@@DavidLopez-hj9zn actually, they get promised a career of longevity, just to get used and spit out. The ones who maintain longevity have to barter their morals
One of the reasons I love this man's channel is that he doesn't do loud, hyper-edited clickbait fests flooded with meme references. Just sits in front of his camera and talks.
@@mikelbaningo6407you have to buy out the rights to your music. So for example let’s say my music catalog is 10 albums . I got 6 platinum singles 2 platinum albums . My catalog can cost 250 million . Because they’re popular or well known well the record labels know this and they know no artist will have that type of money since there already in debt. Also they can try to get it back but it’ll take long because if they are retired I don’t think they get royalties and if they do it’s nothing .
@@mikelbaningo6407 Yes, the label would still own their songs. Even The Beatles never owned their catalog, Michael Jackson famously bought their publishing (among others) and UMG owns their masters. Massive artists like Taylor Swift and Drake don't own their early catalog either, due to the deals they first signed as new artists. However, Drake became so successful that in later deals he had the leverage to negotiate ownership of his future masters and publishing. Same for Taylor, but she went a step further and made the controversial decision to rerecord her older albums. Done in hopes that her fans will buy/stream the new versions that she owns rather than the original albums that she doesn't own. In some rare cases, artists like Jay-Z and Rihanna have been able to buy back their masters from the label. There are also artists like Chance The Rapper, Russ, Logic, Frank Ocean, etc. They all got lit independently and had the leverage to retain ownership of their masters and publishing in any dealings with record labels. Thanks to the internet/social media it's becoming more common for new artists to have the negotiating power to retain ownership of their music early on in their careers. For example, artists like Tommy Richman who manage to score a viral song on TikTok (Million Dollar Baby) can chart off that alone. This typically results in a bidding war which allows a new artist to leverage much more favorable terms than what's traditionally possible when signing their first deal with a major record label. Lastly, more than ever new artists are choosing to fully prioritize ownership, creative control and flexibility, by remaining completely independent. The confidence to do this comes from other artists paving the way and proving that social media has leveled the playing field and it's possible to achieve mainstream success and millions of dollars without relying on a traditional label deal. Meanwhile, major record labels are scrambling to adapt and maintain their dominance.
Why post this? He’s not saying shit we don’t know tbh he’s over exaggerating. These rappers are blessed. How many people can get a loan? That’s all a fucking deals is. Most hiphop fans are just very uneducated tbh so they egg this narrative on
@@blackken-jy9tf no hes very educated. Once you dive into the underbelly of who truly controls the world you will understand. Until then remain willfully ignorant
I’m a musician. I make my own music but also I worked as a guitarist and keyboardist for the major labels. They treated me so badly, didn’t pay me for 6+ months, screwed me over and made false promises, and I watched them take advantage of the artists I worked with too. It left a bad taste in my mouth and since then I’ve been trying to go independent somehow cause I’d rather be a middle class musician than taken advantage of like that.
I'm so glad I got educated about this evil industry from young. I never aspire to be famous or be rich. it's not worth losing my soul over something that's temporary on this earth. Once im dead, that's it. I can't bring my wealth to my grave once you get to a certain level of fame, wealth, and power. You'll truly see who your friends and family are.
Nah u realized ur real friends n family when u are rich then become poor , if i were rich i would one day fake i went broke for a whole month just to see u gonna stick by my side , then be like i was just joking but cut ties with the ones who stepped away, when u become rich everybody wants to be around you n hang out with you, thats not the problem with this celebrities, is what they do to get rich.
Thank you very much for this video. I am 16 and an up and coming artist and hearing this makes me happy. I always thought that I would not make it if I was not signed to a record label. Now I have decided to be an independent artist. Thank you very much.
Yea even drakes a slave, so why would u wanna be like him? 😂 the funny thing is he’ll still get up there and act like he’s popping, when they really in debt. They ALL do. You can do ur own thing brodie, wishing I the best of luck
A-Reece (South African rapper) was once under this one label, after going independent he talked about this for a minute. I saw how important it is for people not to depend on others or at least know what you get yourself into
@@b.a.m.mdoublem1196that record label screwed a lot of artists and ruined careers. Look at Emtee now, Fifi can't perform her music anymore, and Saudi just disappeared off the face of the map after dropping a few bangers😢
Hey bro, how are you doing man? Idk if you remember you had replied to me when I was a in a bad place, all of you guys showed me so much love ❤, Just wanted to say Thank you.
I’m a member of the starbucks workers united union. Solidarity with eachother as human beings, as artists, as workers, etc etc is so important to stand up to corporate greed in a real way. Republicans AND democrats laugh as the entire working class fights each-other while generating trillions of dollars for them
I’m in Teamsters, reading my labor contract almost felt unreal they way its intentionally written with no legal jargan so even a borderline illiterate person could understand, if people want to “innovate” contracts as Kanye is saying we cant rely on celebrities and billionaries only solidarity!
We see u my friend. They want us to not care about the 9-5 workers and the ppl doing the ACTUAL essential work. Doordashers, Uber drivers, fast food workers, custodians etc. but here we are worshipping Drake a literal slave who deep throat’s Lucian Grange when he’s told too crazy isn’t it. We see u tho brother hang tight. They losing they power each day. The last shall be first and the first shall be last
Reminds me of the NCAA. Obviously these artists/athletes do all the heavy lifting and they’re literally the sole reason for bringing in millions of dollars but they see little of that money if any.
Yup athletes are slaves too, but here we are worshipping Jayson Tatum. Professional sports is becoming more out of reach each year and is just for the elite and their nepotism. Even in college they make all the money and get none smh. The scam is right in our faces
This is why some artists decided to work independent like Japanese Breakfast, Mitski, Long Beard, Jedi Mind Tricks and the late MF DOOM. Happy for those who are working on music independently.
Who tf are all those people? Except mf doom & he didn’t really prosper financially from rap. Guess most people should take that deal. If you talented take that deal
@@justsomeguywholikesmangoes1363 yea just checked out all the musicians mentioned.. def not my type of music lol. Mad he put MF doom in the same category smh.
I'm an aspiring artist from Europe and I scheduled the meeting with the manager of a HUGE record label over here next week, this video got me anxious rn Blacky I was so hyped about it until now😂
if you anxious then stay independent. record deals are nothing but bank loans but with so much more to lose, like rights to your original art. hire a lawyer if you can.
Don’t do it. Stay Indy and keep doing those local shows and keep making music. Don’t BOT spam but frfr have a small message like everybody else in comment sections begging to be listened to
If you listening to blacky you don’t even deserve to get signed tbh. Has blacky ever signed? He’s just chatting nonsense with no proof. He makes content for losers with need to cope. “Omg music business bad I won’t sign a deal even tho nobody would even sign me anyways” 😂
@@Nick_Tankyou sound so dumb everybody signs a deal. Even the independent rappers sign with independent labels. You think it’s easy to blow? With no money? Nobody is truly independent every rapper needs help unless you have the money & them dudes still sign eg jeezy, money man. Nobody in reality is turning down deals. Why you think ppl brag about the deal? It means your chosen
the og blackyspeakz viewers missed u bro these recent videos have been awesome. really informative and not the most sensationalized. i come to u to reach for actual truth in such a confusing landscape of music industry politics not for trending topics and BS churnout like a lot of these other channels covering similar spaces. thank u, ur helping way more than just one artist from these kind of videos
Im glad you mentioned that phrase "in perpetuity" Im a music producer and ive been handed many contracts with this phrase and when I would try to renegotiate the terms of the agreement they immediately lost interest. Always get an entertaiment lawyer if these are choppy waters and if the lawyer offers to work with you via retainer agreement read that too.
My dad played in a band in the 60’s, had a hit called “Hippy hippy shake” worldwide hit, never saw a cent 😂😂😂 they only recently found out it was number 1 in rural country’s, my dads 70 now 😂😂
The video highlights the darker aspects of the music industry, focusing on exploitation and deceptive practices. Artists often face false promises, hidden costs, and debts due to standard contracts that favor labels. The "advance trap" and lack of ownership are common issues, leaving musicians in financial hardship. Although there are some positive aspects, the video stresses that the industry's structure often traps artists in unfair deals, with Meek Mill's experience used as a notable example. Ultimately, it argues that the system perpetuates a cycle of control and exploitation.
The language used in current contracts LOOKS favorable but it works more like a puzzle you are trying to solve. The catch is that the label know the full picture and you have no clue ( by design of course)
@@roboelectrooverlord6346 The contracts may look good at first, but they're intentionally designed to confuse. It’s like trying to solve a puzzle without all the pieces, while the label already knows the full picture. This setup benefits them because you end up missing key details that work against you in the long run. The language isn't just complex by chance-it's structured to ensure you sign without fully understanding the consequences.
That's cool of MJ to stand up for Black artists like that. Imagine what could be possible if we had more White people as powerful as he was as an ally.
Life is about choice and trade Off’s Please read the contract and walk away from the deal if you don’t like it. That’s the artists choice. Once obligations are met and artists has recouped. The artist don’t have to take the next advance. That’s choice. I don’t want anybody to be taken advantage of in away way. With that said artists have to be accountable in this situation. Walk tf away if you don’t like what you see
If rappers moved like how Larry June does, all of them would be rich with no worries. Granted, I’m not saying all rappers besides Larry are broke. I know a lot of them are successful in their own way but How do some of them make so much money and not think to invest 🤦🏽♂️😂 it’s the reason why a lot of them end up broke. You can live the lifestyle but if you got millys you should also be investing in property/ stocks/ etc.
It's sad that some artists don't recognize their own self-value and that the labels who take advantage of the fraction of artists that get into the industry need the artists more than the artists need the labels.
Owners of the music industry Vincent Bolloré UMG ( worlds largest record label) Len Blavatnik - Warner Music Group ( second largest ) John C Malone - Live Nation, TicketMaster, Sirius XM, IHeartradio ( Most of Americas FM radios) Pandora,Slacker
Artists could stop playing the game and the rules would change but the benefits out weigh the issues its tons of artists saying this 360 deals are a meme at this point you cant tell me new artists are blameless for their own situations.
It's all a bunch of movies, the artist is the lead role, they are given a script, an image, themes to follow, storylines to push, and they owe their execs tons of money. Only difference is actors a BIT more money upfront. The music biz is the most predatory indentured servitude recruitment of talent into contracted debt and ignorance.
God bless you, bro. Stay true to your craft, and don't allow any corporate entity to come and try to change you or your art! Stay positive and good luck!
Barely Sociable did an expose on this, and how the music business takes out life insurance policies on those they sign. Very much an excellent companion pieces to this essay.
Most artists forget that people will eventually forget their music even those who were fans of yours will eventually move on to something else. The worst thing you can do I sign that document just for you to get stuck like that
This concept in a way I been know or heard of years prior from bith you and hellyassine for yeah one thing about the music industry especially in hip hop is most these rappers are very much get exploited and even tho everything seems great and they're receive the finer things in life its just all a facade for the labels are in control of these people and everything they do mainly if you em them money thats needs to still be paid so they take whatever they want outta said rapper and jus give em the bare minimum on what they should be owed so if want to pursue msyic and you value your freedom, creative and control and to actually own/make money of your work just stay infependent or sign to a indie label that actually watch and help thier artist learn/grow
I'm 66 years old and used to play in bands. I did OK and just liked playing in night clubs. I saw the writing on the wall in the mid 80's with the impact of rap on the west coast. New gear like drum machines, synths, 4-track cassette recorders became common. Boomers had their time and it was time to stop doing music as a first job.
Tbf calling the record labels evil for just wanting to turn profits and make their money back is kinda funny, emotions aside they’re doing what everyone and every company wants to and does, Make MONEY
Never sign a 360 deal, never sign away your image, your masters, the rights to your merch, none of that. Set up a production company and handle all the merch, album art, everything that you can handle yourself. Get a small creative team of trusted people and work from there. Only use a label for distribution. If you do get an advance, make sure you spend it on something that is going to be sustainable for you i.e. a tour bus, equipment, etc. Don't waste it on luxury items and don't waste it on expensive studio time. Also, pay it back, ASAP! We live in a different world these days, and you can do big things, without the labels.
I was offered to an 360 deal. I was one of two in house producers for a local Swedish Hip Hop group that went under the name of "No Name" back in the 2003. We was the pre band some of the biggest Hip Hop stars in Sweden and getting recognized by different record labels. But, we had also an shiesty manager, to whom promised us to getting signed with the labels. Mean while, he try to "isolate" us, by signing to his management deal. Which was an 360 deal. He "rushed" us to sign under the contract, mean while I want to read it first before I signed it. I was shocked that he wanted from us to sign off the publishing rights and each band member would get about 20k in advance for it. When I read it, I refused to sign it. I rather to have my integrity then sell my soul to a fat middle age old man. The band arguing with me to sign it. I still said no. The band split up and we went separate ways.
The issue is that for a lot of these artists, they’ve never seen $20K let alone $100K+ that these labels will offer as an advance. Many know what they are getting themselves into and simply don’t care because they think whatever money that they end up getting through the label will be more than they ever believed they could touch independently.
