Rapper N.O.R.E. has confirmed that he has severed his ties with
Def Jam and will no longer record for the label. The tumultuous relationship was
marked by a studio album that was never released and in the past, N.O.R.E. voiced
his displeasure about the lack of promotional support of his previous projects,
including his Reggaeton album, Nore Y La Familia.

The Queens native states that his decision to move on was purely business and
there are no hard feelings. "I love Def Jam and every bit of history that
we have together, but it’s time to move on," N.O.R.E told AllHipHop.com.
"I’m fully on my own and I want to be my own boss. There will not be a
Jay-Z diss or an LA Reid diss record, because this
is what I asked for." N.O.R.E. said executives granted him an early release
from his contract.

With his new found freedom, the rapper is free to explore his entrepreneurial
side. "I’ve been in this game quite some time and it’s time I own my material,
as well as, ringtones and masters," N.O.R.E. continued. "I’m just
grateful to have a chance to show my executive side. So it’s about time and
I’m very thankful to all of the Def Jam personnel and staff. I still have great
relationships in the building."

While N.O.R.E was coy about whether he’s planning to re-sign with a major or
go the independent route, he confirmed that he has several offers on the table.
"I won’t speak about my eggs before they hatch, but I will tell you the
meetings have been going pretty good and I’m still weighing the independent
distribution, route. So hanghang too all and too all a hanghang." In addition
to keeping himself busy with a new untitled solo project, N.O.R.E is recording
a new studio album with CNN (Capone-N-Noreaga) member Capone.