Mega explained independent vs major better than anyone has. And it explains why so many older, comfortable rap artists stay on labels. It's comfortable. You get the 5 star hotels, you get a food budget, you can ride on a jet...all that shyt is a plus for many artists and understandably so. Not to mention getting love from radio, magazines, TV performances, etc. Independent you gotta do all that shyt yourself. You're getting 2-3 star hotels. You're using your man's van to travel state to state. You gotta book your regular ass flights. Radio and TV won't answer your calls.
But you can still do promo. You can get on Joe Budden's podcast if he likes you. You can get on Drink Champs. Lots of opportunities to get your shyt noticed, even if it takes longer.