Pusha T Understands The Music Business And Says He Does Not Take Any Handshake Deals — ‘Strictly Business-Focused In All My Ventures’

Pusha T may be steadfast in the music business but has adopted a “business-first” mindset.

As AFROTECH? previously reported, the Virginia-born rapper has made some wise decisions over the years, investing in his friend’s company, Caring Hands Medical Transportation, which has proven to be “lucrative and fulfilling,” according to a 2022 interview on “The Breakfast Club.”

“That business is like 25 vans strong running through seven cities [in Viriginia]. It’s called Caring Hands Medical Transportation. It has helped my mother, sick cousins, family members, and friends,” Pusha T said during a conversation on “Assets Over Liabilities.”

In 2022, the rapper turned a supposedly sour business decision with McDonald’s into a vital learning lesson that benefited him while working with another fast food chain. Alongside Pharrell Williams, Justin Timberlake, and Pusha T’s brother No Malice, he claims they reportedly wrote the McDonald’s “I’m Lovin’ It” jingle in 2003, noted Rolling Stone. Pusha T then said he and his brother were only given between $500,000 and $1 million at the time to split. Rolling Stone claims Justin Timberlake, who also recorded the song the jingle was based on, reportedly earned $6 million for his contributions.

Pusha T later worked with Arby’s on a diss track in 2022 after being associated with another track the restaurant used for its 2018 “We Have The Meats” campaign. For the previous track, Yogi and Skrillex’s 2014 “Burial,” he says he maintains 40% ownership, per the outlet.

As an entertainer, Pusha T’s mindset on ownership has not been the only shift in how he navigates the music industry.  In a conversation with AFROTECH?, he explains, “The music industry has taught me to be strictly business-focused in all my ventures — no more handshake deals.”

He also reveals what guides his interests when considering opportunities, adding, “The strategy now is to align with things you’re truly passionate about. It resonates with the audience in a unique way. Consumers are smart — they can tell when you’re not authentic.”

While Pusha T remains candid about his business-first mindset, music remains top-of-mind. Clipse, a musical duo consisting of Pusha T and No Malice, is set to release their next studio album, which will reportedly be named “Let God Sort Em Out,” People shares. The duo has not released an album in almost 15 years, since 2009’s “Til the Casket Drops.”

Regarding what fans should expect, Pusha T commented to AFROTECH?, “Growth and timelessness. Clipse are forever.”

While the official release date is unclear, Pharrell Williams, a longtime supporter of the group, is a producer on the album.

“Doing business with Pharrell is very helpful across the board,” Pusha T said. “Creatively, our synergy makes for the best music, and in business, those who know our relationship know that the promotion of a product is going to translate very organically to the consumer when we are positioned as a collective.”

To build momentum around the album, fans can look forward to a performance at the Pepsi Dig In Day Block Party in Chicago, IL, on Saturday, Aug. 24.

Fans will be encouraged to support and dine at Black-owned restaurants as part of Pepsi Dig In Day’s yearly initiative, which will include a buy-one-get-one deal that covers $100,000 in meals across 30 select restaurants, Essence notes.

“Being aligned with the community and Black-owned businesses, with Pepsi Dig In and with my own projects, is one of many ways to give back to the people and to hip-hop as a whole. It’s a priority to show the fans and the community that entrepreneurship is within arm’s reach,” Pusha T explained to AFROTECH?.