Christian Rapper Refuses to Pay for Services
So this is quite the tale. Let’s get a few things out of the way. I am a journalist who predominantly covers Christian hip-hop at this point in my life. I love the community and the artists in it and I do whatever I can to help people. I especially enjoy working with indie and upcoming artists and let people pick my brain on anything they want to know about the industry. On the side, I also do some PR for artists who need help getting started or don’t know how to take the first steps in being professional. My prices are REALLY good. I do press releases for $30 to $75 and will even do an email campaign including press release for $200. All 30 or so artists I’ve worked with have paid me, except one. He wants you to know about it…for some reason…
So I’m not really about airing out people’s business regardless of the situation. I’ve also come to expect that I won’t see my money after asking several times and waiting almost 8 months. In this circumstance though, the artist is asking me to do this to “help” people. I don’t know if clout chasing or he believes this is good publicity, but I don’t want this to happen to anyone else. Sometimes people need to be exposed.
As you can see from the above, the artist is Jordan Ramble. He contacted me back in March after I put out a a Tweet about artists needing help. The conversation was fine, he seemed really ignorant to the business side of things concerning music and was answering his questions. He asked about my paid services, so I told him.
Let me also clarify this, me working for Rapzilla has nothing to do with the work I do for you. I have worked with people who’s stuff does not get posted. Recently, I have made it a habit to only work with people who I feel would make it onto Rapzilla. I don’t want to take people’s money and give them a false hope that a good press release is the be-all-end-all for getting posted on websites…it’s not. You have to have quality art. If I feel the quality isn’t there, I won’t take you on as a client because my best efforts probably won’t help you. However, I will offer you fair criticism and tell you how I think you can improve. Also, I don’t guarantee any results, just that I will make you an outstanding press release and if you get a campaign, I will send it out to all of my sources and where ever you want. It’s easy peezy…this has now changed.
As of right now, he’s got the money to invest…
The above screenshot lays out the plan. Here’s my mistake, I’m nice to people. I understand how it is to be indie and not have much money and be weary. I never asked for any money until I was done to make sure you liked the product I sent. There are no contracts, no hassle, I wanted it to be open and efficient service. This has also changed…
One week later, I took all the info he sent me and created a 1st draft of the press release and sent it to him. He said there were typos, so I created a second draft. The original deadline was for the 15th, but he didn’t get back to me until later on in the 15th so I couldn’t send it out. The morning of the 16th, I sent the press release out to my places. At no point did he mention that he was unhappy or did not have the money anymore during our interactions. After I sent the 1st draft, he could have said, “Hold up, I don’t have the money anymore.” I would have stopped after that draft. That time spend writing it was on me because I didn’t give an exact date to when I’d have it done. But he did not. I went forward with the campaign.
The above has me asking for payment one week later. Then another few days and then another few weeks.
The above confuses me. Again, I was a bit vague on when I’d deliver, but the understanding was that it would be by the 15th, which I did. I also explained why I didn’t send an invoice for something I’d do 2 weeks later. That fault is on me. But just ONE/TWO weeks before, he had money to invest and then nothing? He then says Rapzilla posted him and another page retweeted, so there were some returns.
My dates are off in the above screenshot but the sentiment is the same. I made a “BAD BUSINESS MOVE”? Yes, obviously. I even asked for ANY payment. Ignored…
Four more months passed. I forgot about it, was willing to eat it, but decided to try one more time after I saw him in my mentions talking my podcast being good. I also then saw a bunch of his tweets about forgiveness and cutting out negative people…so you know…that.
The arrogance is what got me. Thanking me for watching his videos…I’m not. Then he again mentions how I handled my business wrong which was not sending an invoice when he asked, but now 7months have passed. His word doesn’t mean much to me at this point.
I cut out the next screenshot because it contains his phone number. He sent his number and said he was tired of talking on Twitter. I said, if a phone call isn’t getting my money, I’m not calling. My time is money, and he already owes me it, I’m not jumping on the phone for a run around.
Finally, some truth comes out. He’s in a bad financial situation. He’s got a family…me too. People reading this, your bad situation doesn’t mean you can take advantage of other people. He believes I did him a “favor.” Then offers me advice…
Then more arrogance. “I would have blocked you my g.” Then has the audacity to ask why I don’t “follow him back.” Mind you, he doesn’t follow me…
That leads us to where we are now. Apparently, it’s “frustrating” to be asked for money when you owe it. He’s not “mad” at me though, so I can sleep at night, thank God.
Let’s “pull the covers off the whole thing.” Alright, let’s do it. Better hope those covers aren’t worth $200 though…I’m really not petty. I’m ready to eat $200, but the sheer arrogance and ignorance of this situation makes me want to call you out. Actually, I didn’t, you called yourself out.
I admitted “my fault” of not sending an invoice when you asked, but where’s your fault in not paying? It’s like going to a restaurant and saying you don’t have to pay for anything you ate because the check came 10 minutes after you asked for it. If you’re mad, don’t leave a tip, but pay the meal you enjoyed.
So others who need to be “inspired” and “aspire to do what I do…” don’t work with Jordan Ramble and keep your receipts. He won’t pay you or he will eventually, “it’s coming bruh.” It’s going to be 8 months and not even a quarter of it has been paid.
Here’s your 15 minutes.
CHH is an extremely diverse and gifted community. I’m just trying to help people by letting them help themselves. I don’t even care if you steal my template after I do for you. GOOD! That’s how you learn. We don’t need stains on a good thing.
For all other serious artists who need help. Hit my DM’s on Twitter, they are always open for questions. For those interested in working with me, hit me up for some references and ask them. I promise, I do good work!
P.S. I ask for half up front now and some of my prices have gone up, thanks Jordan!
