What would you do if someone tried to take away what’s rightfully yours—whether naturally owned, purchased, or legally acquired? How far should you go to protect your possessions?
The controversies surrounding the deaths of iconic artists 2Pac Shakur, Notorious B.I.G., Michael Jackson, Prince, and Whitney Houston involve shocking stories and theories that describe circumstances beyond what meets the eye. A growing music industry like Uganda’s ought to study and understand these cases to guide individual artists and help them avoid falling prey to the daunting and treacherous environment where artistic vision often clashes with commercial interests and those who both own the music ladder and ‘run things around here.’
Typically, the story begins with a label scout or manager discovering an unknown talent, Artist Y—a hustling individual working double shifts in tough jobs, tirelessly striving to make ends meet, scraping together funds for studio time, and running from radio to radio trying to get much-needed exposure for their songs.
Artist Y, driven by excitement and ambition, signs a contract which they barely understand, laden with complicated clauses that transfer ownership of their music masters, their name, social media access, exclusive access to digital music service providers, and a significant portion of taxable revenue from various sources to the label. As Artist Y’s career skyrockets, the extent of the label’s control becomes clearer, leading to a realization that the artist’s most valuable assets, like the masters, are no longer theirs to claim.
The events that transform Artist Y into a superstar often happen whirlwind-fast. Little does he notice how deeply the label is digging into his pockets to advance his career, and how the costs of his music will accumulate later on. He is caught up in the whirlwind of stardom, distracted from the most important aspects of his career, leaving major decisions and crucial information about his career in the hands of his label. This situation is eventually manipulated into a complex web to ensnare him. He remains naive and only realizes, often decades later, that those working for him have actually been working against him. Despite numerous Billboard No. 1 albums, massive tours, mega endorsement deals, and a lavish lifestyle, he finds himself with barely anything to his name. The deal-breaker: he has no rights to his masters, which are fully owned by the label. Desperate attempts to reclaim his masters meet fierce opposition because the masters are the real gold, and reclaiming them is fraught with danger. This explains the theories and stories mentioned earlier about the lengths to which labels will go to retain artists’ masters and other assets, and the desperate acts of retaliation that land artists into trouble.
As stated, a major factor driving artists to enter such contracts is a level of desperation and the need to escape financial hardship. Managers often target talented but desperate artists, while the absence of desperation serves as a red flag. This is because independence and assertiveness might challenge the label’s authority. For instance, Tupac Shakur allegedly signed with Suge Knight’s Death Row Records under duress to secure his release from jail. It is believed that, as a free man, Tupac started contemplating leaving the label. Some theories suggest that it was not his violent character or street brawls that led to his death but his secret intention to leave Death Row; he was allegedly gunned down to retain his masters for the label.
Michael Jackson, who attempted to overthrow Sony Music’s leadership by purchasing $750 million worth of the Beatles’ catalogue, was found dead from an overdose administered by his doctor, believed to have been hired by Sony. Whitney Houston, who requested an audit of her royalties from Sony Music, was found dead in a bathtub around the same time. Her label is suspected of hiding misappropriation of her money. Similar stories surround R. Kelly, Notorious B.I.G., and Prince, among others.
As an artist, it’s crucial to study out potential pitfalls and hidden agendas that can lead to exploitation and financial distress before signing any contract.
When entering into a contract, be cautious of low royalties or advances, excessive control by the label, and long-term deals with few exit options, as these can limit your earnings and freedom. Watch out for misleading executives and coercive tactics, and understand that some may prioritize profits over your artistic integrity. Always consult a legal professional, investigate the label’s reputation, and build a network of industry contacts. Maintain control over your creative process to protect your artistic vision.
