Orlando Whartonberg Says Atlantic Didn’t Believe Kodak Black Would be a Star

L: Photo by Gerald Swain | R: Via DJ Akademiks YouTube

When Kodak Black dropped "No Flockin," the Florida artist began popping off— the song caught fire, eventually becoming a timeless hit known by Hip hop fans across the world. But at the time of release, even though everyone in Florida was playing it non-stop, Atlantic Records still had its doubts about Kodak’s future.

In an interview with Dj Akademiks, Orlando Whartonberg described how the label didn’t believe the SniperGang rapper could be a star.

Whartonberg explains that he brought two artists to the label, Solo Lucci and Kodak Black, and Lucci is who drew immediate attention from the label. “Are you sure you want to sign this guy? Cause he’s not even legible.. nobody even knows what he’s saying,” said an executive to Whartonberg about Kodak. Orlando continued the story, saying how he decided to stick with and sign Kodak Black although the label didn’t agree. 

Fast-forward to 2023; Kodak has had four top 10 Billboard hits with 38 songs in the Hot 100, multiple awards nominations, nine gold plaques & 19 platinum plaques, was a 2016 XXL freshman, and has begun being regarded as one of the greatest trap rappers to ever do it. Charlamagne Tha God being one of the most recent to make this claim.

It’s safe to safe that Orlando Whartonberg made the right decision by going with his gut and bringing in Kodak Black.