Because she wants to renegotiate her record deal and because of that her label won’t release any new music..
Folks going on and on about how she shoulda read the contract but she was a kid and being managed by her mom, don’t fault her for not reading everything, executives are assholes they aren’t in the business of being saints.
1. "its a cut throat business." In response to Reply # 0
i wouldnt let her out of the deal regardless she was a teen, her mother should've sat down and educate her. and if her mom didnt understand what she was signing her daughter into, they should've hired a lawyer.
2. "then those people are fucking idiots." In response to Reply # 0
yes, she signed the contract. that happens to countless artists.
it's almost a rite of passage to sign a bad contract when you come into the industry. and the reason they are bad (for the artist) is because you are an unproven commodity and the label/production company/manager is going to be dumping a fair amount of time (and usually a significant amount of money) trying to make you pop.
however, in Meg's case, she has popped in a MAJOR way and has proved her worth and at that point, if the label had any ethics, they'd re-negotiate a deal that is fair for both parties. they shouldn't just be allowed to reap the strip-mined rewards of your talent while you get nothing for years and years.
the lay of the land has change at that point and the terms should be re-negotiated to reflect that.
8. "Right. It's not like she could have negotiated a better contract at the..." In response to Reply # 2
She had no leverage, so she had to sign a shitty deal. Now she has leverage, she is making a public campaign to renegotiate her contract and is trying to use her star power and public support to create leverage for herself.
It's a tale as old as the record business.
And I've been thinking about it for some time I can't figure out a better system.
********** "Everyone has a plan until you punch them in the face. Then they don't have a plan anymore." (c) Mike Tyson
BrooklynWHAT Member since Jun 15th 2007 85076 posts
Mon Mar-02-20 02:31 PM
4. "you cant be a "boss ass bitch" and clown folks on twitter" In response to Reply # 0
For legitimately wondering what kind of deal you were in and being worried about you. only to get up on IG live begging to be able to put out music cause you signed a fucked up deal.
**************** TBH the fact that you're even a mod here fits squarely within Jag's narrative of OK-sanctioned aggression, bullying, and toxicity. *shrug*
legsdiamond Member since May 05th 2011 79616 posts
Mon Mar-02-20 03:43 PM
13. "People want to be on the industry. " In response to Reply # 12
while it’s the same old same...
Let’s not act like the 40 hour worker is really getting over on their employer after all these years.
How many of us were working in strong as industries with some strong ass benefits at 20?
**************** TBH the fact that you're even a mod here fits squarely within Jag's narrative of OK-sanctioned aggression, bullying, and toxicity. *shrug*
and that industry so shady, the age doesn't always matter as much. the experience in dealing with those contracts and people just out to take advantage of you. most of us don't have to deal with that in our chosen careers.
**************** TBH the fact that you're even a mod here fits squarely within Jag's narrative of OK-sanctioned aggression, bullying, and toxicity. *shrug*
47. "lol @ producing change" In response to Reply # 43 Tue Mar-03-20 07:04 AM by Mafamaticks
that's the problem with this situation.
You and the rest of them twitter niggas are so self-important that you think grandstanding behind y'all screen names, talking shit and pointing fingers at Megan for signing that deal is bringing about change.
All y'all really doing is filling yourselves up with a sense of superiority. the majority of y'all be the same ones beefing with your landlord over pet fees talking about get a lawyer to read over your contract.
Why don't y'all go after the predatory labels like y'all going at Meg so other up and coming artists don't have to deal with that? Or is it easier to hold artists solely responsible for the record industry?
**************** TBH the fact that you're even a mod here fits squarely within Jag's narrative of OK-sanctioned aggression, bullying, and toxicity. *shrug*
19. "these mfers don’t even read articles beyond the headlines!" In response to Reply # 17
acting like they’re up on some damn contracts. Tired of these Twitter know it alls who are experts on everything but somehow magically have nothing better to do than run their fucking yaps about successful people, for 3 likes and a retweet.
legsdiamond Member since May 05th 2011 79616 posts
Mon Mar-02-20 08:44 PM
40. "Damn bruh, you been slurping white people these past few days. " In response to Reply # 36
**************** TBH the fact that you're even a mod here fits squarely within Jag's narrative of OK-sanctioned aggression, bullying, and toxicity. *shrug*
legsdiamond Member since May 05th 2011 79616 posts
Tue Mar-03-20 10:51 AM
54. "If it hurts... don’t slurp so hard. " In response to Reply # 44
**************** TBH the fact that you're even a mod here fits squarely within Jag's narrative of OK-sanctioned aggression, bullying, and toxicity. *shrug*
66. "RE: How do record contracts differ from other contracts?" In response to Reply # 17
Inherently the industry standard is more exploitative.
They arent like a bank giving you a loan to open a bakery.
So what you are negotiating is very ambiguous and clouded language purposely looking to obfuscate.
On TOP of that... it is in the lawyer's best interest to not push back too much (especially if they are a local or up and coming lawyer) because their career relies on relationships in the business they are negotiating against.
I know an artist who was told that (this major label deal) was not going to happen if their novice lawyer was involved. So they had to go with a more reputable one in the game but his allegiances lie in staying in the game, not necessarily the artist.
Double 0 DJ/Producer/Artist Producer in Kidz In The Hall ------------------------------------------- twitter: @godouble0 IG: @godouble0 www.thinklikearapper.com
21. "People with good lawyers also sign bad deals" In response to Reply # 0
why?
cuz 1. the shit is written to purposely obfuscate
cuz 2. nobody can predict the future...sometimes the shit says "xyz after 20 years" and that shit never sounds like a problem till 20 years have passed, then you're like
FUCK.
point is, even a well-read contract can be shitty in hindsight.
27. "I don't think it's about not understanding the contract..." In response to Reply # 21
I think its more likely that an unsigned artist has no leverage to negotiate these contracts. They put it in front of you and say sign, if you try and push back and negotiate they move on to the next hot artist at the moment.
One could argue she should have gone independent and build her own brand, but there is no telling that would have worked and the only reason we may have heard of her is because she signed a shitty contract and got exposure.
********** "Everyone has a plan until you punch them in the face. Then they don't have a plan anymore." (c) Mike Tyson
Thee Phantom Member since Jul 18th 2005 2775 posts
Wed Mar-04-20 07:04 PM
60. "RE: From What I've Seen 40/60 is Above Average" In response to Reply # 35
Especially for a new artist. Most of them get 25% or less. Unless she came to the table with 1M fans, 25K+ units sold and a tour history, it looks like she got a good deal for a new artist.
I don't think she had any of that before the deal.
63. "not presented, but I have seen a couple." In response to Reply # 62
it was bunch of years ago, so I don't remember much at all about them.
I completely understand the dream part of this whole thing. that helps folks sign shitty deals. a label deal is viewed as a way out of bad living situations, into potential fame, and maybe some money.
entertainment in general isn't fare to the artists. its made worse when the fame actually happens, but the money doesn't.
Thee Phantom Member since Jul 18th 2005 2775 posts
Wed Mar-04-20 10:33 PM
64. "RE: not presented, but I have seen a couple." In response to Reply # 63
40% isn't shitty by any means to an artist with little to no bargaining power. It's actually a pretty good deal. They gambled on her marketability and the fact that Cardi was a smash.
They dumped money into her and built her from scratch and she ascended pretty quickly.
For perspective Master P had an 80/20 deal with Universal. TI had a 60/40 deal. She got 40% and ownership of her Master's when most new artists get 25% or less.
The idea that this is a shitty deal is preposterous. The tour money is even touching her hands first and she has to then break the label off. She hasn't paid them a percentage in months. Most new artists get paid after the label touches the tour money.
Thee Phantom Member since Jul 18th 2005 2775 posts
Thu Mar-05-20 11:39 AM
74. "RE: Not some... MOST" In response to Reply # 71
>my point is that its still not a good deal.
What is your point of reference for this? What new artists with zero track record that you can point to that have a 50/50 split or better with royalties?
I get that the industry is terrible as a whole. This deal isn't indicative of that. The fact that she has partial Master's Ownership, makes this deal favorable in fact.
77. "I think we're just giving the diff vantage points. " In response to Reply # 74
>>my point is that its still not a good deal. > >What is your point of reference for this? What new artists >with zero track record that you can point to that have a 50/50 >split or better with royalties?
new artists don't get that. > >I get that the industry is terrible as a whole.
we agree here.
This deal >isn't indicative of that. The fact that she has partial >Master's Ownership, makes this deal favorable in fact. >
I agree that that's a win for her in the long run. but I'm also saying this being a better deal than others doesn't equate to a good deal.
maybe the deals going forward will be better if they renegotiate or let her sign elsewhere. she got some juice now.
65. "RE: Damn sounds like a very bad deal:" In response to Reply # 35
This is better than a normal major-label contract... lol
In her BEST case scenario, we are talking about a 50/50 deal and (a pie in the sky scenario) shared costs on recording, production etc..
Most companies cut you an advance check. With that check, you are responsible for delivering that album, videos, artwork to the label as a final product. With your % you must recoup the advance + marketing and any additional costs the label incurred before you begin to make any money.
The trick was that while the label was spending to blow you up you would make immediate money on the road, sponsorships, etc... then labels smartened up and said.. oh we are creating stars with all these revenue streams and not benefiting from them... then came the 360 deal.
What I think is happening is Big Bank Take Little Bank. Roc Nation wants more bread and probably wants to get out having to deal with a 3rd partner. So they can use the guise of "bad contracts" and goodwill to break the contract and get rid of the little guys.
Double 0 DJ/Producer/Artist Producer in Kidz In The Hall ------------------------------------------- twitter: @godouble0 IG: @godouble0 www.thinklikearapper.com
legsdiamond Member since May 05th 2011 79616 posts
Mon Mar-02-20 08:29 PM
37. "BEP is suing their label" In response to Reply # 0
They are no longer on Interscope
But let the experts in here tell everyone how to game the industry.
The Industry is undefeated.
**************** TBH the fact that you're even a mod here fits squarely within Jag's narrative of OK-sanctioned aggression, bullying, and toxicity. *shrug*
but yeah.. it’s only our culture who doesn’t read contracts or signs bad deals.
**************** TBH the fact that you're even a mod here fits squarely within Jag's narrative of OK-sanctioned aggression, bullying, and toxicity. *shrug*
48. "of course, not everyone." In response to Reply # 45
but enough folks to show that the industry needs to take better care of the artists. sure they should read more too, but there should be some better mentoring for artists when they come in.
legsdiamond Member since May 05th 2011 79616 posts
Tue Mar-03-20 09:15 AM
50. "Someone above said it best. " In response to Reply # 48
If you have no leverage you aren’t getting a sweet deal.
That first deal is rarely a good one.
Best bet is betting on yourself or signing a short deal but that’s a huge gamble and plenty of people can’t cut through the noise
**************** TBH the fact that you're even a mod here fits squarely within Jag's narrative of OK-sanctioned aggression, bullying, and toxicity. *shrug*
and as you gain more power those things begin to change.
Double 0 DJ/Producer/Artist Producer in Kidz In The Hall ------------------------------------------- twitter: @godouble0 IG: @godouble0 www.thinklikearapper.com
Anyone thinking they are getting a great first deal has no clue how the industry works.
At best you can stay indie and pray you pop.
and most of these “indie” artist aren’t truly independent.
**************** TBH the fact that you're even a mod here fits squarely within Jag's narrative of OK-sanctioned aggression, bullying, and toxicity. *shrug*
70. "RE: ^^^^^ correct. " In response to Reply # 69
The entire basis of the business is built on exploitation.
Recoup is the devil in all these contracts... a creator has to make a product and even at a 50/50 percentage they must "recoup" ALL the costs incurred to create and promote that product before they make money. But their "partner" who put up the money makes a profit on their end from day one.
Double 0 DJ/Producer/Artist Producer in Kidz In The Hall ------------------------------------------- twitter: @godouble0 IG: @godouble0 www.thinklikearapper.com
55. "Why couldn't she have sought legal help?" In response to Reply # 0
Artists today have no excuses for signing bad record deals due to all the info available. Wasn't she in school at the time? Go have someone break down the contract for you. There are thousands of books, artist testimonies, and info available on record contracts that didn't exist in previous years. Why is Megan signed to a label anyways? What can that label do for her that she can't do independently?
No empathy for white misery (c) BDot
"root for everybody black haters say that's crazy, wow..."
68. "RE: Why couldn't she have sought legal help?" In response to Reply # 55
The legal help would probably be not much help.
"Megan also claims Crawford has been using his relationship with Rap-a-Lot Records founder J. Prince to intimidate people in the industry."
Double 0 DJ/Producer/Artist Producer in Kidz In The Hall ------------------------------------------- twitter: @godouble0 IG: @godouble0 www.thinklikearapper.com
Double 0 DJ/Producer/Artist Producer in Kidz In The Hall ------------------------------------------- twitter: @godouble0 IG: @godouble0 www.thinklikearapper.com
Printer-friendly copy 
Email this topic to a friend
General Discussion
