Report: Tinashe Splits with RCA Records
A day after RCA Records dropped R. Kelly, there are now reports that Tinashe has also parted ways with the Sony Music label.
Fans noticed that the “2 On” singer has been removed from the label’s website. In November, Tinashe may have alluded to her split with RCA by posting a screenshot of a “404 Not Found” error message that displays when you try to access her artist page on RCARecords.com. There has been no official confirmation from Tinashe or RCA.
Tinashe is no longer listed as an RCA Artist.
This is why she posted this photo on IG. pic.twitter.com/2FxWDEbFj3— TINASHE USA🇺🇸 (@TinasheUSA) January 19, 2019
The 25-year-old released three projects on the label including her 2014 debut Aquarius and last year’s Joyride, as well as her 2016 mixtape Nightride.
Tinashe had expressed frustration with RCA in the past, claiming the label prioritized other acts including labelmate ZAYN over her. When asked why her sophomore album Joyride had been delayed, she once told a fan: “They’re focused on Zany lmao that’s the real tea.”
She also butted heads with her A&R when she voiced her opinion about the direction of her music. After expressing that she did not want to record a particular song, the label rep suggested she go home. “He turned to me and said, ‘Well, then we can just go home.’ At this point, I burst into tears,” she told Lena Dunham as part of the actress’ “Women of the Hour” podcast in 2017.
Meanwhile, the singer is venturing into other areas. She is set to play Mimi in Fox’s upcoming live production of the musical “Rent” alongside Vanessa Hudgens, Mario, Kiersey Clemons, Jordan Fisher, and more. “Rent” will air live on Sunday, Jan. 27.
UPDATE: Despite rumors, Tinashe’s manager says “she wasn’t dropped.” “We initiated for her to be released. It was a positive split for her,” Mike Nazzaro tells Rolling Stone. “It’s giving her back creative control.”
He says the split was best for both parties. “Her relationship with RCA was a long-term relationship, but they needed space,” he adds. “It was time to part ways.”
Tinashe is now deciding her next move. “She’s excited for this next step in her career,” says Nazzaro. “We’re trying to decide now, if we want new partners, who the next ones will be.”