In the latest episode of the DaBaby saga, the rap star found himself in a face-off, quite literally, with a smoke shop owner. What was the bone of contention? Products featuring his likeness without his permission.
Taking to Instagram Live on Saturday, DaBaby pulled up at an undisclosed smoke shop, visibly perturbed by the discovery of paraphernalia bearing his face. With a mix of humor and seriousness, he confronted the owner, demanding his rightful cut for the unauthorized use of his image.
“Yo, we gotta talk about this, man,” he exclaimed in the live video. “What’s up with this? I need my share. At least throw me one for free!”
It wasn’t just about calling out the shop owner; DaBaby was keen on setting things straight. Upon learning that the merchandise was priced at $49.99, he swiftly negotiated for his slice of the pie, settling at $4.99 per item, a ten percent cut, to which the owner begrudgingly agreed.
This isn’t the first time DaBaby’s outspoken nature has made headlines. Just last month, he made waves by publicly ditching his Jordans in favor of Nike’s “Coach Prime” sneakers, citing a lack of love from Michael Jordan himself. His unboxing video on Instagram sparked a debate among sneakerheads and fans alike.
But DaBaby’s journey hasn’t been without its bumps. The fallout from his controversial remarks at Rolling Loud Miami in 2021 continues to haunt him, with recent reports indicating a staggering $200 million loss due to cancellations and fallout from the incident.
Despite the setbacks, DaBaby remains resilient. In a recent podcast interview with Shannon Sharpe, he reflected on the costly lesson learned, emphasizing the importance of growth and accountability in the face of adversity.
In the world of hip-hop, where image is everything, DaBaby’s stand against unauthorized use of his likeness sends a clear message: artists deserve recognition and compensation for their brand. And as he continues to navigate the highs and lows of fame, one thing is certain – DaBaby isn’t afraid to speak his mind and protect his legacy, one negotiation at a time.
