Camden, New Jersey’s own Porta Rich is making waves in both the rap and acting scenes, but recent times have been anything but smooth for the multi-talented artist. In a candid conversation with Gully TV, Porta Rich opens up about the sudden end of the Devin Wade Show, which he co-hosted before the business relationship between him and show creator Devin Wade hit a breaking point.
While fans of the show were left in the dark after the abrupt halt, Porta Rich offers his perspective on the fallout and the behind-the-scenes tension that led to the split. “We put in a lot of work, and at first, the energy was right. But over time, communication broke down,” he shares. According to Porta Rich, one of the core issues stemmed from poor organization around live shows, which caused frustration as both The Devin Wade Show and Talk Heavy shared overlapping audiences. While Porta Rich sought more clarity in scheduling, Wade interpreted this as a challenge to his control over the show, ultimately leading to misunderstandings and, eventually, the severing of ties.
In the interview, Porta Rich also dives into the business side of things, offering sharp criticism of the initial contract he was given, calling it unfair and a sign of distrust. “The contract didn’t feel right from the start,” he says, reflecting on the lack of transparency and the growing divide. He recalls how Wade’s ownership of assets like cameras and the studio space became points of contention, with Wade leveraging those assets in ways that felt self-serving to Porta Rich. “I helped build the show from the ground up, but it felt like Dev was trying to push me out,” he adds. Despite these frustrations, Porta Rich still acknowledges Wade’s hard work and vision but underscores how vital it is for partners to maintain respect and fairness in their business dealings.
Yet, it wasn’t just the business arrangements that caused strife. Porta Rich felt as though his contributions weren’t properly valued, particularly his writing work on the show. He draws a comparison to owning a share in an apartment complex, stressing that no one should be able to take what’s rightfully theirs without respect or compensation. This sense of being taken for granted was compounded by a conversation in which Wade likened the situation to giving someone a ride and expecting them to eventually find their own way. “I built this show alongside him. I wasn’t just a passenger,” Porta Rich asserts.
Despite all the challenges, Porta Rich remains focused on his own path forward. Now in a position to reflect, he shares that he’s been striving to grow as both an artist and an actor. He recently received encouragement from actor Clifton Powell, who praised his natural talent and advised against taking formal acting classes. While the praise is humbling, Porta Rich insists on continuing to hone his craft through hard work and persistence.
On the music side, Porta Rich opens up about the struggle for financial stability as an artist in today’s streaming-driven industry. With platforms like Tidal underpaying artists, he advocates for a more diversified approach to income. “Artists need to have multiple hustles—merch, comedy, acting, whatever works,” he says. “The streaming platforms are exploiting us. You have to adapt to the times.”
When it comes to recording music, Porta Rich has also had to adjust to changing circumstances, including the challenge of traveling to Queens to work with Vinnie Idol. Though he’s considering becoming more self-sufficient in his recording process, he admits that he misses the collaborative aspect of working with a team. Despite these hurdles, he remains focused on building his career, both musically and in the acting world.
As for his relationship with Wade, Porta Rich is clear in his feelings—disappointment mixed with a lingering hope for resolution. Though the split left him burned out, he’s moved on and doesn’t harbor ill will. Still, he hopes that all parties involved can find success, even if that means moving forward separately.
To wrap up the interview, Porta Rich encourages fans to follow him on social media and check out his official website, PortaRich.com. “I appreciate all the support, and I promise there’s more to come,” he says with optimism for the future.
Stream Porta Rich’s music and stay updated on his career via Instagram @PortaRich and visit PortaRich.com.
