How Prince OUTSMARTED The Music Industry

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[@jamesdavis7017]

Any documentary about Prince and his life from beginning to end and his music and his business acumen should be a 10 part series at a minimum.

[@mrr5835]

I don't have that kind of time. 😂 PS: I know what u mean ;)

[@lavenderbee3611]

Prince had such a complicated personality, what a fascinatingly genius. The woke generation aren't going to like some of his behavior if that Netflix documentary ever sees the light of day.

[@92bo-k2l]

Hey

[@92bo-k2l]

Yo

[@demodeiowa]

Prince also randomly schooled DMX on owning his masters one night at a club in toronto

[@okaydmuzikkk6771]

So basically Prince was a independent artist on a record label. Savage asfuck 😂 I'm a Prince fan. This man basically predicted how we consume music

[@lavenderbee3611]

I recently learned that not only did WB trademark his name "Prince" but prevented him from using it for five years after the expiration of his contract. How is it even legal to trademark the name his mama gave him at birth? That love symbol was a brilliant move on his part, such a badass legend.

[@NonProphet500]

Prince came into the game demanding to produce his 1st album at 18. Business or Talent wise, there is no modern day artist who can touch him. Dude was too different.

[@NonProphet500]

@@bobby4f Who is it?

[@katrinamack444]

@@NonProphet500jmsn is a close second his energy is something else man

[@superhops1]

Hate to say it but Jacob collier is the closest. Listen to his In My Room album and watch the videos. Kid plays like 20 instruments, created a harmonizer box with a dude from MIT, harmonizes like take six, has funk rhythm like D’Angelo and has a 5 grammys

[@NonProphet500]

@@katrinamack444 I checked him out ..indeed a very talented man!

[@NonProphet500]

@@superhops1 Jacob Collier is an otherworldly talent. Someone else in the thread put me on to JMsn. Goes to show you that it's not the talent that's important to the gatekeepers of mainstream fame.

[@foundationmecca9901]

Prince was a foward thinker he was the first one selling albums on his own website and always a frontier of te h amd music. Long live Prince❤

[@rickshon1]

Prince moved like a KING out here...as we all should.

[@jjjones8609]

Prince gave up radio play in exchange for total control of his masters and his career. The industry owns radio-which is why Prince didn’t get much play in the late 90’s forward. Which didn’t help sells. But Prince made more money per album though (Prince made more money off of Musicology album sales than the Purple Rain album sales.) When WB allowed Prince to publish the most beautiful girl in the world maxi-single through another music distributor; Prince wanted to prove that he can still provide hits; WB thought it would flop (having not heard the song). But because Prince provided a hit song and still had top choice of radio play which made the song a smash hit all over the world (and his last major hit song of his career). Prince got a taste of control and more money per maxi-single sold than Prince ever got from WB. I might add that there is no real accounting of how many units of an album are made and sold. Meaning a label could print more and sell more without telling the artist and pocket that money(the same thing could happen for downloading.).

[@lavenderbee3611]

At least you can count physical albums, downloads occur in the ether which makes it so easy to cheat.

[@jjjones8609]

You’d think; but you can’t really. Because they record companies could never tell the artist how many albums were made/printed. Prince and Stevie Wonder went to the California Supreme Court to take on that. They wanted to audit the record companies. A record company can print 1 million more copies and sell them without the artist knowing and not have to pay them anything. How does an artist even know how many they really did sell???

[@user-td8ih6eh5m]

I agree with using streaming sites as an introduction to your own webite, but when we get to your website, I want the option to buy the CD (complete with sleave notes and everything). I still buy CD's but i wouldn't buy a download. Without something to hold I dont feel as if I've bought anything. And I like to see the CD's on my rack and to be able to play a cd that i bought 10 years ago and dont have to worry about losing my music if my pc crashes

[@Nate28TV]

Watched the entire video. Not it's been a minute since I actually listened to another artist/visionary on numerous videos. Appreciate the consistant output and entouraging jewels. I'm also a Huuge Prince fan and believer. I wish you much success Curtis. I'm all brains and ears 👍🏿🙏🏿🫡

[@ROCKNROLLFAN]

Our Beloved Prince was THE TRUTH.....

[@VillaThaVillain]

Frank Ocean did something very similar to get out of his deal. Gave a bs album to fulfill his contract (also while collecting $20Mill) then within the Week he dropped another album that was miles better. I think the first album was called “endless” The 2nd was “Blond”

[@myrona.gilmorejr.]

That's the same reason Tupac released so many songs

[@nazb33]

When Prince released his "sub-par" music, that reminded me of Pootie Tang in the recording studio and the audience listening to nothing, yet they were banging tracks. I love Prince. He was lifetimes ahead of us "sub-par" humans, for sure 🎉

[@chuck4rmdaMo]

No doubt Prince was a legend 💪🏾

[@saiyanleague653]

The greatest to ever do it

[@astorbusinesscenters]

The thing is, most artists aren't even on the same planet as Prince... they want to be stars and not Artists. Until they can produce the quality and art that Prince produced, they need to sign on the line and let the industry machine make them famous.

[@NickLAnderson]

I want a label who believes in my talent and wants to do good and help maximize my success, a company that wants to give me what I want and doesn't want anyone getting screwed. 🙏🏼

[@joegez7]

U need leverage

[@joco2826]

You have nothing

[@rickshon1]

create that label.

[@PurpleMusicProductions]

You will have to create said label as what you are looking for does not exist.

[@shonyeezy5672]

Rest in peace to a legend I’ve never listen to, but always heard that he was unfuckable in the music industry I never knew the detailed extent of what he did that’s bad ass

[@lavenderbee3611]

Prince's talent was breathtaking.

[@poetlovely500]

King Of Music!

[@featherstonecraig9]

Just like with Sam Cooke Prince beat the system but the system never allowed him to enjoy the fruits

[@smh93]

I wish they would have covered P’s work with the NPG Music Club, which he won a Webby lifetime achievement award for. It was a subscription model where he released new songs for download, monthly “Ahdio Shows” which would be like what we now know as podcasts, there were chat rooms for fans to interact, merch to buy directly from the site with quarterly magazines that went out to subscribers, AND NPGMC members received access to soundchecks, access to exclusive events, and the entire front section at concerts were cheap seats for members - even though celebs and other concert goers were paying hundreds of dollars for what they thought were “front row” seats but then showed up to a whole section of fans in front of them. 😂😂 I still have yet to see another artist make moves like that to distribute their art but also celebrate their loyal supporters…and when I say discounted tickets, they were DISCOUNTED. The acoustic set they showed some clips of during this video was an MTV Unplugged special, and he wanted to make it free for fans, but ticket master said they weren’t willing to do that, so P made all the tickets available to NPGMC members for $0.25. 😂😂😂

[@smh93]

Also, the estate released the Welcome 2 America album a couple years ago that Prince recorded in 2010. And P spits a lot of truth on that record. The second song on the album, Running Game, has a verse where P says, “How much do you want for that real dope beat? Another A&R rep lying through their teeth. Son of a slave master meet and greet. There goes the publishing, and you’re back on the streets. $25,000 is like selling it free. Seems like a lot next to poverty. ‘How much you really want for all them beats?’ Son of a slave master keeping it going.”

[@ScottLaVine-br8wt]

The albums he gave them were still top notch and legendary.

[@michaelmoraga2926]

Spot on. Prince would never release something he thought was 'sub-par'... He gave Warner Bros the rock album "Chaos and Disorder" because he knew it wasn't the kind of music that the execs wanted from him. Link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJO0nomhabSnrZo

[@ExplosiveTruth]

Thanks, Great Story! And the idea of teasers on streaming to a website is huge. It's what brings in the big bucks on some sites! Here is another "FUN" fact, usually 1 million streams is about $4000, but with "discovery mode" on (where the streaming service gets money for promo), then that can be as low as around $2000 for 1 million streams!

[@shonyeezy5672]

That final point was beautiful I agree as a lyricist I used to think it was all fun and games writing in the living room with my brothers over KZbin beats until I heard MF Doom books of war on KZbin and it made me realize I’m not writing a goddamn thing there’s a real process and appreciation that goes into this that’s why I keep the Wu-Tang poster in front of the Mic as a note to myself” stop playing, bring it”

[@SimonePhoenix]

[standing ovation] 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👊🏽🙏🏽

[@glamjam9695]

Wow 👋🏼👋🏼👋🏼

[@beatsbykido]

Taylor swift rerecorded her albums and rereleased them so she could own her masters.

[@vasinvinnesha9034]

"I'm not pausing anything" 🤣

[@thahyst]

I like what you said about those playlists.. damn those curators are snobby. I made a hiphop track (making beats for 10 yrs) and dude declined it cause he thought it was a dance track... wtf.

[@beatbuildersstudio]

I think music in these days can fit multiple categories. Drake "Rich Daddy Gang" is Hip Hop but it's also a dance track.

[@thahyst]

@beatbuildersstudio Oh, I absolutely agree, and I think it's dope. But it was clearly a hip-hop instrumental track with an old-school (slowed-down) breakbeat with all live instruments. That was also 3 years ago.

[@chiefchristopherkru2676]

The LEGENDARY Prince must've passed one of his flaming batons to Curtis King. The God is relentlessly leading the front line of the DIY Artists

[@PurpleMusicProductions]

As a long time fan of Prince and a musician myself, that man schooled everyone about the industry and was the first DIYer. He paved the way for all of us independent artists as he was doing it when it was not cool and contrary to the system. Me being in my 40s I was able to see it in real time and not retrospect. A huge swatch of musical legends do not own their masters and rights and got screwed by the record companies whether it be Polygram, Capitol, Warner Brothers, Motown and etc.

[@EmceePoeticArtist]

Man this is good now I understand some stuff i missed about Prince Thanks :)

[@oregonvibez]

The fall off of Strange Music should be documented by indie rap historians

[@uno_tvm]

For real dawg!

[@kingdaveiv05]

Most business people only see and value money. “They” exploit the artist and masses to make more money. The artist only care about the art and the business only care about the money. Thereby forcing the artist to become a businessman before a “pure” artist.

[@lavenderbee3611]

The tug of war is always going to exist, the artist needs the business person to build an audience and make money so the artist can continue to create. Hopefully artists are getting wiser so the share of profits are more equitable. The mafia built the record business.

[@BPDeuceTV]

What am I supposed to do? The music just flows through me Legendary

[@chica4530]

Prince was music in human form.

[@EricRabb]

Great info Curtiss !

[@mrr5835]

I remember when he changed his name I was like "what a cocky MFer!" 😂 I later learned the truth. 🤘 ... I like your "one size fits all" comment.

[@luissanchez3825]

Curtis much respect to you bro. Count on me to show support as well.

[@TwiztedGenius]

PRINCE WAS A PURPLE GANGSTA, BAD 2 DA BONE

[@christofJennings]

I agree!

[@blasegangbeats1865]

Even his unfinished scrap was fire he wasn’t worried his b sides where better than people’s albums

[@GoldenStarIncTV]

Was on the live 🎥🔥⭐ PRINCE THE DAM🐐💯👈🏿😎

[@somethingdifferent4u247]

Good game peeps all game. R.I.P. PRINCE.

[@BarkingForBroccoliBG]

I bought prince CD from walmart in 2020 I guess the label got that $$

[@MicahMann]

Take them to church. Being a Prince “fam” has always been a fascinating trip. And I’m glad I was there since the early days. 💜

[@AncestralCapital]

Don't forget Prince's lynchpin. He didn't have to "pay" for extravagant studio coats. He was recording at his house before Paisley. (Which was his house also). Labels waste and hide money in studio coats. He owned what he recorded in principle which gave him confidence to fight the system.

[@amirz.rivers2495]

This is 🔥

[@aaronj.brooks1977]

I remember that a famous rapper wanted to work with him and Prince told him do you own your masters your music he said no Prince told him that he owned his masters he might work with him

[@ocraynardcollins6689]

💜Prince was a Mentor to me💜🎸🎹🥁🎺🎷🎻🪕🎼🎶🎤🎧🎚🎚🎚🎚🎛💜

[@yungbfresh1]

They got him in the end.

[@rhondaturner9494]

I know that video said those albums Prince gave WB were awful and half-finished, but that's not true...those are some of his most creative albums, it was just that he was spewing a lot of vitriole at the company, but it was still awesome music.

[@im_avg_joe]

Congratulations on your decision to leave streaming. Artists NEED to understand that no matter how many times the method of distributing music changes, the pay SYSTEM never changes. Artists will ALWAYS get screwed monitarily UNLESS 1) They completely own their masters 2) They have FULL ownership of their publishing Any artist who doesn't demand these two things NON NEGOTIABLE in any business deal SHOULD NOT SIGN the paperwork! Also: after watching your Tunecore exposed video, I don't trust ANY DSP companies...it won't be long before the others follow the same scamming practices as Tunecore.

[@CarltonDuncans]

They allgotshut down too!

[@lavoisier2815]

Prince and Michael Jackson were Gangster its not about who you killed it's about how you Move.

[@downnorthmusic]

Great documentary on KZbin called once a pond a time in Minneapolis

[@turtleanton6539]

Smart.😮

[@timba2647]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@carlosgil4196]

And this is also why they killed him he could’ve been saved if he wasn’t too sick but record label industry killed him

[@deekendi191]

🎉🎉🎉🎉 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@jamespcarroll4102]

Prince knew what was going on. Pirate bay...utorrent...Bittorrent...KZbin...Spotify. "IP on Tape Reel way different then, my IP is your IP address."

[@IFechiMusic]

Custis Is it real, that the new Spotify royalty system was a lie?⁉️

[@Jacqueal]

Your content is dope. I'm becoming more comfortable being a DIYer. Thank you. P.S. 10:43 😆

[@poetlovely500]

He had alot of money to from alot of distributing. He made 10 mil off Crystal Ball by only selling over 200, 000 copies is what i hear.

[@superhops1]

Go back and do research on the timeline of his death. He was about get ownership of his first albums and warner bro. Comes back around and he signs with them again. Then he dies of an “overdose” then warner bros gets his whole collection and release like 40 albums. Coincidence I think not.

[@tiarose5310]

@17:14; What about Nicki Minaj went and fought for Streaming Rights for Music Artist for this exact same reason...??? Not many are willing to admit that since its 'Nicki Minaj,' though; However, she did it.

[@kelvinharris7338]

Yeah those last two albums Come and Chaos & Disorder were terrible...but Emancipation made up for it...

[@Mxneyside_milly]

West Upp

[@tofuvisionstudios2877]

Some body tell me something

[@tigerscott2966]

There was no fued with Warner Bros. That was all just a scripted story.

[@ladylucile15]

Prince should have responded the music business since he took 100 million of their millions.. Prince wasn’t the best business person

[@bounceenergydrink]

😮 I respect Prince as a musician, and loved some of his work. But to be fair, Prince was not the most well advised business person. If it was not for Warner brothers we most likely would have not come to know and love Prince the artist. They believe in him and gave him creative control of his art, writing and producing at a very young age. The other labels said no. Keep in mind Prince debt ablum was a flop. But Warner brothers still poured money into his artistry. His second album went gold, but it did not recouped the expenses and cost of both albums. He only became break even when he released Controversy. Warner brothers spent millions to make Prince a global superstar. And when he demanded a new deal, he wanted a joint venture recording deal, what get got was a glorified production deal. Warner brothers knew he was singing acts to his production company but not paying them fairly ( The Time, Vanity 6) and he was using the majority of the label investment on himself, and he was producing more music as experimental than commercial releases. And he was using the label as an ego gift. He produced very few hits, he was singing random girlfriends with offers of making them stars and the label blew through millions. So understanding the business any label would be reluctant to give an artist a joint venture, because most artist are artist and not business people. Prince thought he could record as many albums he wanted too and the public would buy them this was not the case, and he refused to listen to any A&R person or radio promotion person on suggestions of potential radio hits he may have to put out. His last top ten hit was in 1994 (The Most Beautiful Girl In The World). Amazing performer, great musician, not that great of a business person. May his legacy live on. R.I.P

[@davidbravestrong3368]

His Second Album Entitled "Prince" Went Platinum,His Third Album Dirty Mind Went Gold.

[@chica4530]

Do you really think WB did this out of the kindness of their hearts? They saw what kind of talent he was and was a cash cow for them. Get real if you think they didn't see what they had with a young Prince. He was EXTREMELY talented at a young age. Prince made more money once he left WB with no radio play. He still sold out concerts with a moments notice. The Musicology tour was the highest grossing tour that year. He had his freedom and that's all he wanted. Musicians in the Industry still bowed down to Prince until the very end. Also, I disagree he because a more astute business man in his later years.

[@bounceenergydrink]

@@chica4530 I see you are a fan with blinders on, research information before you post. That tour was not the highest grossing tour that year ( 2004 ), With $125 million in total box office, Madonna's Re-invention tour was the top grossing tour of 2004.

[@chica4530]

@@bounceenergydrinkDo a little research, it was. Celine Dion was 2nd and Madonna was 3rd that year.

[@chica4530]

@@bounceenergydrink Prince was #1, Celina Dion#2, Madonna #3, Metallica #4 and believe it or not Bette Midler #5. These are the top 5 tours in 2004. I don't have blinders on, I just research facts. Facts over feelings wins every time. I'm sure you will not say you were wrong, but it's okay.

[@tophergofer9895]

I love when two of my favorite creators interact in a positive way shout out to @helloyassine for the prince doc, and shout out to Curtis for showing love to yassine.