Rumors that Lauryn Hill has signed a new deal with Sony Music are true, the singer has confirmed. However, the former Fugees star released a statement on her Tumblr page to say that the reported figures involved were far from the truth, as well as clarifying that she will be launching a new record label with Sony, rather than simply signing a record deal with them.

In a statement (which, if you really want to get into the machinations of record deals, artistry and the need to pay ones taxes, is slightly self-contradictory), Lauryn revealed “It has been reported that I signed a new record deal, and that I did this to pay taxes. Yes, I have recently entered into an agreement with Sony Worldwide Entertainment, to launch a new label, on which my new music will be released. And yes, I am working on new music.” That’s all very good news of course, though the message started to get slightly muddled when Lauryn started to defend herself and explain the reasons why she ended up in so much debt in the first place (we’re talking $504,000 arrears here).

“Only a completely complicated set of traps, manipulations, and inequitable business arrangements could put someone who has accomplished the things that I have, financially in need of anything,” she writes. “I am one artist who finds value in openly discussing the dynamics within this industry that force artists to compromise or distort themselves and what they do, rather than allowing them to make the music that people need. There are volumes that could (and will) be said.” Make of that what you will, folks. Using ‘the man’ to pay back ‘the man.’ Or something. 

Lauryn Hill
"Waaaah!" This is the face Lauryn Hill pulled when someone told her she had to pay her taxes