Foxy Brown has parted ways with Def Jam - just before the release of her highly anticipated comeback album Back Roses.The troubled rap star, who was recently charged with felony assault for allegedly attacking her neighbour last month (Jul07), reteamed with former mentor Shawn 'Jay-Z' Carter in 2004 and signed to his Roc-A-Fella Records, an imprint of Island Def Jam.She was expected to drop Black Roses later this year (07) having recovered from her temporary hearing loss following surgery in early 2006, but plans for her rap return have suffered a number of setbacks due to various legal problems.And Brown - real name Inga Marchand - has now signed a distribution deal for her own Black Rose Entertainment with Koch Records, through which she will now release her 'street' LP, Brooklyn's Don Diva.She says, "I have always been a symbol of independence as a female in music. My brand is already established, millions of my records have already been sold, and I have a fan base already loyal.""After 13 years at Def Jam, I felt it was time as a matured business women to move on and continue my brand under the roof of something I own."Her manager Chaz Williams, of Black Hand Management, also claims the move was down to financial issues.

He adds, "Foxy is not only an incredible talent, but an entrepreneur with a vision. She decided to move on to literally greener pastures, like money green."

"We are faced with a climate in music and new media where the independent is far more profitable. Ownership and partnerships are the new millennium record deals."

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