Rowlene Breaks Silence On Tall Racks Fallout: ‘I Had Too Much Faith in One Man.’ South African R&B singer Rowlene has opened up about her experience with Tall Racks Records, admitting that she placed “too much faith in one man” and that criticism surrounding her time at the label ultimately became personal.
Speaking during a recent appearance on SlikourOnLife’s Too Much Info, Rowlene reflected on what she believes went wrong during her time at Tall Racks, the record label founded by rapper Nasty C. Rowlene became the label’s first artist signing in 2018, marking the beginning of a professional relationship that would later come to an end as she returned to independence.
“So, back to what happened to me and to Tall Racks. So what happened was, I feel like no one knew what they were doing, and I had too much faith in one man,” Rowlene said.
Despite the difficulties surrounding her experience, the singer made it clear that she does not harbour resentment towards those involved. Instead, she acknowledged the difficulty of building a business and navigating the music industry, while also questioning some of the comments that have been made about her work ethic.
“And at the end of the day, I hold no resentment, even though there’s so much stuff that’s being said unnecessarily,” she explained. “I respect the fact that they could start something, and understanding how hard the industry is now.”
Rowlene took particular issue with claims that she was lazy or did not work hard enough during her time with the label.
“Being said and told that I was lazy and that I’m not, like, hardworking enough, or I didn’t want it enough, is kind of crazy,” she said.
The singer admitted that she normally tries not to take criticism about her career personally. However, in this case, she acknowledged that the accusations struck a deeper chord.
“Because personally, that’s one thing I try to not take personally. But this is too much info. So I’m gonna tell you I did take this personally, and that’s all I’m gonna say,” Rowlene said.
Her comments offer a more personal perspective on a chapter of her career that began with considerable promise. At the time of her signing, Rowlene and Nasty C described their relationship as one built on friendship and mutual belief, with Rowlene previously saying that he believed in her when she did not believe in herself.
Years later, Rowlene appears to have reached a place where she can reflect on the experience without allowing it to define her relationship with those involved.
“We’re all trying to hustle,” she said, before delivering perhaps her most pointed remark about the situation: “But receipts are still valid, even though I won’t use them, because I’m not God, man.”
The revelations come at a significant moment in Rowlene’s career. After returning to independence, she has entered a new chapter with her latest album, Some Strings Attached, her first studio album in six years. The project explores relationships, personal growth and the experiences that have shaped her, including connections within and outside the music industry.
While Rowlene has chosen not to publicly unleash the alleged evidence she says she still possesses, her remarks suggest that her Tall Racks experience remains an important part of the story behind the artist she has become.
Rather than reigniting an old conflict, the singer appears intent on acknowledging what happened, keeping her receipts to herself and moving forward on her own terms.
