DJ Akademiks breaks down how Record labels spend money on Artists. Talks why they don't get paid!

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[@glenandherpodcast9674]

Ak is in his bag. The insight he gives on the music industry is priceless. And this applies to other businesses within the entertainment industry as well. Take notes. Stay blessed.

[@pharreauvision1933]

Joe was his mentor lowkey..that’s were he gets his candidness from

[@dereomiebi977]

Ak is the Greatest of our young Generation..

[@dereomiebi977]

@@pharreauvision1933 you have a point but fuck Joe.. Ak had mentors way before Joe

[@jaycekbk7003]

@@pharreauvision1933 joe ? Mentor lmfao he can’t even manage his own business with out messing his friends over

[@biddash9815]

@@dereomiebi977 greatest of what? 😂

[@aaronjames398]

Joe Budden said it best: “If you believe in yourself that much, just get a loan from the bank”

[@kcmtv1032]

😂

[@illuminatigbeats1397]

yeah cuz every up and coming rapper has good enough credit and debt to income ratio to ask chase for a half a mil. make it make sense lol u believe in yourself??? take a loan.... and find a way to make passive income. then create a manageable budget for yourself monthly . and slow roll it like that. and as you find ways to make more money, increase the budget

[@aaronjames398]

@@illuminatigbeats1397 take your beef up with the person who said it.

[@Zellymackintosh]

@@zero1188 you dont pay interest on a deal, you owing the label , all they do is take the $$ you owe thru royalties or whatever they own from you that was in the deal… but either way , a bank wont just give you a half a million $ loan

[@waynewayne8419]

@@Zellymackintosh lol a label own your shit for life, your children will still have those cuts being taken lmao

[@MarcelHoskins]

All this music stuff is LOANS!!! People flexing with money they don’t actually have. The business is like the government 😂

[@toneallday5468]

It's like when chicks be flexing their seafood platters they got with their benefits card 😂😂😂

[@prodbytytaan]

The world moves on credit. Even some of the billionaires we admire took out loans. Just make sure to pay it back lol.

[@toneallday5468]

@@prodbytytaan Your average rapper is 18/19 when they do this "business" with no business sense or family members that can steer them right cause they're breaking the generational curse. They're doomed from the start.

[@whereis99]

@@toneallday5468 Thats why labels never provide em with lawyers when they sign they gotta fund that themselves. Because they know they cant finesse a lawayer if their there

[@toneallday5468]

@@whereis99 Jay Z said the only ones that get paid besides the owners are the producers (back then) and the Entertainment lawyérs. Lil Jon childhood homie/ and label co owner was head of label and ent lawyer Vincent forgot his last name. He went back into law when Napster and shit killed the industry. Used his connects after making Millions with Jon and off Scrappy, Trillville, etc to help Jezzy incorporate his label, and rep NBA YoungBoy and Kevin Gates, etc till this day. These Lil niggas better off getting a lucrative education.

[@Joey82Scorpio]

Damn the music business sounds like a payday loan.

[@MFINGDREW]

exactly what it is

[@CJK2175]

It’s what is and it makes sense tbh ye there’s illegal shit at times and other stuff but for the most part it’s how it goes

[@jasonv6319]

Thats why im saving money than going on a lil Wayne run… im telling you this shit gon be fun

[@kayfor2351]

@TacticalTech also I heard that when you sign a record deal you should tell that you only want 1,000 or 2,000 because if you sign with them for 2 million you gonna have to pay that back and if your Shit not hot enough to make that, you in debt. But if you sign with them for 2,000 you can pay back less.... Is that true?

[@rickpeso7854]

@@kayfor2351 Yess to an extent I dont think you can sign for as little as 1/2K, lowest ive heard is 10-20K, but I recall 6ix9ine originally signing for 20K then after he popped off he signed for more money its the smarter move signing for less, especially when your not popping and have little traction

[@TheKneeGrowNetwork]

Ak gonna hurt a lotta rappers feelings with this one. And the last one too.

[@elijahashman9716]

Helped wayyy more then hurr

[@musak.4068]

It's crazy that radio still so expensive even though its a dying platform.

[@doncolethepoet]

I think now they really spending half on radio and half on playlists placements

[@Khaliesahra]

Tv expensive too and it’s dying as well steaming killing them. Internet is probably going to be the only biggest thing in the next 30 years

[@akeem2752]

someone with the help of ai will create something better than the internet and it will involve implants, wearables, vr/ar/holographic technology. I remember there was a time the internet went off at a certain time and relied on you having a phone connection. There also was a time tv was only three channels and would also go off.

[@YcMdattGUY]

@@Khaliesahra fax but tv or another alternative will probably replace streaming services in the future because there’s too many subscriptions to pay for and manage every month

[@nicematerial]

was thinking that too

[@dwight897]

As a former director within the urban music genre at Arista records during the 1990's, its truly disappointing to hear artist still remain ignorant to the business portion of the the "music business." in 2022. If you're an aspiring artist/producer/writer...etc PLEASE educate yourself on the business aspects of the entertainment business. Naivety/Ignorance could literally cost you millions.

[@amberbanks810]

Education is information. And information is what keeps the wealthy in their status…nonetheless, it is PRICELESS

[@AlexCastro1]

was there some weirdo shit going on behind the scenes with the employees ?

[@kevinumba6281]

@@AlexCastro1 this dude worked at Arista Records. TLC ran down on them with guns over a messed up contract back in the day

[@dwight897]

@@kevinumba6281 😀😀..The 1995 incident your highlighting (allegedly) occurred within the LaFace Records division on a Wednesday during the executive weekly briefing. Not within the Arista offices. No "weirdo shit" as one commentator eloquently described it took place within the Arista New York offices to my knowledge. Senior and middle Management would routinely be made aware of both "artistic conflicts" and "non-productive conflicts" occurring within the BadBoy & Laface Offices. But no newsworthy incidents occurred within the Arista New York offices. After recalling this "alleged" incident which would have occurred 27 years ago, it's truly disheartening artist/produces/writers in 2022 continue to succumb to the "TLC" role. Another commentator pinpointed "education is information" which are indisputable facts.

[@kingcash48]

I love his industry rants more than anything 🖤

[@Wiztev09]

I think the most important thing Ak is forgetting is that 90% of the people that signed the deal were desperate and label took advantage of that. Maybe business, yea, but it’s bad business.

[@Thehitman1099389]

Everyone has there own reasons why they made a deal with the devil but i don’t feel bad for them cause the post office always hiring 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@Wiztev09]

@@Thehitman1099389 so you think a 18 year old living in poverty and his only chance to get his family out of that poverty is to sign this deal should just be taking advantage of because they “signed a deal with the devil”? Ok my friend..

[@Thehitman1099389]

@@Wiztev09 I’m not saying the labels aren’t predatory but we all need to be accountable for our actions that’s what separates adults and children and desperation is no reason not to do your research, hire your own lawyer, and taking 2 hrs outta your life to READ THE CONTRACT at the very least

[@Wiztev09]

@@Thehitman1099389 what if you can’t afford a lawyer? Or you can’t understand a contract (which I know majority of people can’t, with all the legal terms and wordage). Lets be real, predatory behavior should not still be a thing in this music business, also the artist (victim) should not be facing any blame for that behavior either. That’s like blaming a kid for being taking advantage of.

[@ksowavy]

@@Wiztev09 if you’re Mature Enough to make actions & sign on a line , you’re Mature enough to educate yourself or reap consequences ‼️

[@Talabanh]

Ak your transparency is great. And your evolution within your growth is something to be studied.

[@jordan.h6821]

Facts

[@eyeballtreehouse111]

You spitting fax Ak giving the blueprint

[@macsaviour]

Facts

[@nardo34480]

He's talking common sense how old are yall?

[@neverhungryagain2187]

@@nardo34480 hater

[@Nesly00]

The amount of free Insight this man is giving is priceless.

[@youngviews]

Drake said it’s only 1% of rapper really getting it for a reason lol

[@Dblup]

2% of the rappers are really rich…

[@nThisLifeTime]

This is just Meek is realizin... "HE NOT A BIG DAWG"😂😂😩

[@EvanSanti]

@@zay4845 exactly!

[@steviej1249]

@@zay4845 Kanye makes most of his money outside of music.. Meeks main legal income is Music... big difference.

[@ChaceBonanno]

@@steviej1249 that’s how to really get rich in music. Leverage the notoriety that you’ve built through the label’s promotion to sell a product that you have equity in like Yeezy’s and Beats by Dre.

[@truegee247]

Joe budden never ever broke shit down like this. Super RESPECT for Ack wow

[@elijahashman9716]

Cause Joe Budden be sweating and shit with tank top on Ak Really understand just his asshole and satirical.

[@KDazee]

A label is NOT LIKE a bank or loan . If I take a loan form a bank I can pay it back with interest . The label will not take back the money they gave you. They want that money back in blood , meaning , they want your masters and royalties cause they know your royalties will never recoup in your lifetime (maybe in a 360 deal) so you have to re up on more money to survive and make more music…..genius and evil at the same time 😭

[@JayyPerk]

Wow

[@JaySantanaofficial]

And ppl gotta quit that sell ya soul bullshit

[@snagg7046]

@@JaySantanaofficial im starting to think they make those videos to brainwash more

[@MVPBallingD.Rose96]

@@JaySantanaofficial you make selling your soul seem its like magical fantasy. Its easy to get someone to go against their moral values for money and fame. Lol we have seen multiple examples of this or ya niggas too stuck in ya bubble

[@elijahashman9716]

@@MVPBallingD.Rose96 ppl see it as spiritual thing a lot times but it’s simple like 69 that nigga really went against his morals

[@MKay_sc]

leverage is everything . this is what i always tell fellow artist. study the business you are in. learn how to produce your own shit, mixing and mastering including. get a camera, get your own brand a head of time. learn how to brand and market your music, know to use your data for retagerting. as soon as you understand the business, you will know how to recoup and spend that advance money.

[@ChaceBonanno]

Artists don’t always get to choose how to spend their advance. The labels say how they can and can’t spend it.

[@kayfor2351]

@@kevsmith4320 someone said if a person signs a deal he should tell them (the record company) that he only wants 1 or 2k... Cause the moment you gonna have to pay them pay and you don't have that 2 million dollar loan they gave you, you gonna be in debt... And he also said they still gonna have to promote you and get you on tour and stuff ... Is that true about the 1,000 dollars part?

[@alena2love]

​​@@ChaceBonannoMost advance money is usually for making some sucessful first songs or first album and also promoting of those two things, usually you can't spend it on othr stuff lol cause you have to make that money back to them or you are in the negative. So if you start doing really good, you pay that off and start to have money for youself.

[@alena2love]

​​@@kayfor2351If you know you are going to do great with a song or album you spend how ever much to promote and make the music and if you know its gonna be a hit then you spend less to pay them back and keep more. Some labels might put in a contract that your first album sales or how many songs sales goes all to the label, but Fk doing that and only being net positive with money for yourself only yrs after signing.

[@AikiraBeats]

See this is why I produce my own stuff, that way I can get some type of return back. I feel like artist need to learn how to produce, write, and engineer on their own so they can make a small portion back to pay off the label. Cause outsourcing everything becomes expensive, and the label will choose the most expensive recording booths just so you can lose that half a million really quick.

[@gnarrcan108]

Artists haven’t made real real money off record deals since like 40-50 years ago when bands would own an island. Even the biggest artists now are getting hoed by the label and making all their money through touring. Show biz has always been shady and the record industry was founded on gangster loansharking tactics to this day.

[@one8192]

AK speaking nothing but facts

[@eoninfinity1486]

Ak paid his debts by sharing this game, respect

[@deehenderson3963]

AK you don’t get enough credit for helping our people understand the game 💯 definitely got my respect

[@sobored761]

Love em or hate em he speaks facts

[@sfeverett1]

Stay independent young people keep your rights to all your music period.

[@ChaceBonanno]

But be prepared to spend millions if you expect to have success comparable to signed artists

[@y_u_drawn1845]

@@ChaceBonanno wrong. The formula stays the same. Grind hard. Evolve. Love and respect yourself n everyone around u. Stay true to YOU. Fuck I need a label for at this point if I can drop on apple music

[@C1K450]

@@y_u_drawn1845 if that was the case, no one would be in a record label. Everyone at some point in their career needs a label to help push their career further, plus some artists rather focus on their creative side of music than the business. It doesn’t have to be a major or indie label either, it can be a startup you came across online on social media or a friend that is willing to put some money for you. Good supporting cast in any industry makes a great product.

[@y_u_drawn1845]

@@C1K450 I won’t argue that.

[@alena2love]

Yes, but most artists don't have the money when just starting to pay to do shows, promote, market, and go to the studio. So they get money just starting from a label to cover the first fees then the label hopes to recoup that back quick or you have debt with interest until paid, but for a lot of singers its the best option sadly or happily depending on how you look at it. The big issue with getting with a label is A your music flips and now you have debt cause you used thier money, B you don't carefully read the contract and give your rights up in a way you did not want, c you use the upfront money for other stuff like personal stuff not understanding what the money is and get into debt thinking its treat yo self money and not marketing/promoting money, or D all the above possible if not careful.

[@alharris3569]

AK the quick courses on the music industry is useful to viewers. 👍

[@-_zl1114]

A game Full of Facade, but if you do great business and be the Golden horse we bet on, your life and everyone included is wonderful. You better be more than certain You That Artist kid.

[@eyeballtreehouse111]

Half the Twitch chat talking bout “Slide for Von” other half saying “Tell Yb slide for Dump, Lil Dave, and Boozilla” 💀 y’all gotta stop

[@Dblup]

Nah but Frfr…. When Durk gonna slide for Von? 👀

[@Jordan-qm9xj]

Cause it’s just full kids

[@nolimitcell]

Fr and Ak was talking about something that’s actually interesting

[@bonelesschickenwingstrash1347]

The nigga that supposedly killed dump was killed in his house

[@Vat6ré]

@@Dblup when feds not watching which won’t be anytime soon

[@verinis3126]

Thanks Akademiks, this is gold and most people don't even realise. These are lessons for business and life! Amazing knowledge shared

[@iswimslow4]

i watched the whole thing like it was 10 minutes. this was fye

[@JayloveTheFoodguy]

Now being independent dont sound so bad...

[@ksowavy]

It never was bad…n*ggas just sign deals for Fame & Females ‼️

[@ksowavy]

with all of this being said: I’ve came to a CONCLUSION that NYC Drill Rappers are the #1 Target 🎯 for Record Labels….these guys are poor w/ fan bases , will damn near take any amount of $, and don’t understand business ‼️ the EASIEST COME UP for record labels ✅

[@ekko12345]

Shawny comes to mind

[@ksowavy]

@@ekko12345 for me, I was thinking Kay Flock & Bizzy Banks ‼️

[@MMMitchell673]

@@ekko12345 it’s true cuz i seen myself sb on live explaining why he don’t got a rollie yet and he was showing off his cuban bracelets. Mentioned that he waiting on a big pay out from label

[@elijahashman9716]

@@ekko12345 shawny bin Ladin is not sign he has distribution

[@breeezybreeeze]

This was one of the most important things said in the comments. That's why we see or hear alot of "drill". It's almost everywhere, oversaturated.

[@dgayle2348]

You know how some people never stop going to school because the moment they do, they have to pay back student loans? That's basically what this rap shit is.

[@ChaceBonanno]

Pretty smart. Just keep taking classes til you die and never pay your student loans lol

[@ilovejesuschrist992]

Everything in this world is a loan.

[@alena2love]

Exactly especially people who got into sht in thier past before signing and trying to run from it or leave it ike a lot of rappers.

[@yossefworetaw2243]

I boy of mine sold is soul for 1.7million for 3 albums and only gived him 700.000 at the time he singh and the rest when he finishes his album it been about 1year he regrets doing that decision. But I understand how he felt when they offered him 1.7m$ and when your been broke all your life this big offer it like a blessing you can't refuse but you realize it's a trap they play on you smh sad

[@JR0Rider]

This should be required watch material for all up and coming rappers!

[@nicematerial]

My 'development deal' was for 15. I said no. Going independent feels good but it is a LOT of work competing with million dollar budgets...

[@iranutter2661]

Wow listening to this makes me feel like it’s not even worth signing to a label. It’s real life indentured servitude.

[@alena2love]

Some resources a label has might help at some point depending on situation, but try to do as much as you can yourself. Also understand where most start out financially and how hard it is to speak above the man artists out there when just starting vs what a label provides that may look entising and jucy. Some artists do better with a label some better indi. Indi wll be much harder and most know it.

[@casper56g]

Music industry is a scam Rihanna went platinum without selling a record

[@jonathancoleman9266]

Damn really

[@casper56g]

@@jonathancoleman9266 yes Samsung bought a million copys of her last album so she went platinum without selling an actual record

[@peacegawd5192]

@@jonathancoleman9266 alot of artists are plants if you dig deep enough. That whole organic come up and the label "discovering" your music is pretty good PR.

[@brandonbrown6480]

I’m listening carefully and it’s like hella rappers that come to mind

[@asheqmusic]

Everything he's running down is a dated system used by record labels, with the assets made available today artists don't need a record deal or a bank loan of any sort to break a song. Don't let them keep you sleep by focusing on what's "happening" and what's "happened", instead focus on what can be done today.

[@triberedeyetv5971]

"Not abt what you worth. Its abt what you can negotiate." #CharlemagneThaGod Thats why that leverage game is so dangerous for an artist. Im under the impression over years of backdrop work, that some scouts may actually be told not to deal with certain talent bc of their ability to leverage out the gate i.e. artists with everything except a network or marketing avenue at a main label. Especially artists that may threaten business models revolved around their current artists on the roster. Labels can be a gift n a curse but u gotta treat em like a dealer...they might sound like yo friend but its always business in their benefit.

[@dv_1991]

These deals artists get, ak have them sounding like subprime housing loans from 2008 🤣

[@danielalemu3029]

🤣🤣

[@ej4l991]

Thank God Chief Keef Owned His Masters From The Beginning And Get Royalties

[@peacegawd5192]

Nah he didnt lol look up him and Alki David. Dude used to get tight at keef and repo his car cause he owned it 🤣🤣🤣

[@ej4l991]

@@peacegawd5192 Dats Don’t Mean Shit Sosa Own His Masters & Get Royalties U Talm Bout Some Whole Other Shit EveryBody Kno Dat And Dat Deal Wit Alki Been Done Yearz Ago

[@peacegawd5192]

@@ej4l991 if you say so bro i aint gonna sit here and act like i know the ins and outs of his deal. If he does then cool but i dont think so 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@taefithendo]

he’s not lying and at a purely logical business standpoint it makes nothing but sense….

[@JM-qn3tf]

meek is millions in debt.

[@Crazyjedi2]

So basically as an artist you're getting one big ass check up front and then that's it until you're a few projects in. That's actually not that bad as long as you understand your first check is your only check for a minute and save your money.

[@ksowavy]

nah….most likely rappers spend it on Drip (Designer) , Drugs , & trick on females ‼️

[@rawbrenaissance1305]

I’m sure j Cole caked up then.

[@_meangreenjersey973]

@@rawbrenaissance1305 Jay owns his masters he not getting paid j cole projects probably paid for all them roc nation project

[@frivolousaccount291]

They don’t give it to you all at once it’s just like a paycheck from a job. It’s called per diem

[@rzwitdauncut]

@@ksowavy what’s crazy is that you can spend a good amount of money and still look just as good as a rapper. they spending five and six figures on clothes and jewelry is ridiculous and crazy when I can go and spend a whole lot less on different jewelry but it’s still real

[@chrissean9614]

Ak this is a whole pod episode lol

[@ksowavy]

My Thoughts Exactly ‼️🎯

[@theconnected7234]

I grew up hearing this record label game from Chamillionaire but its awesome hearing Ak cover percentage costs with managers and lawyers

[@bleedwolf5]

Sounds like most Rappers are in a big Debt cycle. Hardwork and being Independent is better.

[@TheDegenerateLord]

it's actually not that hard to explain it's not at all complicated. The Labels want you to think it is, but it's really just a smoke screen to finesse someone out of their creative property for a loan... You literally could of just got a loan from a bank, hire a PR Firm, and kept all your profits and creative property

[@edgarfuentes6394]

Man so from 1 artists that makes it. It also makes up from the other 10 artists that don’t make it. Man now just thinking and Yo Gotti and his CMG Label. Gotti has Blac Youngsta, Moneybagg Yo, EST Gee, Lil Migo, Big Boogie, 42dugg, and etc. All these artists have made it and some other on his team. Like wow just thinking about how much he has made just of them. But also he spends money on them gives them cash, chains, cars, etc. Man Yo Gotti is running the game right now and he just knows how to pick his artist as well salute to CMG!!

[@gregt-f3907]

Ak bout to have the labels at his feet. If that hasn't already happened. When a nigga comes up behind the scenes on his own from his home you can't control how the nigga roam after that breakthru. Ak is showing us that firsthand.

[@MMMitchell673]

Labels would never let a independent artist go number one because it shows u don’t need them, they will pay to keep artist higher than u

[@SF-rr8hu]

Was wondering how the labels are so certain they'd get all their money back.. then I remembered how labels put life insurance on their artists. CHESS!

[@Shachaawar]

Every artist should start off with a deal to get the promo, but after that do your own promo and be consistent with your music, shows, etc.

[@Thehitman1099389]

Youngboy is paying for 20 bums on Atlantic 10x over lol 💰

[@EvanSanti]

cap

[@elijahashman9716]

Probably 60 bums He Big artist

[@sfeverett1]

Yeah but are they really spending that much I want to see certified invoices I aint just taking there word for it they can say we spent 500k and only spent 200k

[@ChaceBonanno]

Exactly why some artists audit their labels like Ak mentioned

[@retrotv1988]

Y’all favorite rapper getting finessed

[@triberedeyetv5971]

Another trippy aspect is most artists who sign to a major without leverage wont even see anything but the signing bonus for the first 6 mos to a year.

[@jaunsontoyo]

Before there was Ak, there was Russ 💯

[@skgsinc1833]

It's funny how people used to clown Russ not knowing he was the intelligent one 🤔

[@XxbellathewolfgoodXx]

5% of 5M is 250,000…yea grab that calculated my G

[@Lamar_G2006]

Ppl need to smartin up it's not worth signing to these labels they will just use u up turn u out n leave u broke

[@SlugfestEntertainment]

I Fall Through On Here For The Label Advice. If I Make 1 Fan I Can Make 100!! GOOD MUSIC SHOULD BE HEARD ON A REGULAR!! FREE THEM

[@swadeyaboy498]

You misled people with your assessment and here's why! You are correct in regards to the budget being allocated, but you did your calculations for an album. If 3.5 million is the budget, you can be sure that's for anywhere from 3 - 7 albums, not 1. So the budget spent would be significantly less for each album release and if money isn't recouped off the first album release, then the ballgame changes for example if the artist is still hot but has a piss-poor first release, they may get a second chance. If the artist cooled off, they may get shelved and no more budget is spent on them making their debt significantly less. Either way, the numbers will be far less per album with the budget split per the amount of albums required in the contract.

[@kayfor2351]

I read that artist should sign a deal for 2,000 so the artist won't have to pay back 2 million the loan the label gave them and they would be in debt, is that true?

[@ChaceBonanno]

An advance is huge scam because it doesn’t count as a loan, so you have to pay taxes on it. Imagine borrowing $1M, paying $400k in taxes, ending up with $600k after taxes, but then still owing $1M to the label. That’s like a 66.6% interest off the rip, not even including all the fuckery that goes down and makes it even worse.

[@fresh2354]

I don’t understand why ppl don’t like Ak, he be giving so much game!

[@skippy1012]

He's mastering his art.. He's the most hated atm.

[@preston77021]

so basically unless you understand accounting/statistics & law you need to go platinum everytime or dont do music lol

[@indiamcentee2920]

“LET US EAT, WE GOTTA EAT BEFORE YOU EAT”

[@SaniBravo]

That actually makes perfect sense

[@Journeyman89]

And people straight off the street is always going to take this chance bc they already got no money or living check to check so its the same thing for them except u get popularity and fame and thats enough for some people especially young people

[@Jmw357]

This was a great listen. In reality a lot of these artist we see stunting. Are in debt like crazy.

[@GDSprodify]

Kodak Black has more platnium (and diamond) records than Uzi and 21 Savage stop playing with Yak name.

[@dub_uno]

So payola is still a thing...

[@one8192]

Thanks for the insight AK.

[@RampageYI]

People gotta remember it doesn’t take to much money to look rich trust I live in Vegas.

[@javianjohnson8746]

4:28 someone clip this Lmfaooo 5:21 interesting perspective here, hip hop as “fast food music”

[@goatmouthjones90]

Better to be independent. Fuck having fame and being broke

[@abri1997]

A life without Jesus-Christ is a wasted life , people! Believe in Christ now while there's still time, and get your sins washed away by His redeeming Blood. You are being lied to by this satanic self-deceived world, the devil is lying to us Only Jesus Christ The savior is going to get us out of this whole mess. No one else can, not even ourselves The Bible says in Mark 8:36 ''For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? ''

[@OnelifeCortez]

Amen

[@CJK2175]

AK is a beast bro hopefully he’s well protected and he really needs to invest his money in like platoon or something because he knows so much and he’s a figure he knows how to beat these labels and can be making 100X more than what he’s doing rn

[@MVPBallingD.Rose96]

facts

[@easysinmusic216]

BILLBOARDS? MINUS TIMES SQUARE...WHERE THEY DO THAT AT?

[@antigo2hard]

This why I say believe in yourself invest in yourself it doesn’t take much now a days why you waiting for someone else to say they believe in you and pay for you get that loan from the record label you’ll never see a dime you’ll be broke for a while most of these big artist famous bur broke

[@easymoneysniper9013]

That's savage since the label can write off every one of those expenses to reduce their tax liability 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@cdlyricalgenius]

His fans dissing rappers saying the deal is a loan but they a all take that loan

[@mohjayy]

Tbh if I was struggling rapper dead broke couch surfing I’d definitely take that deal.

[@Thehitman1099389]

@@mohjayy post office always hiring bud

[@babyflawless880]

Bro this should be common sense. Record labels, like banks, loan money and charge interest. Cmon now.

[@MegamanTheSecond]

Damn bruh this is worse than colleges they literally own you forever you gotta be a Kanye or Drake to not get screwed

[@Bo55world]

Who are these people paying for music? Is it 2001 or 2021?

[@abovetherim8000]

The secret word is PERPETUITY

[@MichaelMyers-tg9uh]

Mad respect Aladimikz , 4 tryin 2 help upcoming rappers as well as some more well known rapper's that don't know music industry as well as they think 😉💯

[@Breezy.Universe]

If you want your freedom, you gotta buy it back. Basically indentured servitude.

[@RichieRich1012]

30:49 NIGGA, we tryna RECOOP❗ 😭😭😭

[@0piumbby]

5% of a million is NOT 1 million 50 thousand or whatever the fuck he said 😂😂😂

[@blueballedtech]

This was so awesome. Awesome breakdown man....so many jewels.

[@TreFKennedy]

Damn and that’s on top of most artist being in a 360 deal?? 🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯

[@oriyearwood]

Does this apply to r&b singers as well? Because everytime I watch video’s on label business and paying artists, the videos are always directed towards rappers so what about artists like The Weeknd, Giveon, Brent Faiyaz and so on and so forth. Since they’re in a complete different genre, is the pay or the form of business different for them vs for rappers?

[@slickdawg5976]

The rules apply to all artist. The caveat would be demographic/projected sales. "Pop music" routinely reaches a broader purchasing audience, So contracts are structured with this in mind, however the exact same principles are used during the negotiation process.

[@oriyearwood]

@@slickdawg5976 So even tho the foundation is the same for both genres, still would u say pop artist and r&b artist have longevity in the industry as opposed to rappers because of how broad they are?

[@slickdawg5976]

@@oriyearwood Predicting longevity within the music industry is similar to those who claim they can accurately and consistently predict the stock market, simply cant be done. Music distributed by pop artist reaches are larger demographic then does R&B or Hip-Hop. However, that broader reach does not always equate to artist longevity. The music industry is simply a numbers industry.

[@g.neptdadaaa]

People never think about that part how much the label spend

[@elijahashman9716]

They Want u Spend more More Debt .

[@clanxcult7475]

Ak spitting facts about drakes 7th week vs various artists 1st … I always though this same thing it’s crazy domination and show the levels that’s why he don’t need to drop an album to often it’s like Uzi n Carti with luv is rage 2 and whole lotta red

[@KayoMonei]

Damn now sometimes I don’t feel bad for these artist now that I think about it just hearing about the industry made me skeptical about pursuing music but now I’m not so worried about selling my soul I rather have somebody loan me a mill to make more than clock in a 9-5 you got to have a mindset don’t use just music as a way to make money tap in to other things to get yourself out of debt quicker then you won’t be crying instead of getting comfortable

[@javianjohnson8746]

Sheesh 8:18, these rappers talking about how they’re “pimps” and “getting bread…nah buddy, seems like these LABELS are the real pimps! 😨 This entire video is so much Game! Thinking about all of these “BIG” rappers who trick us into thinking they’re swimming in cash, start remembering what insight Ak gives in this video. These guys really aren’t ballin’ like that, because they’re in DEBT.

[@banditokashh7135]

Big AK only speaks the truth that’s why I respect this man he has million dollar worth of game respect brotha🙏🏾

[@VonteXP]

I hate akademiks but I recognize the journalistic integrity of this platform

[@rtistofficial6070]

Bring these talks to the pod

[@oubimcius4032]

That word is the first word I learned when it came to this shit. Recoup

[@QNoonie-TwitchYT]

‘your basically signing in blood every time you sign a contract’ - DJ Akademiks