In the quest to give artistes the same autonomy he’s been fighting his labels Universal Music Group and Sony/ATV for all over the microblogging platform, Twitter, Kanye West is remitting back his artists’ masters.
“I’m giving all Good music artist back the 50% share I have of their masters,” the G.O.O.D. Music label boss boldly announced on Wednesday, September 23.
That roster boasts Big Sean, Pusha T, 070 Shake, Teyana Taylor, John Legend, Desiigner, and many more.
“Thank you!!! This would help so much,” Big Sean tweeted. 070 Shake (real name Danielle Balbuena), who has featured on “Violent Crimes” and “Ghost Town” on West’s 2018 album, ye, also shared her label boss’ tweet by writing “Gang.”
West had previously previously explained how significant it is for an artiste to own their own masters. “When you sign a music deal you sign away your rights,” he wrote. “Without the masters you can’t do anything with your own music. Someone else controls where it’s played and when it’s played. Artists have nothing accept the fame, touring and merch.”
The rapper-turned-gospel artist preached the idea of Team “Free Artistes”, and outlined his plan for a reimagined music industry. That is, once he helps free all artistes.
“The desired effect will only be achieved when every artiste owns their masters. I’m Team ‘Free Artists,'” he said during an interview with Billboard. When he was asked about the purpose of posting all of his recording contracts on Twitter, he said: “I’m committed to doing whatever is necessary so artists own their own copyrights.”
