The music industry has long been plagued by issues of exploitation and unfair contracts, as highlighted by Kanye West in his recent statements.
In a passionate plea, Kanye emphasizes the importance of artists owning their masters, which are the original recordings of their songs. Owning masters grants artists legal rights to control and profit from their music.
Kanye’s call for change stems from the historical exploitation of black artists, citing examples like Michael Jackson, Prince, Tupac, and Whitney Houston, who faced challenges in controlling their own work.
He points out that record labels, often controlled by non-black entities, have profited immensely while artists are left with limited control over their creations.
The artist also sheds light on the disturbing trend of young black male rappers meeting untimely deaths, contrasting it with the longevity of record executives who seem immune to such tragedies.
Kanye suggests that the industry benefits from the deaths of artists, as it leads to increased sales and profits, especially when the artists don’t own their masters.
Furthermore, Kanye stresses the need for innovation in music contracts, advocating for fair deals that empower artists.
He acknowledges the fear among record labels to relinquish control over distribution but emphasizes the urgency of change.
Kanye urges fellow artists to understand the significance of owning their masters, as it grants them freedom and control over their creative work.
In conclusion, Kanye West’s message goes beyond himself; he seeks to empower all artists, especially those who may be unaware of the implications of signing away their masters.
The call is for a collective effort to dismantle the exploitative practices within the industry, allowing artists to truly own and benefit from their artistic creations.
For aspiring artists, the key takeaway is to educate themselves, avoid signing contracts without understanding them fully, and strive to own their masters.
The time has come for a transformative shift in the music industry, where artists are rightfully in control of their destiny.