Papoose a strong foundation in New York, it also created obstacles in the radio industry. Major DJs were reluctant to play his music simply because he was associated with Slay. Papoose even mentioned that DJ Envy later admitted this publicly on The Breakfast Club.

Papoose described the frustration of realizing how the radio industry operated. “I was on fire in the streets—everybody knew my name—but I couldn’t get the same rotation as other artists,” he said. This experience led him to adopt an early motto: “never mix the street with the industry.” He learned this lesson the hard way, understanding the delicate balance between authenticity and commercial success.

Despite the challenges, Papoose remained deeply loyal to Kay Slay. “Slay put me in the game, that was my brother,” he said. Their bond helped solidify his reputation as one of New York’s most respected street lyricists, even if it came with certain limitations.

Turning Down Nas: A Missed Opportunity

One of the most intriguing stories from the interview involved Papoose nearly signing with Nas. Through Nas’ brother Jungle, Papoose found himself in a Manhattan pizza shop meeting with one of hip-hop’s greatest icons. Nas was heading to Def Jam with JAY-Z and wanted to bring Papoose on board as part of his roster. For a young rapper trying to make a name for himself, this was an opportunity that seemed impossible to pass up.

Nas saw potential in Papoose and wanted to build a future with him. Hearing Nas acknowledge his growing buzz in Manhattan was a huge validation. However, despite the promise of the deal, Papoose ultimately declined. Part of his decision came from loyalty to Kay Slay, while another part was due to skepticism. Slay had warned him, “Nas never blew no artist up besides himself,” a perspective that influenced Papoose’s choice.

Looking back, Papoose admits he would have made a different decision if given the chance again. “I know what I would have done with that,” he said, reflecting on the missed opportunity. This moment remains a sliding-door moment in hip-hop history, where things could have gone very differently.

The $1.5 Million Jive Records Deal

Instead of joining Nas, Papoose eventually signed a massive $1.5 million deal with Jive Records. On paper, it was everything a rapper could dream of—life-changing money, industry validation, and a chance to break nationally. At the time, Papoose felt like all his years of grinding had finally paid off. For someone coming from the mixtape circuit, the deal was a major milestone.

However, the reality of the partnership was far from what he expected. Jive didn’t understand how to market him effectively, and internal politics at the label made it difficult to gain the support he needed. Despite having resources and a budget, his career didn’t take off as planned. In hindsight, he now considers the deal one of his biggest mistakes. “The money was good, but the situation wasn’t right,” he admitted.

Papoose’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for younger artists who might be tempted by big advances. He learned that chasing money can sometimes lead to entering the wrong environment. As he puts it, “You can sign the wrong deal and end up stuck.”

Breakthrough with “Touch It (Remix)”

Papoose’s breakthrough moment came through a collaboration with Busta Rhymes. He was invited to record a verse for the star-studded “Touch It (Remix)” featuring DMX, Missy Elliott, and Mary J. Blige. At the time, he was exhausted from constant shows and even wrote his verse half-asleep.

But that verse changed everything. During a Busta show in Long Island, Papoose experienced the crowd’s reaction firsthand. “I walk out, and the whole arena started screaming. I thought they were cheering for somebody else. But it was for me,” he said. From that moment, his life shifted. He couldn’t walk into malls without being swarmed, and he knew he had truly broken into the mainstream spotlight.

Records That Mattered

While “Touch It (Remix)” was his mainstream breakthrough, Papoose points to other records that shaped his career. “Charades” was a defining single that first gained consistent radio support, thanks to Sunny from daytime radio. Then there was his feature with Joe, anchored by the unforgettable verse: “You never know what you have until you lose it…” That track became a fan favorite, charting overseas and reaching number one in Connecticut.

However, in New York, it faced sabotage due to behind-the-scenes beef. DJ Mister Cee refused to rotate the record due to a dispute with Joe’s manager, Kedar. “That record was a wave everywhere else, but in my own city it didn’t get played like it should have,” Papoose said. This experience deepened his disillusionment with industry politics.

The Weight of Loyalty and Loss

Beyond the music, Papoose reflected on the role loyalty has played in his life and career. His bond with Kay Slay was more than professional—it was family. Losing Kay Slay left a deep hole, but it also reinforced his belief in staying grounded in morals and principles.

“I come from a family where unity was everything,” he said. His upbringing instilled values of sacrifice and loyalty, lessons he carried into the rap game. Even when that loyalty cost him opportunities, Papoose stood firm. “Without unity, you don’t have strength,” he added.

A Survivor’s Mindset

Through all the highs and lows—turning down Nas, the Jive deal, politics, and personal loss—Papoose credits his mental toughness for his survival. His parents modeled both love and tough discipline, and that balance shaped his resilience.

“I had real loyal, strong-minded individuals around me,” he said. “That rubbed off.” The values of family, sacrifice, and unity became his compass in an industry full of traps.

Today, Papoose’s legacy isn’t just his lyrical ability, but the way he has navigated the game with a code of loyalty, even when it came at a cost. “Family is everything,” he said simply, echoing the advice of his late uncle.