Didn't Pun's death factor into the business problems?
My man bought Pun's second album, and in the insert I think they were promoting Cuban Link's upcoming project. I assume they were under the same record company, and Pun's success and cosign, & Joe's politicking landed Cuban the shot.
With Pun gone, label was probably less sure for Cuban to be able to pop as an artist. Joe is infamous for taking the lion's share of the deals he shopped for other artists. Remy and Tony Sunshine said this before.
Joe was a music industry vet at this point, so not a stretch to imagine that he jerked or confessed Cuban.
I always assumed that Joe predicted the label would withdraw or shelf Cuban, so he ate before the faucet was turned off.