Akon EXPOSES The Music Industry: "Artists Are The LAST To Get Paid"

Akon describes how the music business really works for artists with streaming services. Watch the full interview here: • How AKON Found His Lif...
Research & Interview Conducted By: Jeremy Hecht (@jeremy_hecht )
Video Edit By: Sage Velastegui
/ sage.ve
Shot By: Jordan Saint-Pierre
/ jordansaintpierre
Artist Relations: Elise Ricks
/ elise.0604
Executive Producer: Sharath Cherian
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[@hiphopdx]

What do you think about what he's saying? Watch the full interview here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZTEi2xnirGDjbM

[@cartier2312]

I hope everyone is taking notes and not just listing, matter of fact take notes and paid attention cause what Akon is saying facts !!

[@Ecstrah]

Keepin It 💯

[@iambobbycrowder4783]

Exactly.... I thought it was just me who noticed that he has a Male Weave..... It looks horrible. Needs to get his money back.

[@kashizkingproductions]

I feel like being a artist is not a job, its a lifestyle and anything extra is a +

[@Ecstrah]

@@kashizkingproductions coming from an artist sitting here typing all the lyrics to my album, submitting them, getting them back as rejected, making corrections to resubmit, AS WE SPEAK, nah bro this a whole J-O-B and it can get exhausting. Having to show up to shows when u want to and even when you don’t… recording. Performing. All of that is work. And as an artist it’s my job. I love it despite any complain. U gotta do something in life and I rather it be this :)

[@p.capes1]

My boy Akon went and bought a 12 year old boy hair line😂🤣🤣

[@badmandeya]

Do you think it's a wig or hair implant?

[@apureguapo]

@@badmandeya either way it does not fit the shape of his head and face

[@szasremmurd8002]

12 year old Brazilian boy

[@kenbingwa]

It looks like a hat 😂😂

[@panafrican.nation]

@@kenbingwa Our man Akon has said if women can wear a hair hat, why can't I?

[@fatted3004]

Akon just gave the blueprint, the statistics and the business. Everyone who desires to be an artist should take lessons. Good luck!

[@eigna8914]

😂🤣😂🤣Yeah...okay

[@africanqueen552]

Who is he lying too. These people are in Illuminati and talking that shit. I hate when these celebrities comes out here and acting like they doing some by giving people advices. Without Illuminati these people wouldn’t even be famous nor have that money.

[@princemakaida9515]

I have a joke: what are the odds that that man could be that black? But he is anyway.

[@pointless5ive]

@@eigna8914 it's a fact, you don't need anyone today. A single person could make entire album alone with no help, takes practice, hard work and dedication.

[@emmanuelervin5035]

@@princemakaida9515 He's an actual black man, unlike y'all in America who are not black but mixed and claim to be black! GTFOH

[@thebangerslanger8159]

I went to school for music and they told us repeatedly, "The music industry is not a good place to make money"

[@910music]

Love every time Akon speaks nothing but wisdom & knowledge every time

[@310percentage]

Why was Lil Bibby the first person to come to mind? He did it smart. The real money is behind the scenes and it's safer without fame cuz your life isn't in danger. No shows at run-down hood clubs or venues. Bibby played chess well. Rip Juice Wrld.

[@mantaanafm]

every time akon uploads a song i feel like dropping a song. he’s my biggest inspiration and one day we’ll collab. legend

[@p.capes1]

Keep dropping

[@thesqually6795]

❤️❤️❤️ keep going

[@thabomojaki4110]

Same impact here🤞🏽🙏🏽

[@mantaanafm]

@@p.capes1thanks

[@th3ufobaby]

this is why it’s way more important to build a sustainable following than shoot for the stars all the time. an artist can grow into more success if they focus on a niche more so than acquiring the entire the world’s attention. we’re slowly transitioning into the era of less superstars but that’s okay, it’ll propel the music industry forward in the long run on an economical standpoint.

[@panafrican.nation]

Yeah and that's how business is done. The majority of entrepreneurs find success by initially focusing on serving a niche very well. Any other path is a lottery

[@th3ufobaby]

@@panafrican.nation facts!

[@d2dar459]

💯 Pick a spot and own it.

[@rob.gerald]

Akon's advice is solid. His brother, Abou, is the true muscle and brains behind his entertainment operation!

[@lovewins54]

This has been the most encouraging, positive commentary I have heard in a while. Thank you.💞💫🦋

[@ikayuniverse8064]

Greatest Advise ever😪. God helps us upcoming artists. Keeping this video on my gallery so I could listen to it several times over again.

[@csaunders516]

I FR THANK AKON FOR MAKING ME FEEL LIKE IM NOT ALONE WITH THESE TYPES OF THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS OF MYSELF , ITS GRATEFUL TO HAVE A LESSON THAT UNEXPECTEDLY CAME THROUGH MY DAY TODAY SO THAT MEANS I HAD TO LESSON TO THIS , GOD BLESS AKON 🖤🖤 !!

[@TheAlkebulanTrust]

That's why most artists don't rely on just the music. They venture into other businesses. Even Michael Jackson studied the industry to become truly King of Pop. Not just musically but from a business perspective.

[@thecunninlynguist]

the way he swooped in to get the beatle's catalog was masterful. They all thought he was dumb/not paying attention...but he was just waiting, listening, watching.

[@PHOENIXGOD369]

👌

[@theslayer2360]

Not in the beginning....

[@atmmoggio8393]

But still the greatest musician of all time died with 1/2B in debts.

[@mitchellbouterse2859]

@@atmmoggio8393 no he did not. That’s what the media tells you. See he had the rights to the Beatles. His wealth was worth more than a billion. But the music industry didn’t allow him to get advantage from It. That’s why they killed him. Same with prince for getting back his masters.

[@thomasgunn4146]

This is probably one of the most real videos about the industry I’ve seen in a minute. Akon puttin us all on some serious game out here 💯

[@FLAVMEDIA]

This should be the Poster Video for all Artist and Producers:) Great InFO

[@ibrahimadabo9417]

"everybody ain't gon be good at music. idc what your friends tell you. you suck." IM DEAD 😂😂😂😭😭😭

[@SayWhat336]

Akon has a hairline. This is Michael Bay level CGI

[@JM-le9qq]

lmao🤣

[@joshuaantwi6652]

was waiting for someone to comment this lmaoo

[@wandabhala8516]

Lol

[@kingsittystudios2400]

🤣

[@williammorgan8346]

Yea the Chinese gave him a gift 360 wave wig for his African city scam he ran on his people part of the perks

[@OceanDavisPersonal]

To the artist reading this: You can be successful, don't take in everything celebrities say. I know you will succeed all you have to do is believe, learn about the business a little, practice, practice, practice. You don't need a record label these days, you don't need to be super rich. You need to first get started, grow your fanbase. Find people who like you for you. Akon can't see your vision, no one can see your vision but yourself and GOD. The numbers Akon mentioned are not facts, also the billboard charts don't matter. I taught myself marketing, branding, and went to a top 3 music university to study music business. I have have songs produced with multi-platinum artist, and have worked with grammy award winners and i'm currently working with a Sony executive for Artist Development on his label. Take my word. This industry is easy af. Don't listen to everything these celebrities say. They don't know what the hell is going on these days, half of them don't even make music anymore, they have moved to other endeavors. People are blowing up left and right, and as as a matter of facet as a professional i would like to ask HipHopDX to please provide source for your numbers from this video cause it's cap. Akon don't have the answers sway! Also, from a psychological perspective he mentioned his own name as competition "Which was a dominant status statement" but according to the "Numbers" Akon hasn't been relevant in the current years. That was a little conceited if you ask. Read between the lines, he thinks drake has it figured out but really, drake isn't your competition either. We are in a new digital age. If you're reading this you are the real genius. Your going to make it without people believing in you, without a label, without cosigns, because we live in an era that changes so drastically anything is possible. Trust me! NO ONE HAS THE ANSWERS! if he did then he would know Drakes scheme, cause i do! how is that? cause these guys at the "Top" underestimate the power of you. They don't know! you study the numbers, you do the research, you observe their behavior, you know about his game plan, you know his PR strategies, you know their competition, we know their weakness, we know their SWOT! (Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities, Threats) We already doing what they think we aren't " Patience" we already have that, we been having patience. We aren't looking for anyone to save us WE DON'T NEED YOUR FEEDBACK the same people laugh now will will wish they didn't. Just like your artist you signed "Lady Gaga" who got dropped 3 months later by LA Reid from Def Jam cause he was having a bad day. Is that the competition your talking about AKON. Dude please, the only competition we have is ourselves.

[@magicalindigoadult3838]

Yup, I was thinking this whole thing like he’s already limiting you by saying to to manny but there are thousands of people that will hear it so that doesn’t relate. It’s easier now then back then and I am willing to learn making my own beats the more middle man you cut the more for you. I’m a girl and I’m good at writing rap because Iv been through so much so young in life and if you are relatable to people the more fans will grow. The bad part is when you meet the snakes that try to lie and steal it’s safer to try to learn everything yourself. Even put a tripod and try to record your own music video.

[@OceanDavisPersonal]

@@magicalindigoadult3838 yea he lost me when he measured success by the billboard charts lol. Akon has no power in your destiny. You will make it. Practice, and learn the business a little you don't need to be in the billboard to be successful those numbers are measured by a number of factors which also have a history of being boosted with false sales to trigger the data. Your are the label now build your team go out there and take what's yours. Visibility is first, you have to be seen there is multiple tactics to use to create visibility.

[@mytwinmusic]

Tht shit was needed bro✊🏾 we def gne make it, jus gotta stay focused be patient n be consistent

[@6riannn]

Def needed this one, appreciate the advice ❤💯💯

[@magicalindigoadult3838]

@@OceanDavisPersonal that’s true, some people also get famous every fast for one song.

[@farealmw3761]

🔥🔥🔥this has really been helpful and has gave me a ryt direction thanks for uploading it here subscribed infact

[@RandomNest]

Very good advice and very encouraging. I love it❣️

[@OfficialAlphaOmegaMusic]

Amen he’s stating FACTS people expect big rewards for little effort .. 💯

[@Xalashaska]

akon’s too smart, talented, and rich enough to know that hair piece looks nuts. get gotta get in contact with jaime foxx the Hairline Chameleon

[@elvertmack5039]

Everyone really needs to hear this that's in the music industry.

[@sonvon2743]

That hairline pulled me straight to the comment section lmao

[@YZMajor]

Hmm, I don't know about artists getting paid last though. I got paid last in the chain for producing music for someone abroad. Payment pushed through but it took so long.

[@spidermanb1286]

That haircuit 🤣🤣🤣🤣 got the 50 inch magnavox

[@LiveLifeLucratively]

Thanks for keeping real, out of a thousand people who won’t listen 3 or 4 of us really gonna understand to hold on to this information. All FAQs

[@Kingpin__7]

All he needs are airpods in his ears and you have a meme

[@hiphopdx]

LMAO

[@MajestyFilmWorks]

😂😂😂

[@MB2.0]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@asjadecosta9759]

Thats why marketing is soo important

[@elijahashman9716]

And promotions

[@shakeemrobinson30]

Is that a wig on his head?

[@tavihawalker4863]

oh my gosh😂😂😂😂😂

[@shakeemrobinson30]

@@tavihawalker4863 looks like his hair came out a package

[@IttaPasta]

damn it does look weird, why did you do this to me?)

[@tavihawalker4863]

@@IttaPasta 😂😂😂😂😂 guys y'all gotta chill ok lol

[@tavihawalker4863]

@@shakeemrobinson30 😂😂😂😂😂

[@darkphoenixiiv6422]

His Barber really doesn't respect him😭 cause wow.

[@robrealcuts]

Bro that line up fucked

[@GEVINCHYGAMEZ]

Is that a hat on his head or what...eww

[@MB2.0]

Mf wore a hair condom

[@NayaWrap]

Great interview

[@stackmosayless-1669]

Akon real hairline is "locked up wont let me out".

[@olayeyeoluwatosin9008]

akon was 💯 right about what he said and that is what is happening to all upcoming artist that wanted to blow in music industry including me , it take so many time and chances with money to be among the celebrity in music industry it was not easy ,it very good to know right now that it's time that make money n that is the point and fact, akon your taught kick my brain.

[@GarrettAvery108]

much love to people who have been there and done that and bless people with the truth from their understanding.

[@larrytan73]

Dope content! Very informative!

[@raymondmartinez7583]

This is the best video on HipHop DX I’m only saying that because of the Raw truth of the contents in this video. It’s not pretentious. It’s not a regurgitation of what has happened in hiphop news. It’s just solid bullet points of broader topics, ideas, and skills that are needed if this is what you want.

[@Camelotskin]

Akon got that glue down wig.

[@gemsound]

Akon was speaking the absolute complete truth, but I couldn’t stop staring at that hairpiece on his head. Lol.

[@YeshuaTheWay100]

Best Comments ❤️😂

[@adenvevo9903]

lol

[@Exquisite11]

😂

[@itsmattmogg]

artists: “artists are the last to get paid” producers: “producers are the last to get paid” songwriters: “songwriters are the last to get paid” 🤔

[@cartier2312]

I hope everyone is taking notes and not just listing, matter of fact take notes and paid attention cause what Akon is saying facts !!

[@unknwngamer1]

U know whose not the last to get paid? The labels and the people thats putting up the money to invest in the music

[@arseeoliveira6934]

I think Producers and Songwriters are incorporated within Artists

[@bigdick4090ti]

That's why when he was about to say producers he cut tht shit out 😂

[@OfficialStreamSagaTv]

That's why you stay Indipendent so you can be the only one getting paid

[@TheBlackMadonna222]

Great interview & gems. I was gone talk about the hairline but he rich and I’m not.

[@spacelyhoe]

This man's hairline was the last to get paid 😂

[@tunilalao1896]

I swear this is Hella motivating

[@aftrecordings]

Amazing insight, knowledge and advice

[@mikedoyle7300]

Just do it. Give it your best efforts. And even if you fail you will know that you did your best and you will have no regrets at the end of your life. And music stays forever. So you are leaving behind a piece of you that will remain. Bottom line is that you don't want to regret not doing it.

[@Ryanp1267]

Word.

[@TheBenNZ]

No Regertz i say 🤓😎

[@7thheaven-finalfantasy-hip717]

👏🏾

[@onigemohabeeb8338]

yeah true world👌

[@keeptrxllbeats4201]

Factss everything that u post on your channel will be a masterpiece at the end of the day

[@kashizkingproductions]

shout out AKON for using his knowledge to empower our global family with his talents, and blessing our people with a better living in areas where its not available.

[@mellinium720able]

Dope interview

[@ironlionworldtv]

Facts , this bredda spitting fiyah facts! 🔥

[@ChrisBarringer]

This has been known for years yet people still sign their life away then cry about it after the fact then only got yourself to blame. Independent artists are the future. Sell ya soul get no sympathy

[@williammorgan8346]

What else they going to do most are broke trying to get on. There are more poor people on the earth then rich and the rich monopolized the economy flow only a few can get wealth starting from the bottom

[@dianevrules]

Most recording artists are songwriters. Especially rappers.

[@comptonnwa1224]

Thanks for the beautiful words legend🙌🏾❤️😍🥳💯💯💯

[@arghamaz]

Great to know so much more Bout akon n music industry

[@whoisimaniblack]

I thank god being on the billboard is not something I strive for. That would be a depressing goal. I just want to pay my bills making music. THAT'S IT!

[@martinirecords9471]

His barber should get sued 😂 for that one but he’s dropping mad gems

[@14d433]

Good Job!

[@The__Nation]

Ok it’s still a lucrative business for any artist. That’s why you got into it as well

[@BDAILEY702]

Oh thanks Akon. Feeling really inspired after u stating that we don’t have a chance to be artist

[@isupreme9]

glad to see🎉

[@officialsantanamontana]

Thx yhu for da advice wow I see 👀💯

[@anaheimauthentic5099]

akon should expose who gave him that wig

[@biscaynesupercars]

Akon’s hairline is in a 360 deal

[@KEITHBANGOLA]

Good convo bruh

[@YMraaz]

Till 7th class akon is my fav, and i like Unconsciously someone who sings akon' songs. And now I'm graduated and doing job. Still like him.

[@gilbert1982alando]

I don't care what your stylist told you, that hair line needs a remix 😂

[@4thCorner]

My boy hairline stretches from the us to Africa 🤣😂💯

[@iam1hu]

Word son

[@nelsonmartinez8136]

Lol

[@jayjames4629]

everytime I see his haircut I be crying 😂😂

[@scratchrecords5671]

Biggest advise ever , maximum respect to this dude

[@ThisDumbPrick]

Cool hat

[@ruthlessgaming9355]

Great advice tho 💪🏾

[@dbelieve30]

This resonated with me. Definitely not wasting another moment sitting around.

[@FreeCrackInstrumentals]

"there's a reason why I'm being exposed to this" ..That's some real shit man💪💪

[@Very_Dark_Black_Man]

Best music advice Ever

[@MetaLightBeing]

This man hair look like a yamaka no cap 🧢 lml

[@shakeemrobinson30]

Can tell he's getting paid with that wig on

[@MetaLightBeing]

@@shakeemrobinson30 nah facts tho ain't gon lie haha

[@OmusawoGeraldMassa]

Thanks Akon, This applies to my line of work as well, greetings from Uganda

[@DRAYCITYRECORDS]

AWESOME ADVISE

[@melindahorn161]

What he's saying is true 👍 💯✌️

[@tafidagadzama9964]

Akon is great men! Pure motivation to upcoming musicians.

[@emiel333]

Great 👍 video!

[@XRajakumaraa95]

Thank you so much🤍

[@ososaucy]

This the one time the barber was like “ naw bruh it’s good don’t tag me in the photos”

[@MB2.0]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@Djsatile]

Facts staying independent

[@alchemicvisuals3695]

Powerful!

[@seyedshir183]

Well said

[@cartier2312]

I hope everyone is taking notes and not just listing, matter of fact take notes and paid attention cause what Akon is saying facts !!

[@StaceyFoxx]

I think with practice,consistency, patience (might take years) you can be a successful artist without being a MAJOR one and still make a decent amount of living IF you’ve built a solid fanbase, there are a lot of unknown artists doing well thanks to DSP’s whether because they grind or they managed to make connections to reach that point, don’t GIVE UP, but having something on the side that brings you income as WISE as well (to invest in your music to make it better, pay your bills, enjoy life and not be broke-depressed), 2 things can be true at the same time, good luck to everyone out there trynna make it!I mean WORST case scenario you can get an occupation in the music industry not as an artist🙏🏿

[@keeptrxllbeats4201]

❤

[@jaysouthmusic8230]

Also to add to the last sentence, Someone like Kanye west started off as a producer before he was put on and made the great music he made. You just have to wait your turn and keep at it when it comes to music

[@keezybaby8657]

Mane🤣🤣🤣that wave lace front

[@Daniel_Capital]

That hair unit got the boy out here looking crazy

[@BlackMusicGenre]

Akon need expose that hairline and why he's stepping out in public with it. Kid need to go back bald. That hairline IS LOCKED UP AND WON'T LET HIM OUT !

[@specialk0122]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@Iamloocas]

😅😅😅😅

[@skali_skali]

Man contradicted himself whole interview. Told you what you want to hear and what society/ vibe killers love to say at the same time.

[@keeptrxllbeats4201]

So true its like he wanted to encourage and shxt down ur dream at the same times lol istg some peoples want to keep u in the box tell u what the hell u should do with your life we all trynna escape this matrix dawg

[@14d433]

Good Job

[@inphinitezero5499]

Awesome advice! And how do i get arms like that? 😅

[@Mr.Redacto]

This is great advice. Not just for music but any area of creating art and a business.

[@rebeleig8ht500]

Everything akon says it’s true, but.. that hair line thou.😅

[@bambinoesu]

music is eternal, it's always a good business - just be smart about

[@pesopeso510]

spitting fax with the hair unit lol

[@theCongoleseDude]

I understand his point but there are multiple angles to making it that he didn’t mention.

[@spiffyspiff9707]

Hell naw! I though the thumbnail was photoshopped. 😂😂😂

[@infamouz031]

Man is goat'ed cause he only speak facts to the young and up coming artists 🏆

[@ministaking783]

That is what you call Keeping it real

[@GPS509]

One of the brightest & smartest artist in the industry