Why Rappers Are FINALLY Selling Music DIRECT TO CONSUMER

Why Rappers Are FINALLY Selling Music DIRECT TO CONSUMER
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[@iseesatanfalllikelightning]

Coming from the black/death metal scene I can say that our fans have been the most loyal and generous people I have ever encountered. I have less than 200 monthly listeners on spotify but have made thousands from bandcamp and direct sales from instagram. We don't need streaming, streaming needs us. DIY or die

[@Phyclone]

DIY or Die. I fucks with that motto!

[@popps33]

I co-sign this! Metal fans are so strong and loyal! I enjoy that community and how they truly invest in themselves

[@Whoissincere]

Dude... You may have just started something here! 🫡 #DIYorDIE

[@herlockholme7321]

FACTS!! You can't keep screwing people over and not expect backlash and repercussions! Power to the people!! 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💯💯

[@DontFightTheUpgrade]

There is a small Venue thats packed often smack dabb in the middle of the hood 😂like out of nowhere hundreds of white people descend on this venue smack dab in the hood to see "some band." Definitely a faithful following

[@DrayClay]

Direct to consumer is how it should have been period.

[@Panda_J1]

It’s also more difficult to get exposure if you’re on your own

[@DrayClay]

@@Panda_J1 that’s true but honestly it’s better for the artist. Less people in your pockets. The artist should get 100 % of the take for their work.

[@rmselector]

Exactly!!

[@charlestunez]

​​@@Panda_J1 that's why we have KZbin and other social media platforms. Use KZbin and social media to get exposure. If you notice, no one is getting exposure on Spotify, we even spend money on ads to get people to go listen to our music on Spotify. It's time we start thinking

[@bemci1975]

​@@Panda_J1bro, you build exposure using KZbin, and other socials, then drop a link your sites....it's sooo easy to do, but the downside is it takes longer to build...but it is definitely worth it.

[@duandavis]

Ryan Leslie was preaching about selling direct to consumer at least 10 years ago. Controlling your intellectual property is key going forward.

[@BruBoyz]

Facts!! Nipsey Hussle and R Lez been on it💯💯

[@Ryanthemusician]

Preach Bro they wasn’t listening

[@amancalledhawk5575]

R Lez even had a app called smartphone

[@Ryanthemusician]

Ryan Leslie was saying this in 2010

[@dontrustwhiteyevery1]

Slim thug too. He just did an interview preaching this.

[@lexborjamusic5924]

20 years from now we’ll look back and be baffled by the fact that we let these companies pay us fractions of our worth. I like where this is going. DIY until I die, let’s get shit done ✅

[@leeharrison8222]

Fun fact: Prince was one of the first musical artists to use the internet to sell his songs directly to his fans and consumers. He literally was helping to pioneer this trend and he was doing this around 2000-2001. He also was one of the first (if not the first) artist to press his own CDs for his multi-CD Crystal Ball album back in 1997. Very major delays--he underestimated the amount of time it would take to get the necessary $100k in preorders, but no other artist was attempting to do what he was doing. He eventually got the Crystal Ball album pressed and distributed. But he learned that distribution and PR was for him at least, were the only areas that he needed a record label for. But as an independent artist he had ownership of his songs, was taking a much higher percentage of the profits from his new releases, and was able to work as a free agent which he wanted so much. He was in a different boat than most artists as he already had garnered worldwide attention and a sizable, loyal fanbase, but he pushed for artists (all artists, but especially Black artists as both he and MJ found racism to be remain doggedly present in the industry) to learn the business side of the music biz, and to work out ways as best they can to own their masters, and own their publishing rights on their intellectual property. Even MC Hammer started off by selling his music in cassette tape form from the trunk of his car (back in the 1990s) before he became a global star. Artists need to know their worth, the short term AND long term value of their original music, and hack the music biz system to retain ownership and control of your work and your image, and cut out the middle man where you are able to. Empower yourselves.

[@joelharris4144]

Facts

[@benpark4013]

Great memories lol...selling out the back of your trunk😊 lot of artists in Texas that I would sing for had great success doing it that way.

[@LifeWithOG1]

Finally ye understands you dont need these labels or designer companies. You are the brand they need YOU

[@JustHustle919]

Yep, Sway definitely had the answer 👏

[@WillRichYT]

Thank you for sharing my video Curtiss!! Next time let's chat live in person 🔥

[@thadnoda5625]

I’d love to hear you and Curtiss on a Podcast episode!

[@karaokegalaxy3488]

You got a sub out of me super fast, spitting facts!!

[@tristan8857]

Love your stuff Will Rich!

[@TheFakeMikeLWatts]

Out the trunk is BACK baby!

[@Elrey_NY]

ryan leslie is the GURU of this method been doing this since 2013

[@OfficialBigDawgKel]

Master p was doing it on the 90's

[@dob2817]

Prince was doing this in the 90's as well.

[@OfficialBigDawgKel]

@@dob2817 Clifton chenier and boozoo chavis were selling there zydeco vinyls from there shows and houses in the 60's

[@KarlNova]

This always boils down to convenience and leverage. Streaming has been winning because fans just want the easiest way to get music. Streaming is the easiest and lowest commitment. You can trace that back to Napster and see how we got here. What artists don’t seem to remember is they have core fans who want to support and buy directly. Kanye did the whole STEM player thing but has kind of abandoned that idea. It was his direct to consumer way but i think because he still badly wants to be number one on the charts, he goes back to Spotify/apple music and DSPs in general. Direct to consumer is just going back to the idea of selling music out of your trunk directly to your core fans. Cater to your core first NOT first to casuals. Even if your core is 12 fans who are into what you have to offer.

[@TJ-bx5px]

We need blockchain streaming technology!

[@JayFingers]

💯

[@heythere6983]

How many people make a real living selling direct and what does that look like? Cds? So fans not have to buy CD players? I mentioned this on another video I haven’t checked if I got a response but I prefer cd sound quality . So I don’t mind the idea My issue is how practical or logical is it. So you sell a cd and then your fan base is gonna only have your cd and every other song they listen to is on an app and now they are stuck with a CD player for only your music. Doesn’t seem practical

[@PuffinPass]

@@heythere6983 If they are real fans then ripping the album down to digital format and loading it onto your phone takes a few minutes at most and computer CD/DVD readers can be had for dirt cheap since they were removed a few years back in exchange for cloud services.

[@HarryClipzFilmz]

@@heythere6983 So you rather artist get fcked by these labels and streaming services.

[@DrayClay]

This is the Kanye West that I miss. Now that’s what I’m talking about.

[@roshay6379]

Ye is a Phoenix rising!

[@KhonshusThought]

Step by step we gon get the system to benefit the artists completely. Most these other people have no real reason to be involved in publishing our music.

[@AGodspeed1]

No the system need to be dismantled… we don’t need their system no more there’s too much going on bts anyway, sexual assaults, lying on artists about sexual assaults and anything else that’s considered an abomination.

[@rikkiekhrist6823]

i brought up D2C in my discord and most people disagreed with me. when i asked why most of the counterarguments amounted to it not being seen as a "legitimate" release or it "wont be taken seriously". if you sell 1 copy of your album for $10 it will be more than what 90% of artists are making from a year of streaming. i think deep down we all know this is the way, streaming just made everything too convenient, i hope recent events inspire more artists to go direct to consumer

[@PuffinPass]

Your Discord is stuck in the current systems mentality. The only people not seeing it as a legit release is going to be the industry that is attempting to retain its hold or relevance. What your Discord is really telling you is that they won't be able to listen to it for free on Spotify or Pandora anymore, which is just hurting your bottom line by stealing your work essentially. I have no issue if you choose to keep streaming, but you could post it to your Bandcamp or your YT channel and the people interested will find it. Might take a bit longer but the profit is 100% yours in the end which is more than a streaming service is ever going to even think about in an abstract conversation.

[@solohd17]

@@PuffinPass 👍🏽

[@rthur.]

@@PuffinPass Gotta disagree with you, respectfully, streaming feels more budget-friendly. Imagine having to hop between sites to grab albums from Kendrick, J. Cole, Jay-Z, and Lupe all in one week - that's like 40 bucks right there! And that's just for four artists; think about all the others we wanna support, old and new. I get what you're saying about how streaming services treat artists, but the middleman issue seems unavoidable for creators. Maybe artists should do more live listening parties or sell their music physically first, kind of like how movies hit theatres before coming out on digital. Feels like a much easier way to assess your music reception, sales and fan base. Just a thought!

[@Ted_Swayinghill]

Prince and Michael Jackson forecasted this for decades! Especially Prince…he talked about selling his Crystal Ball album straight off his website And when did that album come out?

[@PurpleMusicProductions]

Yeap Prince sure did. That official album came out in 1998 and if you ordered it from you got an extra CD with it. He hated the control record companies put on the output of artists and when streaming came out he was adamantly against it. He said this would happen.

[@ScantlessBeatz]

These past few months got me rethinking my album release this year

[@TheAdamSmasherMultiverse]

Shout-out to my independents

[@kiddoutlaw600]

Respect

[@dontrustwhiteyevery1]

Slim thug/ pimpc/ mike jones/ paul wall. Everybody out of houston they are all rich.

[@cashboyballin]

Yay

[@ProKay305]

The first artist I heard talk about this years ago was Nipsey Hustle. Man Nipsey was ahead of his time. 💙

[@BeatSniper79]

Nipsey was the first music artist to use the D2C system Ryan Leslie developed.

[@stestetsonmusic]

Rock bands have never stopped doing this, the amount of CDs and vinyls that get sold at shows is where we make all our money Even cassettes have made a come back

[@TheWutangclan1995]

It makes the concert more enjoyable.

[@tbj4855]

As a hip hop fan I noticed that too. Because last year I think rock was the number one genre in physical sells. And that blows my mind cause I though no one bought music anymore

[@JRavageBeats]

You are 100% right direct to consumer is the way to go I am a producer I have my beats on BeatStars but I also sell my beats on my actual own website. I do not care if they take my music down people can buy beats directly from me. Direct to consumer.

[@NellonDesign_777]

The main thing that puts me on edge with this is the safety and well being of the artist that try to move without the industry. The sheer greed and the monopoly they aim to achieve makes them do everything in their power to stifle the efforts of independents for having the audacity to try to move without them. In their eyes, any artist that is popular and not making money for them, is in the way and taking money away from them. Since it’s a creative space they think they are benevolent and giving opportunities and platforms to artists that would not get the exposure otherwise. But actively suppressing them is another story. I know obviously many artists dream of signing and making it big. And I can’t be mad at that. It’s rough out here . But the industry has also destroyed the lives of many viewing them as disposable, and once they are no longer of value to the label or investors. Shady things happen. I’m sure within the industry many genuinely care for the art and cultural implications. But I’m inclined to believe profit is the main drive for the majority.

[@CaliKrazyTV]

Snoop dog said it best that streaming ain't mathing right.

[@Whoissincere]

Ryan Leslie taught me this when he took his ball and left. He wasn't playing the games anymore. He flourished after he left the music strongholds of this country. Some of his earlier stuff is still on KZbin and still as food as the day he dropped it! So happy to see artist that understand this... Ryan taught me to teach this to my artists. Kanye, Curtiss, and more are reinforcing it. This is an important time in history...

[@demodeiowa]

ordered vultures the album.. I still like cd's and vinyl. That full quality knocks streaming and mp3 off table any day. I love that you're championing this! thanks for everything you do

[@BLOXKAFELLARECORDS]

YOUR SONG WAS FIRE 🔥 BRO 🔥 Curtiss King ya flow is impecable. Its 💪🏽 i had to look like who dat

[@DJMrRodgers]

Why is no one talking about selling your music as NFT's as a viable option. Literally a completely transparent, decentralized, proof of ownership, peer to peer, no middle man, way of selling music

[@traetrigon8816]

The ones that could talk about it are probably working on it rn

[@mostmost1]

Nfts are dead

[@WillRichYT]

I have 200+ videos about music NFTs 😁

[@mostmost1]

@@WillRichYT that dont mean shit! How much those ape NFTs worth now?

[@zbanks_mbc]

Dropping a brand new project in about a month. Our frontman introduced me to your page, and he always said we need to build a culture around people respecting and purchasing our product. At first I was super worried about ditching streaming, but the more I watch your channel and as this all unfolds, I think it’s the only way to go now.

[@pastense]

Bay Area artists have successfully pioneered this since the 80s. Now that record labels and distribution companies are slowly becoming obsolete, the independent game about to thrive. Which is great for music because in today’s heavily saturated market, “good music” will gain value and real fans will put their money in the artist’s hands. As it should be. Back when music was a feasible product, the best music I’ve ever heard was always UNDERGROUND. It’s funny to me when average consumers love to talk about record sales and rely on numbers instead of their EARS to dictate what good music is. My favorite artists from that time are artists nobody’s ever heard of either because of lack of record labels or they’re content in sticking to their niche audience. I think the most important part about all this is that artists don’t have to rely anymore on labels getting in the way of the music and let the music speak for itself. This could also affect radio stations, both local and syndicated, no longer dealing with labels and “payolas”. It’ll be a VERY long time before we see the fruits of this trajectory in music, but as a working musician and DJ, it will be a bright future in my profession.

[@mrhdwhite]

“Opp-ify”. 😂😂😂

[@IshmaelW]

I'm not a musician, I'm a photographer, but this was very relevant to my field and really any creative field. Appreciate this content 🔥

[@therealliveguy]

The problem with D2C, is pirating. Once they develop a technology that can shred/disable the audio of non-purchased copies, then it’s on.

[@djyaa3940]

Give props to the actual independent real artist that aren’t complaining about deals they made with other people

[@judon4908]

I've been saying this for a couple of years now. It's just an app. You can get your own app created for a couple grand, artists just have to quit being scared of technology and embrace it instead. Real fans will make the purchase and it'll save them money in the long run anyway

[@ghillyfresshmusic4276]

Bro, this video makes me feel like I just woke out of a long messed up dream. Because dealing with streaming platforms feels like a crazy nightmare, they moves the gold post if & when they feel like. It’s actually hopeless for some beginners. As it’s not cheep to produce music. Power to you Bro 💪🏿

[@aereasplayi1314]

Love what ur doin keep in the hustle u deserve every great opportunity u get bro peace and love

[@edeci7235]

I'd love to see how it actually looks to have a supporter purchase, download, and play the music you sell directly to them. It'd be interesting to see how different operating systems (ios, android ect) work when it comes to downloading the music files and playing them

[@vellefontain]

Damn I just started rapping,and I got a story to tell, now that this is happening, how can I build a fanbase?

[@joshuaa262]

1:52. We all know who Kanye upset, but he was right about everything!

[@mostmost1]

No he wasn't

[@HipRockRecords]

Your videos I've watched today have been so damn eye-opening and now has me reconsidering how I release my music moving forward.

[@ThyBrokenhartedx]

Love it Cutis !

[@gand808]

Thanks again for your info. Stay Fantabulous!

[@ginether6174]

Way to stand on your square I been researching and I have seen a lot of the open discussions you have had with others and just on your platform and you called it! It seems the only ones pushing streams are those who benefit in some way

[@CurtissKingTV]

💯

[@MemzBeats]

much love Curtiss. Respect

[@cloudatlasminer478]

That’s why E-40 is California’s #1 game spitter, he’s been making money independently and staying relevant.

[@SiyabongaMkabela]

You raise a valid concern. Direct-to-customer (DTC) sales can be a great way for artists to connect directly with their fans and retain more control over their distribution. And obviously make more money!!! However, it does not inherently solve the issue of piracy or illegal distribution. Indeed, physical formats like vinyl records or CDs offer some level of protection against piracy due to their tangible nature. Additionally, collectors often value physical formats for their intrinsic qualities and tangible presence. To address the concerns of piracy within a DTC model, artists and independent labels can employ various strategies: Offering Value-Added Content: Providing exclusive content, such as bonus tracks, behind-the-scenes footage, or limited edition merchandise, can incentivise fans to purchase music legally.

[@LedgerLiner]

Bro i appreciate the wisdom!

[@ZachariahDavispharaoh]

Thank You! 💯

[@8thFloorproduction]

you really opened my eyes to this. Thanks

[@user-tn6ps6ny7r]

Prince revealed that. Peven Everett demonstrated that and kanye West said it loud.

[@sepsissband]

Taking notes all the time ❤

[@Spasciz]

I am listening bro!!! DIYer!!

[@yolandacharles_thebassteacher]

Great work man, love this conversation. I’m getting ready to release an album to be sold DTC on my website also and this being a hot topic and then a trend (long lasting) is how we keep the middle men in check. Respect😎

[@renatonovaes9305]

God Bless you, brother!

[@naughtybynature]

Awesome video!!! Direct to consumer is the ONLY way to go!!!

[@7fifty7]

Toughhh. Appreciate this information ⚡️⚡️🤝🏾

[@Tron7seize]

Nice work. Thank you!

[@user-iy5nb4el5n]

This era of streaming got done for about time

[@ajantsmith6139]

I like that song of yours you played in the middle of rhe video 💯

[@Alexanderthetitan]

My dog is PREACHING 👏🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 The Kunaki plug. I can’t believe this.

[@theprezenz]

Nice video again Curtis 🔥

[@tabiagebre8168]

Glad I subscribed, like how you go st8 to the point. Very informative.

[@flyguy131]

Keep the movement going Fam! You dropped a major Jewel with this one. 🙌

[@TheWutangclan1995]

On the consumer side of things. You don’t even own the music with streaming. You’re renting it and while it’s great that we can listen to almost everything through these apps. You don’t get to keep it. It’s not a physical media you get to touch and call your own. Recently Sony says they’re pulling all the digital games and for a lot of people that purchased all their games in the ps store, they can’t even get refunded. I can’t imagine my Spotify library being gone because Spotify decide to go bust.

[@roshay6379]

🤔 That is something to consider. Hmm. I need to make some preparations. Thx

[@roysway5669]

Curtiss king thank you bro this just save me from giving up because the streaming game be playing us music artist

[@youssoubarro1671]

Thank you ✨👌🏾

[@pushcapone4700]

I see it and thank u for the information. Kinda gives me hope for music stores to make a comebacc.

[@rickyfrancois6548]

I looooo0ve what you're doing!! Keep it up... This is what the artist back in the 90's needed.. 80's..!!! Take control of your ART!! that is what makes you an ARTist!!!

[@c10_c10]

Cassandra Effect + Soothsayer | That’s why I am subscribed!

[@TheObaby18]

You my Guy are spitting SOLID information.

[@ArkTalk]

Keep grinding 💯

[@NateNATE2015]

Curtis! Thanks for being an amazing HUMAN BEING helping people see the LIGHT in all this DARKNESS.

[@christopheberlin]

Great content bro and very fascinating opportunities for artists to explore and I'm here for it. It's up there now!!!

[@OGFantum]

Great video with great info 💯💪🏿

[@meljusttalent1]

love theflow

[@sawltymusic7471]

Pretty awesome that you were right! Awesome video! You the realest!

[@MaGikGinHY]

Thank you, 👌🏿❤️💯

[@irahamilton632]

Excellent video and great points.

[@CHAMPDOGZ]

yo on some real... ya topics be on point more people need to really see these videos and talk about these things robbing us blind

[@user-qz3zc7sk2z]

Thanks Curtiss 4 your research and insight into the Music Biz......i actually watched the video you highlighted in this current Video and i have been building a Brand and recording my Band ...(.i successfully Trademarked my Band Logo ) and Firmly believe and agree with you about maintaining QUALITY PRODUCT.....i refuse to put out Crap so i am obsessed with getting it right ! Ive considered putting songs on Bandcamp but after listening to you Preach Direct sales ....i plan on going that way...i just have 2 research more about Where 2 build my web page ....Any Recommendations ????? Thanks Again And Never Stop Preaching the TRUTH !!!!

[@thisishiztorybaby]

This is perfect for new artists… showing you can make it on your own!

[@naturallydope247]

It’s wild how I haven’t seen anyone in the comments mention Nipsey Hustle doing this. This literally was the way a lot of artists sold their music growing up in the 80s and 90s. Streaming is convenient for the consumer but it’s not that serious. Consumers adjusted before all of the tech and can certainly adjust now.

[@mem5567]

Exactly, we going back to 70 80s etc

[@timbacodes8021]

Curtiss for president, everybody learning from this diligent teacher. God us him more :)

[@jameswilson1522]

Incredible ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@DonnDeVoreMusic]

16:10 Bandcamp takes 0% to %15. not 20%. Apple takes 30%. Bandcamp is still one of the best options for DIY artists.

[@thebiggerreality18]

Facts

[@the16blackmeccas68]

BARS BAR$$$$ Bro. Cold cold spit. U got my vote champ.

[@Cap-cor]

Prince don something similar when he went independent and dropped an album through the daily mail paper in the uk back I. The 2000s and made millions this his history again but with social media involved

[@iiamjameseverette2468]

Namaste. Peace my brother. I have been watching your channel for about a week. I subscribed now. I am not a music artist. I am a Yoga artist. I am starting a Yoga business and the principal business practices you dropped today on business strategies and marketing is exactly what I am doing. I had no choice because I didn't have a trust fund or investors. I have been grinding business to business, business to customer and it's paying off. About to blow up this summer teaching Yoga in Conyers GA. I started teaching for free just to connect. Now, I can market , advertise and contract. You channel is relevant. Appreciate your work. IiamYoga 🙌🏾

[@zaimayamusic]

Thank you very much for educating us 🙏🏾

[@TheVelvetYear]

idea: you put your album on streaming platforms for only a month, push it out to as many people as possible and promote it with content, and then you pull it off and tell people if they want it back they can buy it from your website (you could even include a video of you walking through how to add it to the "local files" folder on your phone or computer) you get the public push/view of being on streaming platforms AND leverage it into website sales

[@ThisIsDLSMade]

If many others in the industry follow, we are looking at a huge positive for the music community as a whole.

[@wreciaford3824]

Very usefull information!

[@KT334Media]

Bro Thank you I really needed this as someone who is a artist / Producer/ Engineer . This was the boost I need to continue my vision of direct to peer sales. I just made my first 4 sales this month from my beats . I’m really big on investments and this video is motivation I needed to Upgrade my site and continue to push my Music on my own terms.

[@bemci1975]

Fairs, fairs we owe this man an apology 😂🙌

[@millycantgotv4724]

So interesting I stumbled across this video ! Because I’ve been telln myself the same thing. I’ve been to reliant on the internet to help boost my career, gotta get out more . Shake hands , Be seen, and stay excited! To tell strangers about what I do! Face to face

[@AndrewThiriot]

Great topic. Thanks Curtiss and everyone commenting. I’ve sold CDs and some downloads. There are always people that like to support artists even if it’s not the most convenient listening method for them. What do you all sell mostly - downloads, CDs, vinyl, usb drive, subscription, other? Unfortunately some of my listeners don’t have cd players anymore.

[@kemeticifaspiritualcultiva5429]

I've been thinking about doing this ..and funny I'm hearing this now. I make my own music to and ready to put out but now my thoughts on my own website to sell my own music really must be the way to go..I thought about fan base through stream sites to help me with fans but like you said ..do that yourself..thanks for the confirmation just got to figure out what site should I use to have my own web page from or pay someone to make me one .

[@diorashleybrown]

Been on it.

[@Phyclone]

I just love seeing more and more bet on themselves. It is amazing :)

[@floydwilliams497]

You sir have earned a subscriber

[@bbassnyyt]

You’re doing Gods work fam

[@ALLGOOD_MUSIC]

Thanks Cutiss for the great content especially over the last few weeks talking about these streaming platforms. I have so many people in my life say why does your music not do anything why does it not go anywhere how come you not able to get it out to people and I try to tell them all the time that these streaming platforms have a Ponzi scheme set up. I love the direct consumer mindset but still it leaves this huge space of gaining fans that seems nearly impossible. And I'm not sure about CDs and vinyl because most people don't have a CD player anymore. So I don't know sometimes it seems hopeless😢 but I guess us Independent artists just keep doing what we do keep moving forward and looking for a small hole to fit through😂 at least that's what I'm doing and it looks like that's what your doing. So thank you