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Sha Money XL’s has heard the criticism thrown at Trinidad James and has offered up a response. As VP of A&R at Def Jam, the label which signed James, Sha has worked with some of the biggest artists in the game, and is responsible for helping to construct G-Unit’s onetime musical takeover.

James’ “All Gold Everything” launched his career, resulting in a $2 million deal with Def Jam, but with success comes lots of critique. The Atlanta rapper getting the beat for free of the ‘Net, and admitting to rapping for less than a year, raised questions behind his dedication and staying power, but according to Sha, he deserves respect. “I think it’s really still about the music,” he told HipHop DX exclusively. “Trinidad [James] created a record that everyone can say they like. No matter how much they make fun of him and mash him up with the jokes they like the damn record.

“Music is music. The formula, when you talk about mixtapes and how you put content out , you have the seed to plant. You create awareness, and you grow. That’s a formula we all see. But I think the ultimate part of the formula is that the music has gotta be dope.”

Sharing a similar view during an interview with us, last month, James said that he could “understand” he’s seen as a one-hit wonder, but called all that he’s done “phenomenal.”

Up next he will embark on an 11-city tour.