Kaash Paige signed a record deal at 18. By 22, she was independent again. Now 24, she’s rebuilding her career with clarity.
This is her story.
In high school, Kaash, born D’Kyla Paige Woolen, told her friends, “I’m going to sign a major deal one day.”
That day came in 2019 when former Def Jam A&R Tav Chaguay found her on SoundCloud and slid into her DMs.
“I didn’t even think it was real until I got the flight itinerary,” said Kaash via phone from her home in Los Angeles.
Her first experience at a major was better than most. Kaash received media training, artist development, and label support.
“They helped me get better at interviews, stage presence, vocal control—[they] helped perfect my craft,” Kaash said.
But her internal team kept shifting. Multiple A&Rs. Multiple presidents. Constant turnover.
“There was always change,” Kaash told me. “Things slipped through the cracks.” Still, she says: “It wasn’t a horror story. I just started craving something new.”
What most people didn’t know: Kaash had signed a production deal before Def Jam—with a company called Se Lavi. They owned 100% of her masters and 50% of her publishing.
“I didn’t even have my own lawyer—I used theirs,” Kaash confirmed when I asked her about the deal structure.
Eventually, Kaash texted current Def Jam president Tunji Balogun directly and asked to be let go.
“He was supportive. He said he never wants to be someone who holds me back,” Kaash said.
Within two months, she was out.
Leaving Def Jam also voided her Se Lavi deal. “They weren’t responsive. Eventually, it just dissolved,” Kaash said.
For the first time in her career, Kaash was free—and she knew what to do with it.
In late 2023, Kaash began releasing music through independent distributor Vydia, quickly built a new management team she calls “my destiny helpers,” and restructured everything from the ground up.
“Freedom is beautiful. But structure is beautiful too,” Kaash said.
What she’s learned along the way:
- Always hire your own lawyer
- Ask questions—lots of them
- Don’t take a deal because you need money
- Look for grants and sustainable support
- Ownership is everything
Kaash’s biggest challenge today? Not funding. Not marketing. Confidence.
“You see fans say you ‘fell off.’ But you have to stay grounded. I know what God has planned for me,” she admitted.
Kaash is now negotiating a short-term licensing deal with a non-major partner. She’ll retain full ownership of her masters.
“This time, I know exactly what I want,” Kaash replied when I asked if her past situation helped her recognize what she needs in a partner.
Kaash isn’t jaded—she’s centered.
“I’m grateful for Def Jam. I’m grateful for Se Lavi. They made me who I am,” Kaash said. “But now I know what a good manager looks like. What a good partner looks like. And I’m never going backwards.”
Kaash Paige isn’t chasing the dream anymore. She’s building it on her terms. Her next chapter is about to begin.