Hit-Boy has formally ended an 18-year publishing deal, calling it a “prison sentence” and crediting JAY-Z and Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez for serving to him safe his launch. The Grammy-winning producer announced his freedom on social media, calling the second life-changing and thanking each for his or her assist.

“Today I am a free man,” he wrote. “I feel like I just got out the pen after an 18-year sentence.” Hit-Boy, born Chauncey Hollis, signed the contract at 19. Now in his mid-thirties, he described the expertise as a lesson in possession and inventive autonomy. “More valuable than a plane or anything tangible,” he mentioned of regaining management of his publishing rights.

His gratitude prolonged to Perez, whom he thanked for her behind-the-scenes position in making the deal’s termination potential. “The love and respect runs deep,” he wrote, “and I appreciate all the help, for real.”

Hit-Boy rose to fame in 2011 with the breakout hit “N****s in Paris,” produced for Kanye West and JAY-Z’s Watch the Throne. The success of that monitor, together with work for Beyoncé, Nas, and Drake, turned him into one in all hip-hop’s most in-demand producers. Yet regardless of his accolades, he remained locked in a contract that restricted his monetary and inventive freedom.

His ties to JAY-Z hint again to childhood. “The first CD I ever bought with my own money was The Blueprint,” he shared.

A decade later, he was producing for a similar artist, fulfilling a dream. “If you get me another ‘N****s in Paris,’ I’ll get you a plane,” JAY-Z as soon as joked after the tune’s success.

With the contract behind him, Hit-Boy begins a brand new chapter outlined by possession, independence, and management over his legacy.