Record labels can be notoriously difficult to do business with. Whether it’s a change in the contract, disagreements over royalties, or simply a bad match, arrangements can turn into minefields quickly. Take a look at Rowdy Rebel. He’s in the middle of one as we speak. And surprise, surprise- it comes down to money.
Last Thursday (December 16), the Brooklyn rapper called out the hand that feeds. Rebel gave Epic Records a few choice words in an Instagram post and no uncertain terms.
“I’m not dropping no more music until @epicrecords pay me. I haven’t received not one check For (sic) all the music I put out since 2014. I been patient but enough is enough.”
Not many of us can disagree that seven years without a paycheck is a bit inconvenient. Moreover, since being released from prison, Rebel has put in some serious time in the studio. A few weeks back, he and British rapper Giggs released their joint single, “Differences.” Last week, Rebel worked with rappers Doe Boy and 42 Dugg on the single “Ain’t My Fault.” Still, his record label woes remain. Not to worry, though. Meek Mill has advice for him.
Meek Mill on Making Mixtapes
Calling out a major label like Epic is big news, and news travels fast. The very same day that Rebel spilled the tea on Epic, Mill came up with a great idea. Indeed, it’s elementary: make some mixtapes.
There is a good point here. Record labels have a nigh impossible time controlling when artists release mixtapes. To be sure, the artist can drop it whenever they please. Even better, the mixtape money comes through streams, merchandise, and touring- all things the record company might not be able to touch.
Mill should know what works, considering his own label issues. In short, Mill declared “war” on Dream Chasers Records, a joint venture of Jay-Z’s Roc Nation. And surprise, surprise (again), it came down to not getting paid. That war, at the time of writing, is still ongoing.
Garrett C. Owen
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