21 Savage is making Epic moves. After years of being an independent artist, the Atlanta MC has signed to L.A. Reid.

He confirmed the Epic Records deal during a recent episode of the Rap Radar podcast. “I ain’t wanna just sign on some straight business shit,” said Savage. “I wanna sign to someone who believes in me and understands me.”

When asked why he signed to Reid, the XXL Freshman explained, “Because he’s black. He’s probably the last black CEO. Why not? He’ll understand me before anyone else.”

Savage is in good company, joining a prestigious list of Epic signees including Future, Diddy, Rick Ross, DJ Khaled, Mariah Carey, and Jennifer Lopez.

Savage, whose Metro Boomin-assisted mixtape Savage Mode dropped last July, also explained his philosophy on releasing music. “Just give them a project every time instead of a single and don’t overflood, don’t drop too much music,” he said. “I see a lotta ni**as drop like every other month. You’re giving ’em too much. You gotta let ’em digest and force them to listen to this over and over.”

When asked about his “Sneakin'” collaborator Drake, who gifted him a Ferrari for his birthday, Savage offered praise. “We been fuckin’ with each other before Slaughter King even came out,” he said. “Drake genuine. I feel like he’s a genuine person.”

Savage’s 2017 plans may include a sequel to his 2016 mixtape. In November, he told The FADER that he had recorded 20 or 30 more tracks with Metro Boomin for the project, which may be called Savage Mode 2.