we need to send this to our rapper friends they want in so bad but dont understand how it works. thank you truth is

$200K for studio time? 😂 Or spend 25K on the same studio equipment once and put it in your house to own forever.

To be honest just be a independent artist, have your own team like your own producers, manager, recording studio, artists and so on at first in the beginning it will be hard but once you have things up and run you don’t need a record label

The story of girl group TLC is a good example of how record deals can go wrong. TLC sold 10 million albums and had to file for bankruptcy. You have to know what you are signing when you get a record deal.

Usually even in the contracts, artists can only use certain studios. They can’t pick their own studios. Usually the “required” studios are friends of the record label owner, so the money just gets recycled within the same circle.

Thank God for the internet musicians are able to market their own music

The dislikes are from record label executives for telling the truth.

This is why I studied music business and as an artist, I would make absolutely sure that I don’t sign to a label that can fuck me over like this.

I think EVERY ARTIST should listen to this... this is the best breakdown I have ever heard... bless you brother... speaking the truth as it is 👏👏👏

These record labels are like the parents that adopt you from a orphanage but don't really like you.

As an up and coming artist, I thank you for giving me this information. I always thought that, you needed a record label to be a big artist but now I will be independent and have my own team. It won't be easy but I'll try. Thank you very much and I pray everyone has a great day,.

I know a local artist here in South Africa 🇿🇦 who got fired by the record label he signed for, they took the Mini Cooper that they bought for him and the trophies 🏆 he won at the music awards and he was left with nothing all this was due to breach of contract 🙄

Exactly why I do all my own work. I produce/beat make, songwriter, photographer, videographer and many more. No one cares about your goals deeper than yourself.

This video needs to be viral. This is reality that needs to spoken and shared to our younger generation so they know the truth

This why I am staying independent

I learned this 15-20 years ago and the grime keeps getting repeated. It’s best to create your own, but that’s impossible because you NEED connections. Therefore, play at your own risk!

You don't have to live up to a high lifestyle I see myself with 200,000 in the bank account and still eating ramen noodles from Walmart

Man I always dream of being signed to a label…and making millions…but now I have second thoughts about it now it’s best to go independent and build ya own label

The way you sound the detail you provide, make you look as if you used to work for a record label, and you did an awesome job

Damn, I had no idea that the record execs tell the artist what they can say/can't say and what to wear and how to wear clothes. The music industry is manipulative asf 😬

You did an amazing job explaining how the record labels work. Helped save new artists from signing with a horrible record label. This will encourage them to go independent.

I love how they keep showing Birdman throughout the video 😂😂

nice! One thing I think you should add about expenses is how shady they are. For instance, a record label gives you a budget to record. They give you a list of recording studios that you can go to. What the artist doesnt know is that recording studio has a relationship with the label. So whatever money they spend on recording gets a "kick back". Not knowing the label probably paid for the recording studio for the month or sometimes a year. So you pay the recording studio and then they send that bread right back to the label while in essence the label didnt lose a dime on you. Or the death clause in a contract. Record labels put life insurance on the artist. So in the event if they die, the label collects that bread. And what happens? They give you the radio play that you as an artist been looking for prior to your death. So they collect the money on your death and then collect the money AGAIN after you are dead. And EVERYTHING belongs to them.

This video is so educational in the sense of knowing what is coming with the industry perks !!! What many people don't realize is that the Rich wealthy powered look is for outsiders to buy in to what the artist is doing !!

This video should’ve been called “Explaining why you shouldn’t sign a record deal in 10 minutes”

How about not sign to a record label at all and pay for the marketing and publishing yourself to establish your own fan base then use your fan base to also start a record label where you will sign and promote other artists. Rather play the game than be a character in the game that is getting played

Thanks a lot, this made me realize I was wrong about a lot of things on a record deal ❤️🙏

Thank you for posting great content! I’m staying independent for life 🙌🏾

That’s why you must negotiate your contract when getting a record deal. Fifth Harmony made millions for their label but the girls didn’t see none of that money. Until later they became superstars and brought lawyers and renegotiated their contracts. They toured all over the world. One of the girls said she didn’t even have money to take the bus.

Hands down the best explanation of how this works. I’m going into PR and I tell people this all the time. Your favorite rapper on IG doesn’t own any of those clothes, cars or jewelry. It’s all rented and borrowed. Think about all these rappers you know of through IG; they have all these nice things yet we’ve never heard any songs from them. Most of them now make money off of partner/sponsorships which the label benefits off of too. These people get stuck in bad deals and end up there for the rest of their lives and the labels force them to stay in the spotlight to attract ppl. Yes, you can make great music in your house for a fourth of that 100k studio time. This is why REAL talent matters.

"To learn who rules over you, simply find out who you are not allowed to criticize."

This is one of the best most informative channel!! Every episode is incredible!!!! And the Truth’s knowledge is impressive!

Most artists don't own their masters that's why they're just sending out album after album to fulfill a contractual obligation. But once they're dropped by the label is when you see the artist's real worth.

Bro this was the best version of record labels explained appreciated

THANK YOU SO MUCH! 🙏🏽 I have been wondering about this! Basically the music industry is a big ass scam! No wonder why artists are claiming not seeing the money and the meaning behind “selling their soul!”

Out of everything you say the word illusion Stuck with me!! We spend a life time not living life but just floating through the motions

The Truth Is... the show Empire was actually a documentary based on real events 👁

Bro, you did a terrific job with this video, really well put together, and quality information. You deserve all the praises and success. Simply astonishing, grats.

You should also do a video on how these record labels take out life insurance policies on these artists. I remember bushwick bill had to sue his record label and surprisingly won.

But when my deal ended I wasn't in physical debt, like a student loan, BUT if I would've signed another deal with-in 3 years of being released from that contract, I would have forfeited 2& 1/2 % of my royalties for that 3 years or the remainder of that 3 years, this is absolutely true, GREAT VIDEO, awesome work bro, keep spreading the good news🙏

I commend you for this video. This honestly should be written as an essay, NFT'd and published as it is one of the most accurate interpretations of the current state of the music industry. I work in the music business and you have captured precisely the essence and climate of the current state of the music industry, this from a B2B to B2C stand point. For any artists reading this. This is one of the most valuable 10:37 seconds you have invested in your career. Shout out The Truth is, you have a new fan here.

Excellently explained. This is by far the best random music industry video I've come across in many years.

I like how u put the truth out there what u should talk about next is-what a up and coming artist should do instead of signing to a record label.

You could have a distribution deal and own ur master’s drop when u want to and as an artist ur label is supposed to pay for all fees including studio time, features, and producer advance that’s why it’s good to have an lawyer and know bout the game and read ur contract!

I read a website page years ago that explained that before Rihanna made money from her songs Roc Nation took any money that was owed to them via studio costs, producer costs and other costs first. The person behind this video knows what they are talking about.

great info, this was broken down perfectly. what we need are real management companies that can get us sales, streams, and branding deals from their own extensive network, without us having to sign any deals, they get their 15% and we’re good to go. this way we don’t have be involved with the dark aspects of the music industry.

every upcoming artist need to hear this . best advice I heard by far 💯

This was spot on. I wa just having this conversation about why it' good to grind your way to the top !!!

Man these rappers be cappin

Bro I been in this over 10 years and you're correct this is how the industry works on the backend for alot of artists. Most of all, artists need to use this fuel to orchestrate their own independence in this industry and work at not signing label deals but partnering with labels thats big. Much love and success yall!

Brother, these are words every artist needs to hear before they sign anything, or any agreement. One point I would add is that an artist should have an attorney before even entering into any conversation with a label. Someone recommended by someone outside of the label or production company. So that the deal can be fully vetted and explained to them before they proceed with signing and so that they have more leverage. Even as a new artist you can approach the music business and build your own brand in these times. Blessings and thanks for spreading the information and truth. This should be taught 101 to any aspiring artist.

Excellent information! Thank you for providing the real truth about major label contracts.

Exactly. Like I told my one rapper friend (won't mention his name), an advance isn't JUST an advance. It's an advance Loan. No one is just going give you "free money." One thing we learned; if you're very popular and get millions of views/plays even without a deal, the label needs/wants you more than you needing them. You can take advantage of that. Like he did. He asked for a lot less of an advance, and asked if they could also help him start a record label. After the business, lawyer talks, he ending with the perfect deal and more than just the money and label.

Some music labels sign tracks, not artists, which allows more freedom. Thank God for that

Major Facts bro ... great way to sum up the game quickly and still touch on all points 👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾

This to me is an Eye Opener and I needed it!! Thank you🙏

Keep going with your vision of this channel! You are doing gods work by educating folks abt this stuff when otherwise they’d never know 👏👏👏👏

Bro you just saved a lot of people man as an upcoming my self this was super helpful and gave me a different perspective

wow this is a very detailed and insightful video, structured in a manner that anyone can follow. Good job!

Thanks bro for sharing, a lot of sharing happiness indoors, the best thing for us the up coming stars is just to hustle had and get the right team, which includes an experience manage and m producers and positive people that believe in you that can also tell you the truth when you’re doing right and wrong, most important people with same vision and ideas 💯 hard work pays

If you ever get signed to a record label and get the loan Invest so you pay it back and have leftovers

The deal is you need listeners to get record deals but once you have enough listeners, you don't really need record deals.

This video is 100% correct!! I have been there!

A gift of knowledge, and superior advice. Definitely appreciated. 🙏🏽👌🏽😘

I’m planning on making my first song soon and all I can say is if I ever get the chance I’d never sign to a record label I know 2 people who have turned millions down don’t trust the industry 💯💯

YG: Aye Nip, I remember all that game you taught me don't fuck around and get played by these label owners

WOW amazing video!! Also the most unique and perfect illustration of what the age old "signing with the devil" actually means

Wow everything you speak on about the record label is 💯 percent true 👍 thanks and I have seen so many bad stories of artists getting screwed over & that's why I am a independent artist because the majority of most record label only have their best interests and not the artists interests but its not all label like that but just like you said most ,I am interested in your content and I hit like button & subscribe 😉 please keep making more content on the music business and way that can help independent artists succeed, independent artists need the wisdom, inspiration & motivation, one love jah blessing to you peace ✌️

After seeing this video I just have to say .... I want to start a record label. This is just amazing and cool business. 😅😅

I'm glad this video was recommended to me. Thank you very much for the information!

Literally saving lives by sharing this info

You don’t need labels company anymore..,with KZfaq and social media your good these days

This is FACTS. & thats why im independent and own my masters to my music. I invested way too much to get in debt with 1 of these labels.

WOW!! Sounds like a VICIOUS CYCLE!! Never knew the industry worked in such a way. Is this what happened to New Edition when they first started?

This is the most informative video on the topic of record labels I have ever watched. Great information.

Thank you!!! finally something WE all needed! the truth

This is the best observation I’ve seen of the record labels not conspiracy based

Easiest explanation I heard of the music 🎶 industry yet. Thanks 😊

Very well composed video my man. You know your stuff!

This was done beautifully! Cudos to you! ❤️

Damm!This is the real truth bro!I saw S.A artists going into this situation and it hurt them bigtime

The rap industry is designed to promote popular artists so signing a contract is almost a must to become a successful artist. That’s why many rappers cave once their careers start to fall off. It’s either sell your soul or work at McDonald’s.

Thank you for sharing the numbers! I always knew record labels were shady and fake, but I never had numbers to back that idea up!

thanks bro. really needed this as an upcoming artist

You always makin fire videos keep it up!

You know damn well Meek didn't even read the contract. He just signed it because it was Jay-Z! Prob getting ripped off and has no clue!

Having feelings for music means that your emotional about it so your feelings become apart of how it feel as well

Thank you The Truth Is, I truly appreciate you!🙌

Damn....your content is so informative....nothing but an eye opener...🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪😪😭💔

This is why you build your own team and don’t rely on people in the industry to hold your hand and baby you. You do that by starting off small and making friends with other upcoming producers and etc. Both Doja and Nicki did the same thing.

I've been seeking for these informations for longtime, but now I get it, thank you and I subscribed❤

Wow I am really impressed..This was a very deep look at record labels. All my questions were answered❤

This is good stuff. Being a part of the music industry myself, although a more niche genre and not so mainstream, I see a lot of this.

Excellent job educating people on what’s really happening, man. Have you done one on Clive Davis?

keep doing y'all thang truth we got you

I love how you talk in this video. and your podcasts. Your regular videos can come off monotone. This narration is more your style. It gives a type of 'urgency.'

Reminds me of the 2Pac and Suge scene at the end when Pac wanted to leave Deathrow........ Suge had him coming and going pegged to the right. Dre was the smart one!

That why I want to have my own record label and do my own thing 💯

Amen! Preach broski

well bloody said mate glade you made back and are free!! can't wait to see what you got cooking mate