CyHi Details G.O.O.D. Music Grievances on “The G.O.O.D. Ole Days”
Atlanta rapper CyHi the Prynce has released a six-plus minute track, “The G.O.O.D. Ole Days,” detailing his experiences with Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music label and its eventual dissolution. The song, structured as an interview with radio host Gina Views, addresses relationships with West, Travis Scott, Kid Cudi, and former label president Pusha T.
Navigating the G.O.O.D. Music Landscape
CyHi acknowledges West’s creative influence while rapping about the challenges of navigating the label’s often turbulent environment. He reflects on his time with G.O.O.D. Music, where he signed in 2010 after appearing on Kanye West’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy’s “So Appalled.”
Specific Grievances
The track delves into specific issues CyHi experienced with other artists within the G.O.O.D. Music orbit. He alleges a strained relationship with Travis Scott, stemming from a lack of reciprocity after co-writing Scott’s 2018 hit “Sicko Mode.” According to the lyrics, CyHi felt he was unable to secure a guest verse from Scott in return, despite the song achieving 11-times platinum status. “When I helped him with his album, it went like [11-times] platinum,” CyHi raps, “but I still ain’t got my swap and he mad that I’m even askin’.”
CyHi also touches on the fallout between West and Kid Cudi, describing the situation as deeply unsettling.
Pusha T Receives Praise
Of all the artists mentioned, Pusha T receives the most favorable shout-out, with CyHi calling him “the realest” and comparing his work with the label to Colin Kaepernick “taking a knee for the team.” CyHi notes that Pusha T “never took a fee” and provided verses and hooks for free.
Future Projects and G.O.O.D. Music History
CyHi concludes the track by teasing a new album, The Story of Mr. EGOT, which will be his first proper LP since his 2017 debut No Dope on Sundays.
G.O.O.D. Music’s roster has included artists such as Big Sean, John Legend, Common, Mos Def, Q-Tip, Teyana Taylor, and 070 Shake. The label’s production arm, Highly Good Beats, featured Evian Christ, Hudson Mohawke, and Charlie Heat.
CyHi left the label in 2015 and later signed with Sony Music. Def Jam ended its affiliation with both G.O.O.D. And Ye in 2021, following the release of Donda. Pusha T stepped down as G.O.O.D.’s president in 2022, stating he was no longer on speaking terms with West and disavowed West’s antisemitic remarks.