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In a recent interview, singer-songwriter Summer Walker opened up about her inspiring journey into the music industry and the determination it took to bet on herself. As she gets ready for the release of her forthcoming album, Finally Over It, Walker reflected on the early days of her career and how she refused to settle for less than she deserved.

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When she first signed her record deal, Walker was juggling multiple jobs, uncertain if her music career would truly pay off. “I had a lot of jobs. And it’s so funny because my label actually had to pay me money to quit my job because I had got signed, and I was still working my job,” she shared. “And they’re like, ‘Can you cut it out?’”

Before she was a household name, the Heart of a Woman star was relentless in her pursuit of financial independence. She started her own cleaning company while also working as a dancer and fast-food employee. “I worked at Five Guys, Wendy’s, everything you can think. Like, I’m not gon’ go without no money,” Walker explained.

Her hustle paid off when she signed with Love Renaissance (LVRN), an imprint of Interscope Records, in late 2017. But even then, Walker wasn’t quick to walk away from her income. She knew her worth and wanted to ensure she was making a secure transition into entertainment.
In October 2018, she released her debut commercial mixtape, Last Day of Summer, which featured the breakout single “Girls Need Love.” The track not only resonated with fans worldwide but also caught the attention of Drake, who collaborated on a remix and cemented Walker’s place in music history.
The story, of Summer Walker Revealing She Was Paid by Label to Quit Her Job,” is groundbreaking because it highlights an extraordinary level of faith and investment in an artist by a record label. It’s rare for labels to step in and financially compensate an artist to leave their day-to-day grind, especially before the artist has proven commercial success. This move signifies how much they believed in Summer Walker’s talent and potential to become a star, even before she believed in it herself.
For aspiring artists, it’s an inspiring example of being recognized and valued for your craft. It also underscores the transformative power of being seen for your true worth and the lengths some organizations will go to nurture raw talent. This isn’t just a story about music—it’s about recognizing potential and taking bold steps to realize it.
Walker’s story is a testament to believing in yourself, knowing your worth, and demanding what you deserve. Despite her success, she hasn’t forgotten the grind it took to get here or the unwavering belief in her talent that kept her pushing forward.
For anyone chasing their dreams, Walker’s journey is a powerful reminder: bet on yourself, demand your worth, and never stop hustling until you reach your goals.