In the latest controversy concerning artist and record deals, Drake has officially given his “independence” away. He has signed his first major label deal joining forces with Lil Wayne (Young Money), Baby (Cash Money), Universal and Republic. What that means to me?? Before Drake gets to touch his check, FOUR OTHER PEOPLE will receive their dough first. Drake will have all the marketing he needs, all the financial backing he needs, but HE’S GOING TO BE BROKE… Not broke, like “I’m starving for a meal,” broke. Broke like “I wish I would’ve listened to my momma and not signed this deal,” broke. DID THE MAJOR LABEL GLITZ take another great artist?? IT SEEMS SO!
Artists receive recognition all over the world. Videos can be broadcasted on the Media Outlets such as BET, MTV and VH1. They go on tour, they promote their albums, they do book signings, interviews with Regis and Kelly (for lack of better term), but what they dont know is labels sign them to 360 deals. What does this mean EXACTLY?? They are taking money off the top of every financial extremity. Shows, books, haircuts, clothes, albums, dinners, etc. The labels are GETTING PAID off your work, Drake. You have no IDEA how much money you just made Lil Wayne. NO IDEA! While you feel extremely motivated by your early successes and think “this is the gusto” Lil Wayne and his camp are chomping at the bit. You just signed your LIFE AWAY, DRAKE. Literally N Financially!
I completely understand how and why individuals comply to the lifestyle of the major label recognition. No question about it. 5 years ago, it’s all I spoke of was a record deal. As I look now, I realize the grunt work of doing it independently may be extensively more, but the final pay-off can be BEYOND PROSPEROUS. It can be life altering and personally, that’s what I’m going for. Why not challenge the market and become the 1st person/company to do it “YOUR WAY.” Is it more difficult, of course. The work is excrutiating, yet EVERY second is feels like a win. I’ve grown to prefer the method.
Artists will begin to learn, see and realize the major record labels are just as fucked as the independent artists. They may have a few extra dollars to throw your way, but they also have elevendeight artists on the label. They also are stuck with a commitment of each artist, band or performer on their label. In my opinion, being on a record label is like going to a humongous College or University. Your classes are FULL with 200 students a piece therefore the teacher(s) don’t have time to interact (one on one) with students. You mine as well teach yourself the class lessons thus doing it INDEPENDENTly!
Face it, the game is soooo different, today. You MUST be able to do more than rap, sing and dance. You BETTER come to the table with some much information, websites, songs, videos and extravagant ideas the label(s) cant help, but sign your COMPANY. Not act, but COMPANY! If I never make another dollar selling albums (which I will. TRUST ME), I KNOW we (B.YONEST ENTERPRIZES) have enough ideas, concepts, ventures and goals to make billions of dollars, anyway. THAT’S what companies, corporations and labels are looking for. Not the NEXT BIG THING, but the NEXT HUMONGOUS BRAND. IT’S THE ENTERPRIZE!!
ANONYMOUZ!
P.S. “THE SILENCE IZ BROKEN..” AVAILABLE HERE…
B.YONEST INVAZION 