All a deal really does is get you broader exposure and CREDIBILITY. I hate to say it, but I noticed a lot of people don't take battle rappers seriously because they're unsigned. You see how these signed artists are able to get money even Lux and Mook can't get, JUST because they're signed? Budden and Cassidy will get more than Mook, Lux, and Hollow have ever gotten for a battle.
The money is going to be made from being on the road, merchandising, etc.
Lux has low-key been making some good bread from battles and hustling merch. online and in Harlem.
Problem with that is, Mook has been signed before. Didn't do shit for him. lux probably has too.
You have to have the RIGHT deal at the right time.
Shit, Jae Mills was signed back when he batted Mook. He even had a single that was poppin at one point. I heard of him as an artist FIRST. He's been signed to Wayne, the hottest label in the game for years now and hasn't released shit. He'll be stepping in that ring soon.
Cassidy is getting what he's gonna get ONE TIME because he held out long enough from the time he was actually hot.
Lux got what he got because he came back and had a magical night. As long as Mook keeps having great nights he can battle once a year and get big checks.
Deals USED to give you credibility. Most of the new rappers coming out these days don't have a deal. Bobby Schmurda had this hit before he got a deal just like Trinidad James did and all they're gonna get from their deal is more help on an already successful SONG and a nice check. Without a song poppin, A deal for Lux is just a check- HOPEFULLY. His publicity comes from the battle he had with Calicoe. He's been living off that for 2 years. Not bad. Any rapper would be happy to have that. If one of his songs happens to take off, that'd be sweet.