^^^ Well in every business, there is a risk. In the industry, you have to grab your balls and do what you have to do. Marketing and promotion is key.

Yes, there is a such thing as going diamond. Diamond is 10 million album sold. In rap, only MC Hammer's "Don't Hurt Em Hammer" and Big's "Life After Death" sold over 10 million albums. Britney Spears went diamond with "Ooops I Did It Again". Michael Jackson went 30x platinum with "Bad".
Eminem an Nelly have albums that are 8xs platinum. 2Pac's "All Eyez On Me" is currently 9xs platinum.

I would sign with PD. And when Rap Idol starts, I'll be right there.