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Zayn Malik Signs to RCA Records to Make “Real Music” After Leaving One Direction

Zayn Malik
Zayn Malik signs to RCA Records on July 29.

Slight shade? After exiting One Direction in March, Zayn Malik embarked on his solo career. He briefly collaborated with the controversial producer Naughty Boy, but on Wednesday, July 29, Malik made a much more permanent career choice. 

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“I guess I never explained why I left, it was for this moment to be given the opportunity to show you who i really am! #realmusic #RCA !!” Malik, 22, tweeted. 

He also posted a photo of himself signing the papers, later tweeting, “#REALME.” 

One Direction
Zayn Malik left One Direction in March.

One Directioners quickly took offense to the statement, but many fans jumped to Malik’s aid. The British singer retweeted one follower who wrote, “You are stupid. Real music meaning real to him. Real because he has written and recorded it solely to what he likes.Real to himself like lol.”

Related: PHOTOS: Recent celeb feuds

Earlier this month, Malik parted ways with Naughty Boy in a hostile tweet, writing, “@NaughtyBoyMusic you fat joke stop pretending we’re friends no one knows you.”

Related: PHOTOS: Stars fight back on social

RCA Records’ lineup boasts stars Alicia Keys, Britney Spears, Chris Brown, Christina Aguilera, Hilary Duff, Justin Timberlake, Kelly Clarkson, Kesha, and Miley Cyrus.

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