In an industry where image often takes center stage, Bella Shmurda warned that the pressure to maintain a high-end appearance can have long-term financial consequences. He explained that many young musicians, in an attempt to live up to these expectations, end up accepting advances from record labels—funds that often come with heavy obligations and loss of creative freedom.
"It's because of the too much emphasis on expensive packaging that our young artists now run towards advances," he said. "And they end up being indebted to those companies. The companies have to hold their catalogue for years."
According to Bella, he too fell into the trap early in his career, spending recklessly on material things before realising the importance of budgeting and financial planning. Now, he encourages artists to redefine what it means to be well-branded.
"I don’t think packaging has to be materialistic," he said. "Having good clothes on you, looking nice, nice skin, brushing your teeth, smelling well—that’s enough. If you know how to dress without chains, you’re good. You don’t need all the flash."
He stressed that looking clean and well-groomed can go a long way in building a strong public image, without draining finances that could otherwise be used to fund creative projects.
Bella’s remarks have struck a chord in an industry that often glorifies luxury, sparking renewed conversations about sustainability, independence, and the long-term well-being of artists.
Ultimately, his message is clear: success in music should not come at the cost of financial ruin. By choosing responsible spending and rejecting the glamorisation of materialism, artists can maintain both their freedom and their future.