Slip-N-Slide Records has made themselves even more relevant in the rap game as of late. The recent collabo with Def Jam definitely did not hurt in solidifying their place. Even their fallout with TVT Records over unpaid funds could not stop them from inevitable progress.

The man behind all of this drama is Ted Lucas. The name may sound familiar to some, but most really know nothing about the man who is "picking up where Luke stopped." How did a man who used to be a concert promoter become a record label owner? Ted knows who he owes all of his success to. He isn't ashamed to let everyone know either.

BallerStatus.com: How do you decide who you are going to sign? What criteria do you use?

Ted Lucas: I need somebody who can make a song. There has to be a hook. Can you make a record? Just rapping is one thing. The hook in the song is one of the most important parts of it. I can get you the right producer; I can get you the beat. If you are a singer, a lot of people can sing, but can you deliver?

BallerStatus.com: What are some of the traits of your label that makes your label distinctive?

Ted Lucas: The streets are the foundation. Once you got the streets believing in the artist... they not just one hit wonders. I try to find an artist that has a fan base. They have a buzz in the street. Not just someone who has a record on the radio. I need to see some people that believe in you already. You got to be the best in your hometown.

BallerStatus.com: Now that the case is over, what are some of your thoughts you have about the situation with TVT Records?

Ted Lucas: I never had a problem with TVT at all. I think that the way they take care of business is the problem. You got to make sure that you and whoever you're doing business with are communicating. In this business, you are going to cross paths. Just make sure that you are doing right by that person.

BallerStatus.com: Have a clean slate between you two...

Ted Lucas: Exactly. Keep your slate clean. Same person you see coming up is the same person you are going to see coming down.

BallerStatus.com: In this case, did you ever feel like a sense of betrayal or distrust when that went on with them?

Ted Lucas: I know dealing with TVT, you could get into that situation. I wasn't shocked. I was more like, "Here we go again." They known to not pay and do that kind of stuff. I didn't have a problem with any of the artists, its just the way TVT run their business.

BallerStatus.com: What brought on the collabo with Def Jam?

Ted Lucas: Rick Ross taken off and doing what he was doing. That helped. The A&R at Def Jam wanted to work with Rick Ross. Then after that, we met with Jay-Z and L.A. Reid and Def Jam felt like they wanted to work with Slip-N-Slide.

BallerStatus.com: How do you like it so far?

Ted Lucas: I like the way they conduct business. They take care of business first. If the music is right, then everything else falls into place.

BallerStatus.com: Are you a spiritual man?

Ted Lucas: Definitely. I haven't been in the business this long without the grace of God. I put God first. I get on my knees and pray every morning.

BallerStatus.com: What do you think about people who say that you are a spiritual man, but the music you produce does not reflect that?

Ted Lucas: I feel that they too holy to understand what it means to have a relationship with God. I feel like God has me here for a reason. Somebody might read this interview and feel like if Ted can do it, then so can I. There is nobody out there who is better than the next man. I feel like I get better every day.

BallerStatus.com: Do you ever run into people on the street who judged you? Or in your every day life?

Ted Lucas: All the time. Those are the kind of people who make you stay in prayer and keep reading your word. Help me to get to know God better. You can't let a man judge you, you only going to be judged by God. I tell them "God bless you" when they come at me like that. You don't argue with those people. I know where my blessing comes from and it's not Trick Daddy or Rick Ross or Plies. Whoever it is who wants to question me about it, I'm going to let it be known that it is my Lord Jesus Christ who gives me my blessings.

BallerStatus.com: What are some up-and-coming projects we can expect from Slip-N-Slide?

Ted Lucas: Trina coming back with the Baddest Bitch Reloaded. She coming with the Glamourest Life and Baddest Bitch combined. She stays in the studio. She's hungry. The new Rick Ross album coming in stores.

BallerStatus.com: You guys have a more raunchy side to your music. Why go in that direction?

Ted Lucas: I wanted to take it back to the days of Luke and 2 Live Crew. We going to pick up where they left off for adult entertainment. This is our environment.

BallerStatus.com: You have any words of advice for any entrepreneurs?

Ted Lucas: Put they faith in God first. Don't let nobody tell you that you can't do what you know you can. Hard work pays off if you believe in it.