The Dreamville co-founder gave his artists giant payouts after ending the label’s UMG deal, however his supervisor, Ibrahim Hamad, confirmed the label was by no means bought.

J. Cole handed out sizable checks to his Dreamville roster after chopping ties with Universal Music Group, however in keeping with his longtime supervisor Ibrahim “Ib” Hamad, the label wasn’t bought—it was only a payday from a closed chapter.

The payout, first talked about throughout a Bas interview with Elliott Wilson and later mentioned on The Joe Budden Podcast, sparked hypothesis that Dreamville had been bought. But Hamad shortly shut that down on social media, saying the windfall was merely a results of ending their take care of UMG.

“For those that misunderstood, we did not sell Dreamville lol,” Hamad posted on Twitter. “Never will, never would. We ended our Dreamville partnership with umg and some blessings came with that. and When blessings come your way it’s only right to share those blessings with the family. Just some clarity.”

For people who misunderstood, we didn’t promote Dreamville lol. Never will, by no means would. We ended our Dreamville partnership with umg and a few blessings got here with that and When blessings come your approach it’s solely proper to share these blessings with the household. Just some readability 🫡

— Ibrahim H. (@KingOfQueenz) August 9, 2025

J.I.D, considered one of Dreamville’s standout artists, praised J. Cole for his generosity and management throughout the transition.

“Cole looked out for everybody that was a part of Dreamville,” J.I.D mentioned. “That’s one of the most beautiful things in hip-hop right there. That never f_ing happens. And it happens to the regard where, if n_as on Dreamville that was a part of it don’t want to do music and they just want to move on with their life, they would be good. Be straight. You do it because you love it.”

He continued, “I’m just saying. If we want to speak to real s**t in the industry, if we want to talk about an apology, apologize 30 more times. That is the greatest n#### on f###### Earth. In this predatory ass industry. N#### was blessed in the most unimaginable, selfless… You ain’t have to do that. I know hella n##### who sold their subsidiaries or whatever and… Huh… For sure. That’s one of the greatest things I’ve ever seen in music.”

Dreamville’s break up from UMG had not been formally introduced prior to those interviews, however the label’s inside strikes and public reward from its artists have made it clear that the transition was dealt with with care and loyalty.

The label’s partnership with UMG formally ended earlier this yr.

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