Irv had Ja way before they were working on Mic's first album though, so I'm not mad at him for always being loyal to Ja. They were all together back then. Irv got them a deal with the same label that Mic was on, TVT. They actually dropped some shyt on the label before Mic's album even dropped. Like a year before. I just think Mic didn't want to get caught in the mix there. Ja stuck with Irv through all kinds of shyt, bad press, court trials, street issues, etc. Mic kinda dipped right after the second album flopped.
not debating with you because you know your shyt, we are pretty much giving history lessons here so bouncing off you, nothing but respect....
but for history's sake, Mic was the very first rapper signed to TVT. shyts Real was pressed independently before they signed to TVT, then later re-released after the deal came. shyts Real was recorded and pressed in 93 before CMC release their first single. they hadnt released anything before shyts Real came up, much less signed with TVT. then came Masta IC, then the Natural single and album subsequently. Mic was slow at working on songs, so he was signed almostt two years before the album was even released. CMC dropped their first single in 94 then signed their deal and the single was re-released, just like Mic.