Revisionist history and/or ignorance here.
1. Gillie had buzz from Major Figgas. They had a regional hit,, and was courted by several labels, including Def Jam/Roc-A-Fella. Saying he was never "hot" is bullshyt.
2. The reason he languished on CM, besides writing, is because he didn't sell his rights away. Gillie would have done fine, but Birdman stalled him out because he didn't own him. All the acts he put out have money issues and problems with him. That's why. I'd hate that nikka, too. Wasted Gillie's prime years when he could have sold records, and possibly become a household name.