The Truth About the Music Industry | Rules To This Sh!t

The record business is just that...a business. And many young artists find themselves on the wrong end of bad contracts, unfavorable deals, and record labels that want to take them for a ride. Our cast offers us insight about the reality of the music industry and how the new trend is to find ways around the old conventions.
As part of Complex's Get Money initiative, the eight-part series "Rules to This Sh*t" covers the trials and tribulations of embarking on a rap career, with words of wisdom from Common, N.O.R.E., Too $hort, the late Nipsey Hussle, and more.
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COMPLEX is a community of creators and curators, armed with the Internet, committed to surfacing and sharing the voices and conversations that define our new America. Our videos exemplify convergence culture, exploring topics that include music, sneakers, style, sports, and pop culture through original shows and Complex News segments. Featuring your favorite celebrities, authoritative commentary, and a unique voice, our videos make culture pop.

[@AwokenEntertainment]

Glad that the globalization of the internet has really made the road to being an independent artist much more attainable..

[@7777Lace]

FACTS

[@meech7520]

Imagine the conversations the executives have about these young artists behind closed doors. It's probably total disrespect.

[@isaaspirit9895]

It's like slavery . They make billions of hip hop without even respecting the artist that's makes the vibe to sell . Just put the pressure thing and lawyer shit and that .

[@mariahyohannes]

@@isaaspirit9895 Well whose fault is that? If you continue to let someone screw you and bend you over expecting different results, that is insanity.

[@Andu_music]

@@mariahyohannes exactly. Thats why i say we need to stop signing to these labels, they don't respect us. KZbinrs make a living without some big label, comedians, instagram influencers. Why do we give the labels so much power we need to not

[@t-nyse]

Probably?

[@danielbeckford362]

@@mariahyohannes you cant win - the education is sacred - unless they teach you - you wont know better, also if you get it with out their permission - they find a way to take it back

[@estreyfelion2190]

Screw the labels, stand on your ground independently

[@matthewhouck9395]

Love it or hate it the labels arent going anywhere

[@viralbuthow000]

Yes, I agree 100%. More responsibilities though and still gotta answer to the tax man.

[@TranceCore3]

Screw the label, I am the label

[@ACT1O1]

Yes sir!

[@KingBabaJames]

You need money son, I mean alots of money 💰 to make it.

[@KungfuJoeProductions]

The entertainment industry is no different from hustling out in these streets. "It's a dangerous world"

[@micahp.4356]

A dog eat dog world

[@lastsinner4606]

I had a car company charge me 7,500 for a car and we agreed on 6,700. I am so glad I read it and they already had another printed up in their desk when I asked! Pay attention to your interest rate and types and also your principles. Do not forget to read clauses! READ YOUR CONTRACTS UNTIL YOU UNDERSTAND THEM Completely! People take them home and read it before you sign! Google what you don't understand! If they are talking to fast tell them to slow down if it doesn't feel right it isn't! I pray everyone's reading and comprehending this message!

[@7777Lace]

FANTASTIC & very thorough POINTS!!! Respect ✊🏽

[@jackiekent8720]

Good for you same happened to me and boyfriend buying a car! lmao he almost beat the car salesman! Everyone has to read read read real talk!

[@ThePhoinix33]

Facts

[@LethalWeap0n9]

This comment/post is missing WAY TOO MANY Likes!!! Faaaaaaacts. "...if it doesn't feel right, it isn't!" hits so damn hard. GOD placed that feeling in us FOR A/MANY reason(s)! Be careful, y'all! 🤔🧐👀

[@lastsinner4606]

@@LethalWeap0n9 beyond said isn't it?

[@bigdoddz0]

This is why Master P is one of the smartest people in the music game! He never fell for all this bs

[@joannacruz9818]

@@BrandonAdams1010 wym?

[@YearOfTheTitan93]

@@BrandonAdams1010 how'd they get him though?? Please elaborate

[@daviedood2503]

They didn't he's lying 😂

[@ghrt661]

@@YearOfTheTitan93 ppp fraud

[@marcelprimes]

Puff was notorious for that. Everybody would get pissed at him but the second you called him out on it he’d change things up. If you let them do it they will.

[@91Definite]

Especially with The Lox’s calling Diddy from the station at Hot 97 about their publishing

[@trixic3]

What about ma$e .. he got screwed for his publishing for life

[@moneyball8287]

and became a pastor because of it

[@darvin50k]

To the person reading this: Even though I don’t know you, I wish you the best of what life has to offer ✨

[@miguelduran2028]

A big F U

[@miguelduran2028]

Lol

[@miguelduran2028]

The fakeness is like looking thur a all class window. I wish you would go brush your teeth and put some water on your face and you’ll figure out what life has to offer.

[@jangutierrez1743]

Same to you amen 🙏🏼

[@fultoncountybaby4pf268]

Respect💪🏿✨

[@patravinci]

Shout out to Complex for looking out for the future of the industry and the artists that will now thrive in it.

[@d5940]

And to you bro

[@AUSTIN-ss2zd]

You think this shows everything and fixes everything? What about the soul selling

[@kirkobangzjr632]

@@AUSTIN-ss2zd its no different than u selling out to get a job and if u think it is u clueless

[@patravinci]

@@AUSTIN-ss2zd by no means. But it’s a step in the right direction.

[@WickedFirecom]

@@AUSTIN-ss2zd One miracle at a time now... can't have all the big reveal in one mini doc... Got any memes to promote on the topic tho? I would imagine you could have a field day on this topic with that. Probably create a whole cottage industry out of it if you really wanted... that's grown up talk for doing things for fun and profit. == But you are somewhat correct. Soul selling is a kinda sorta thing, but it hasn't been a real thing yet. Gosh, I can't wait for the day it does, I've got so many clients in so many industries that would love to get in on that racket.. And hey, maybe you can make memes about that too?? Nah, just kidding. You're a complainer not anything more. ;P

[@macadelic2492]

Puffy was never your friend if he was trying to screw you over in the contract 🤣

[@justynjonn]

Maybe he was just trying to screw you.

[@d.m.5017]

😂Literally!

[@bvdatech1]

@@justynjonn usher moment

[@mattmatthews3689]

This shows how desperate and unaware people are of the entertainment industry. They sign a contract they don't understand for money and fame and then reality kicks in they realize they sold their image, creativity, recordings, and their soul to the devil. Once they have you are more worth dead than alive

[@mikecolts21]

RIP NIPSEY!! May your legacy live on in the industry 🙏🏾

[@desordenpublico]

Nipsey got killed by big pharma …he already had escaped the music industry, but big pharma ain’t no joke…think about it ..he was about to make a huge discovery about the aids cure , he was funding the project in partnership with an african doctor…same week he came on radio to talk about it and he even said “ for those fans listening this could be the last time y’all hear from me ,that’s how real this is” I’ve got goosebumps when he said that

[@avaspree6533]

RIP Nipsey 🙏

[@janedoh2625]

Sounds very much like a pimp/ho relationship: they pay for your wardrobe, hotel rooms, tour bus, drugs, etc but you see no cash or actual assets you can invest. "They keep you looking good, pretty & all that BUT NO DOUGH."

[@adamstl3148]

Anyone wanted to start a music career should watch this series cause it'll offer some knowledge that they may need to know. Im enjoying this. Cant wait for the next instalment.

[@bigpoppa5732]

Support Independent Artist!!!!!! No matter what you do,do it for yourself.Sink or Swim , it's on your terms.Do not sell your soul for anything

[@chiagang6866]

facts!!

[@taliluvu2]

This is a powerful project and I pray it saves future artist from being taken advantage.

[@MegaAhhhhhhh]

Praying doesn’t work what works is using your brain ,acquiring knowledge and having guts to say no

[@taliluvu2]

@@MegaAhhhhhhh respectfully... Payer works with effort. Using your brain is obvious but many don't know even the right questions to ask or worst have no idea how to protect themselves from the predators. Having the ability to say no is especially hard coming from poverty. It's of the utmost importance that we share experiences to protect one another. Peace be with you.

[@mariahyohannes]

No it will not. These artists are chasing after money and fame and they want it bad and they want it fast. Being an independent artist will not bring you the type of fame and fortune they want and it will take much longer to start accumulating wealth. People need to realize that these billion dollar record labels are NOT going anywhere. Because they own, run and operate the industry. I don't know any successful artists who has had global success that was completely independent from the big three record labels, even if its just a distribution deal these labels are going to make some sort of money off of these artists, independent or not

[@Michael-oe2mn]

@@mariahyohannes teamsesh

[@andrewallace2137]

They will put you in a mansion on a hill or let you drive a bentley, that you dont own.

[@coreymarks40]

For the last time "DON'T SIGN A CONTRACT UNLESS YOU HAVE A MUSIC LAWYER PRESENT WHEN YOU SIGN❗"

[@oholm09]

Only main things read all the terms before you get into a industry

[@aaliyahrahkaim537]

Keep the artist safe y’all!!

[@earlbenjamin7605]

I luv the fact that some of the older artists are trying to give some wisdom to the younger artists coming up. Each 1 teach 1 is a real thing.

[@Tropicool]

"The best MC with no chain, you eva heard" -DOOM

[@KSoloLoso]

My advice for people who wants to pursue in the music industry is to do it on your own independently.

[@polarbarrrs]

Good advice

[@DonDadaGND]

Good advice but then the issue becomes where do we start

[@CatalinaFOIA]

@@DonDadaGND Sound Cloud, KZbin, Twitter, etc...

[@CatalinaFOIA]

@@DonDadaGND put all of your music on digital platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, etc...)

[@DonDadaGND]

@@CatalinaFOIA yea let me just snap my fingers and put my music on there lol. Not knocking what you said but Its not that simple and even if it was I need REAL info on where to start PROPERLY I need to learn the business side of thing like Copyrights, PRO'S (Ascap, Bmi, Etc) publishing, distribution....things of that nature I hear things like put it on Spotify and apple music all the time and it really doesn't help. Over all. Thats like putting someone in a plane and saying all you have to do is fly it.....its like ok but how

[@unrawcutunityinthecommunit2264]

It's a dam shame how low down the music industry is they really need looked into they deal with the devil...😡

[@kimmeryles938]

I know if Nipsey was still alive he would have had many Artist under his Label that would have been treated the honest way and not Cheating them out if the game! Rest In Peace Nipsey Hussel🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@MrPreachx]

The artist sell their music to the record labels. They are being paid for their musical gifts.

[@Sin.Atonement]

Nipsy wasn't the saint everyone made him out to be.

[@andrewallace2137]

There was also this other book called Secrets of Negotiating a Recording Contract: The Musician's Guide to Understanding and Avoiding Sneaky Lawyer Tricks

[@haroldbarnes4468]

You gq

[@dr.ayachristae.posey-madyu2105]

I think that's the book Urcher's mom talks about that she used!

[@ray_of_sunshine917]

Prince said it best "Music contract is not a pension plan"

[@jakeytedesco3003]

RIP Mr Nelson

[@trevalrollins7839]

Yes he did and then they killed him .I will never see it any different rip Prince

[@johnsmith-so5do]

The internet , digital downloads, and live at home shows. These are the reasons we can take the music industry back ! Learn about llc’s and start your own label !

[@ronanutomo4677]

Honestly this generation needs to make music that produced songs with deep and meaningful lyrics

[@cameonashipleftonaplane698]

They wouldn't dare. They want death and distruction in our community.

[@salmanakber6368]

Justin bieber is making good music

[@ronanutomo4677]

@@salmanakber6368 there is only one song from him that has deep and meaningful lyrics, which is "lonely" while other songs are just party music

[@user-lw9zd4jk2p]

You write some songs then 🥴

[@ronanutomo4677]

@@user-lw9zd4jk2p are you joking? It's not easy to write some songs

[@paultalley4870]

Once you blow up in the mainstream, and you sign that contract ,you're signing your life away

[@thebillboard500club]

I teach all of my mentees about the realities of this business. The only way it's going to change is if enough people in the business start to come together and share these stories, then create a better business. Too many people run around trying to pretend they are in the music business so nothing ever changes because it's mostly filled with fakes.

[@dorisjones4865]

Definitely True!!!

[@juandamyles9797]

Yeah fake city now couple that with the movie industry and it's fake all the way.

[@WickedFirecom]

I looked into your business a while back. It's not bad... but you don't have much experience in areas you claim to be an absolute authority in and you definitely don't reveal that. Not saying that makes you the bad guy, and I can see why from a business perspective that wouldn't be so wise, however, I think it would benefit you nonetheless. It's not like they have an alternative? Keep doing what you're doing, you could make SO much more money though if you really wanted to go all in.. but you seem to be afraid of the industry, I think, which is why you haven't been able to push as hard? Don't worry so much, they aren't as scary or powerful against you as you fear... try it and see. :)

[@thebillboard500club]

@@WickedFirecom What sort of drugs are you taking? Everything that I talk about I am definitely well versed in. I actually don't speak on a topic unless I understand the in and outs of it completely. I'm not sure what you mean by "you looked into my business" but if you actually did you'd see that all of the people in my company are award winning producers, songwriters and executives. Go troll on another page

[@markwoods4439]

You have to remember the music industry is a business. And if they see your talent and likability a lot of them will take advantage of it. So know the business from ground up!

[@irvingskyzanitzy3081]

Frank wasn't lying when he was warning everybody about record execs...in the 60's, 70's and 80's...

[@oholm09]

Just like legendary artist disbanded quitting the industry

[@iwantmyfriescrispynotburnt3981]

Frank??

[@carwalk1280]

@@iwantmyfriescrispynotburnt3981 Ocean

[@iwantmyfriescrispynotburnt3981]

@@carwalk1280 ohhhh okay! 🤣🤣

[@timsmith9043]

Rest in peace nip good example of doing it yourself

[@medeamaterial]

This video is fantastic! Back in SF I saw some kids canvassing for donations to their hiphop education program and I knew that the music industry can and is already changing. What a gift for an artist to be represented by this team!

[@maridunca1720]

You cute girly wassuhh

[@mr.alldaaay2791]

Brits tend to over use the word fantastic. 🤫

[@javennabellingerlearnsomething]

Soo I remember I went to this music conference in Washington DC that they would hold every year. This was like 20 something years ago but I’ll never forget the experience one because I was naive and two because I wanted to be a Songwriter so bad! So I met this lady from a big record company (I don’t remember the name) I gave her my cd and told her I was trying to be a Songwriter. She look me up and down and through me! 😊 I wanted to be a Supermodel at the time so I was always on point head to toe😉 She said “Do you want to be a Singer?” I’m like NO I can’t sing but I can dance and I told her that. She asked again “ Do you want to be a Singer?” I’m like this lady is not deaf and I just said I’m trying to be a Songwriter. She said “if you change your mind let me know!!! I called her the next day and she remembered me I asked if she listened to my music! She said oh I remember you did you change your mind!! In my head, I’m like lady I’m not trying to embarrass me or my family I’m a Writer. I said No she said the same thing again! I never called back! When I got a little older I understood the question. Basically she was saying she can make me a star!! Yea they can definitely make you a star but at what cost! One most know what they really want 1st then know the business game 2nd! Check out my music on SoundCloud under Venna or my song “Make Momma Proud on CD Baby❤️ Author of the Learn Something Book Series

[@Hanospeaks]

Thanks for sharing your story, that hit at the end “but at what costs?” Preach

[@AllEyezOnMeTMC]

What she should've done was given you an opportunity to write music for artists, and then you might have wanted to sing later...but nothing is by accident. You made the right choice.

[@carwalk1280]

@@AllEyezOnMeTMC yep like neyo & many others

[@andrewallace2137]

They had a good book i purchased back in late 98 or 99 confessions of a record producer. Its all in there.

[@TamaraGarrettAlpha]

I'll have to.look.into that 💯

[@tungstenfilms]

Best music industry documentary ever hands down

[@murphylee3874]

The funny is that, new artists are watching this and will end up in the same boat

[@charissemodeste6489]

All I can think of is Lisa or "TLC", being one of the FIRST to give us the run down. She was right.

[@notaflightreactsfan3706]

great video,glad you guys putting this out there! this generation and all after this generation needs to learn this stuff!

[@ghostrider2781]

Big respect to that rapper Elhae smart move first paycheck buy your own studio best advice

[@atlantakat68]

The highest currency as a story teller is being regarded by your peers as the best... a real all star with high constitution. Money, possessions.... all fall short. The truth.

[@Fj707ap]

This also applies to life and earning fat checks and knowing what to do when you get paid. Paying off your debts and Investing is the best thing you can do

[@ba8501]

Read the contract! Get someone to look over it. You can amend the clauses, you can negotiate. Unfortunately, they sign these young people who are so excited to get a contract they don't realize what they are actually signing.

[@bigpoppa5732]

Too Short sold Trunk Music all over the Bay-Area!! Him and his Team were all over the place.We used to drive down from Sac.to meet up with a dude at a gas station to get his latest.Tagging pagers was how ya did it.

[@3DAnimationForBeginners]

Its a shame what happened to Nipsey Hussle, he was a leader and he gave back to his community, the problem with us is we have so much jealousy with each other, they envy him and killed him. Its a shame with all this talent we can not own anything .

[@daviedood2503]

Bc people feel they're BETTER and they deserve it instead of you. People don't care if you're happy, just as long as you're not happier and doing better than THEM. Folks don't like seeing u doing well they take it like you're rubbing it in their face. I'm a better person than YOU are now. Your lady will want to be with me than YOU etc. I can flash ur chick this money and she'll be all on me kinda vibe. I can BUY your woman. Folks can't just be happy for people now days. They always want to scheme and scam their way. Lazy and don't want to to WORK. But now days, it's like why bother working? It don't really get u anywhere. It just keeps bills paid and u out of jail I'd all. No real "life" just existing is all. People are angry. Prices are going up but their checks aren't. 😕

[@3DAnimationForBeginners]

@Benjamin Mordecai Thanks Bro 👍

[@masiyasiya7377]

Rest In Peace Nipsey Hussle

[@robertsylvester3542]

I m on this planet to make music, I released my first album myself, but I’m not done yet, so much more to go :)

[@Cylo_Mdop]

Move it 🔥

[@debbienorthcutt102]

Awesome video on getting the word out, and to all those speaking out, way to go!!!

[@leogutkowski3917]

Amazing work Complex as usual. RIP Nipsey.

[@andrewallace2137]

A hip hop contract is just as croocked as a court public pretender looking for a plea deal because they have no interest in any time to defend you even if you are innocent.

[@dfreshkicks347]

Really hearing nip talk and see that experience even tho short part of Vid meant a lot amazing

[@RealChefBoiBeats]

When I first started to produce, I didn’t know shit about the business so I started doing my research & I was like tf would I chase a dream where I’m not in control so I stop chasing tryna get signed and just make beats as a hobby , got a job but growing up knowing that it’ll only b 1 & a million that I’ll ever get that chance. Even tho my family didn’t want me to do this I still did my thing. I’ve been doing this for 5 years & im more aware how people are when it comes to beats. You meet people who are snakes & just want you to give them your information just to leave you dead afterwards. Shit crazy but it’s been a hella 5 years of experience, met some famous mangers, rappers. Had experience to be on stage with one of my artists that I’ve worked with , been to high end quality studios , was the best experience I ever had and I’m still learning and growing. It’s a crazy ride but shit you learn who’s who and who to not be around. But always keep the people who are willing to learn how to do certain things to be better cuz they will end up learning something that you didn’t know and now you both are evaluating your music🙏🏼💫💙 still love making beats but it’s true “I love music but I hate the industry”

[@FlyAwayChi]

Man bro I gave up my dream of being a producer cause my life got a lil dark...I still haunts me to this day. Salute to you man

[@RealChefBoiBeats]

@@FlyAwayChi never give up fam. If you truly love the passion you will always have the soul to make the beats. And being in a dark hole will only get you out of it if you do what makes you happy. That’s the goal, I feel you I’ve been there already but the only thing that’s gon fix that dark hole is your passion to continue making beats. Once you learn that you’ve gained the world and no one can stop u from doing what u love💯💫🤞🏼 keep ya head up homie

[@bigstone8612]

Hey COMPLEX, wasn't this originally a BET production made 2 years ago? Awesome to see it back online. I couldn't find it anywhere anymore for the longest time!

[@restinguntil]

It was. This is a replay. I’ve seen this before but it’s still good information though. 🙂

[@chadfren]

where da WET at?

[@GzUp187]

50 Cent is a perfect example when it comes to making money in the music industry. Eminem gave 50 around one million on a record deal, 50 sold 800,000 copies within one week. So, take 800,000x10 he made 8 million dollars within one week, so he paid back Eminem that one million dollars deal, also the production, recording sessions and studio time, the cd makers and etc he probably spent another million dollars. My estimate 50 spent on his music was probably 2 million dollars. So you take 8 million subtract 2 million that equals which is his left over money that's 6 million and that's really good. Also, he probably made more money with the publishing deal with Shady and the royalty check.

[@guikatinskas]

yeah, but not everybody sells 800k first week lol, especially nowadays

[@YoungBlaze]

You gotta remember that alot artist are getting 360 deals so if they were given 1,000,000 and even if you clear it and pay it back the label wants around 5 or 6 million and you still have to sell like the old 50cent

[@GzUp187]

@@YoungBlaze you’re absolutely correct, but rappers love to spend a lot money on that one million dollar on stupid things. They spend money on expensive foreign cars, houses, jewels, and luxury items.

[@GzUp187]

@@guikatinskas it’s mostly selling single record, merch, and concert tour.

[@gingerbreadmangangafarmer2251]

@@GzUp187 He did not make that much.Most of the money goes into other things.Your calculation is wrong

[@dantemontanuh9977]

S/O to the makers of this💯if artists are patient it can go a long way

[@maxboltztherapy]

The music business is just that "Business." I highly recommend this video for anyone going into "Business."The situations described are almost the same in any business.

[@Strictlydt]

Don’t give up y’all. It’s for the culture ✊🏾

[@Olivia84818]

Shout out to complex for this learning and teaching experience, can’t have a crappy label if they don’t have people to rip off of.

[@sheliacastro6384]

I think this is what Left eye from TLC was trying to tell us about the music industry before she died. She was a smart young lady.

[@aaronthompson4280]

Man I been looking for this for years! I’m glad it’s back!

[@dannyvenomuk]

Business is business, that is why you have to learn your craft, and the work that goes on behind the scenes. Tuff industry

[@MementoMori_2070]

It’s the American way

[@DETSRC313]

What's up to my Complex fam! Keep this content coming and you'll rise to the top of the web of the music industry. Where alot if content actually comes from indirectly or directly. Finding music should always be organic IMO

[@Frank7G]

This is a dope inside look into the music game & I think in this time blowing up in music is easier b/c the multiple platforms to market yourself for free.

[@danishbutter1847]

freedom also comes with attention competition

[@theredbaron8280]

Excellent content, thank you all for sharing!

[@heavenlyprecog23]

This was a very educational video…thank you Complex 😊

[@xrxs1020]

This industry has been corrupt for decades, and not just for rap performers. The solution is to be independent.

[@draoicht22]

not for the people who only want to get rich though

[@rubyrose9658]

The Marathon Continues !!!! 🏁🙌🏼

[@dazeja]

at this very hour someone is still signing record contracts, even though the contracts today are even worse than the 70's 80's 90's. Thy own everything now, concerts, merch. even their name. Most artists now are living off of advances. They are big advances but they are still advances. As soon as they move on to the next big thing, those same artist that are blinging now will be broke because they've been living off of loans.

[@qpeace1]

Ignorance isn't an excuse. Greed for fame, money and "stardom" isn't either. I find it hard to believe in this day, people STILL let themselves get taken contractually yet you are the talented one. Negotiate hard...and don't give in!

[@Lawperson97]

Ignorance literally is an excuse. This is the law of contracts.

[@qpeace1]

@@Lawperson97 I see what you are saying

[@jonathanmuiruri1956]

R.I.P Nipsey....leader of the free world

[@uglyboibitchtitss]

😂😂

[@kan50805]

Had it coming

[@justintrice9881]

So you grew up listening to NIP? This must be a social trend.. I though Nipsey never put out a album until his death.

[@formula1555]

RIP Nipsey

[@yvetteh9507]

Thank you, Darvin Charles. I wish the same and more for you !!!

[@0800HOE]

The stupid label exec had the nerve to say, what makes your life better than mine. Spoken like a true leech!

[@timewtell9239]

While he is sitting on millions

[@ROCKNROLLFAN]

An elderly Man told me 4 or 5 YEARS ago at the valley missions that if I want to live into his old age, do not go into this ( pointed at the CD that he was holding) and do not get into drugs. He said once you sign that contract, you are THEIRS for as long as it says.

[@bp2000k]

Nip is a great how you doing this on your own. RIP to a Legend.🙏🏾

[@TheLunzDen]

Gotta use the lab to your advantage starting out everybody gonna get got. Just use them for their resources the more your music is out there the more you have leverage

[@nineixb616]

They don’t have to put your album out, they can sign an artist and shelve their album. Sometimes they’ll sign an artist and give most of the album they created to another artist, most artists sign away their masters and publishing. I’ve seen unsigned artists license their music to T.V. and film for more than most get as an advance, and keep the rights to their music. You could very well end up being worse off than where you started by signing to a label.

[@darrentinonzii340]

WU-TANG taught me about the industry 20yrs ago

[@joy222duhwrld]

need a part two, three and four!!

[@James67851]

When your just happy to be there, the sharks see you a mile away.

[@TheJessie1400]

The game changed so much we have hipho and rap artist doing it without a record deal its amazing

[@LauranChilds]

Love this, thanks! Great stuff. 👍

[@Demitriusparks]

Rest well Combat. 🙏🏾

[@iamjames5554]

Heavenly father I pray that you keep the person reading this alive, safe, healthy and financially blessed Amen🖤

[@uglyboibitchtitss]

😂😂😂

[@nigerjenkins6372]

Amen

[@Ice-fg9jc]

❤️❤️❤️

[@louismorgan4570]

Amen

[@majorphenom1]

Thank you for sharing 🙏🏾

[@tramalone7095]

“I got $100,000?!…. I’m buying EVERYTHING”😂😂😂

[@starboii616]

A artist that don't receive taxes back really don't know the business.....every thing a ARTIST does and buy for his career (Studio time, equipment, food to record, write music, travel with music[shows, promo events] etc are all tax WRITE OFFS....u gotta learn what they hate to tell u smh

[@fuziontonygaming]

Kinda why we hear a lot of them having to pay the IRS more.

[@WatchKingP]

Glad this popped up on my suggestions, just hold your head, and stay disciplined when that money comes

[@dumdiversaspapalbull1452]

Short shared the numbers. That’s monumental. Even mama and daddy didn’t share the actual numbers with us out of potential shame. That’s how you seriously help young folks. Real numbers.

[@korymacdowell7615]

Short said act like we broke. Then 800k came😂😂😂😂 buy everything! NIP the 🐐

[@ytpremium7649]

Every time I hear hit songs and artists living it up I feel sorry for them cuz I know they’ll be broke in a short time. Very few artists put that $100k or $1 million dollar check towards rental property investments, stocks, index funds, building their own studio etc

[@TheToltec]

Excellent report

[@zenwarfare70]

fantastic documentary !

[@wonderfulworldofwater370]

The thought of eating a cheeseburger and actually eating one is just different. So read, understand, and don’t sign anything but the check🤷🏾‍♂️R.I.P Nipsey Hussle. He was HiP HoP and the One Real Leader that our community had left. Marathon 4ever 🏁

[@luckie6682]

Always pray first and hire an entertainment lawyer and staff , and draw up your own contract with you in full control, this is modern day slavery

[@MD-jd1nv]

loved seeing Nip in this!

[@preewientertainment1723]

You will be Blessed this year 2022 and beyond!

[@coolmoe3289]

The Same Sh"t been Happening Since the 50's an 60's Regarding the Record Industry.. Starving Artist that Don't Know how to Read.. Then in today's world you don't know Who to Trust.. SMDH..

[@tanyax524]

I remember someone telling me about how their uncle worked behind the scenes in the music industry Back in the 80’s and said never to enter the music industry as it is the closest thing to selling your soul to the devil and said it’s a fucked up place to be.

[@coolmoe3289]

I Wouldn't Doubt What You Say.... 7:41 One Of These Artist said He Wouldn't Sign anything..Not even Autographs. 🤣😂

[@dwmoneyman2482]

6:28 🤦🏾‍♂️to all ladies and gentlemen don’t sell yourself to this wicked system don’t let money be your god

[@growithme]

This is the stuff Toni was talking about. She was broke because they claimed that all the money from her getting clothes for awards shows and hair makeup and other things had to be paid back. And people still doing what she did not knowing. Please continue to live like you don’t have no money. I promise it will take you far

[@therealesstteverm1234]

Rip Nipsey 🙏 he’s a rare and a real 1.

[@jxc1048]

Don't know much about the music industry but man ever since a was young i been hearing how shit the industry really is, there has to be away around the contract for musicians so they don't get fd over