De La Soul: Signing to a Major Label Is Slavery
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- Опубліковано 2 жов 2024
- www.vladtv.com - The phenomenal Hip-Hop trio that is De La Soul has been nourishing the genre since the late '80s, and during a recent sit down with VladTV they discussed the ramifications of their successful Kickstarter campaign to fund their upcoming album.
A joyful Maseo opens up the convo about the group's prosperous path with Kickstarter and says, "You know, I told somebody this is the best record deal I ever had." Soon Trugoy the Dove adds his perspective on how securing funds from Kickstarter dramatically differs from that of a traditional record deal from a label like E1 Music, formerly known as Koch Records.
"Koch is an entity and a corporation, or a company that's going to invest thinking that they're going to get a return. Kickstarter is the fan that wants to hear an album from you and doesn't expect any profit, other than the music. That's it," proclaims Dave.
This incredible account from De La Soul also includes other provocative subjects like dispelling the myth that the group is financially strapped, why signing to a major label is akin to slavery, and the beautiful opportunities that a supportive fanbase can offer.
Check it out up top.
These guys are too intelligent for the industry and that is why I will always look up to De La Soul !!! One of the greatest groups in Hip Hop.
Cube knew since NWA
Cutting the middle man out & communicating directly to your fans is the way
I would have no problem paying kick starter for an official Nas and AZ collaboration album
Rico Crockett this.
Studio time, beats, mixing the vocals after you record the song, mastering the song after you mix the vocals, radio promotion, gas, the image fans like, pr, street team, video shoots, videographers, editing videos & I know I'm leaving something out cost money. An artist won't survive paying for all those services if they give out FREE music.......
+Rick Rijuana Productions I've said this for a while. This is why the Nicki's, Pitbull's, Flo Rida's, Drake's, etc. don't rap like they used to when they first came out. People won't buy and support them when they were dropping quality music so they had to go to doing pop music. Now imagine if you are an indy artist/label and even people that know you/like your music always expect a free mixtape but won't pay 99 cents for a single
Rick Rijuana Productions chance the rapper has never sold any music, and he isn’t signed to a label.... u can do what u want if u know ur business shit, and what it is that ur trying to achieve
This is the beginning of the end for record labels. When you give the people the freedom to decide what they want to promote and hear. You begin to realize that many of the music today is manufactured crap. I support Del Le Soul and any other artist that has a message in their music.
Are you suggesting that major-label, monster-selling, mega-acts like Imagine Dragons, Bruno Mars, Ariande Grande, Ed Sheerhan, et al *aren't* putting out quality, and well-promoted music that their fans absolutely *love?*
U predicted that shit.
If Tribe did this I'd support them today. #ATCQ
Official Kon We Got It Right Here... Thank You 4 Your Service just dropped and is possibly their best album since the first three albums
Tribe is solid. They don't need a kick start to make things happen. They need inspiration and energy.
Makes a lot of sense...jewels upon jewels here.
I dont know how to message you. Im sorry for adding that song on your page. I just made this profile and wanted to share with anyone. I didnt know the song was thought as of negative, but your right. I was just trying to promote my song. Ididnt read your profil, I should have first
Classic Group, The Grind Date is a very underrated LP ;-)!
Word! That's grown man HIP-HOP right there.
+Kwaku “RAP NINJA” 11 That joint with MF though!
Kwaku 11 that album is amazing classic imo
We all need a little church
Memphis Tn. 1997 I think: De La Soul, Goodie Mob & Fishbone all on one bill. One of the best shows I've seen.
Damn lol what a lineup. Jealous.
Dope! Im frrom East Beckley, WV...I Lovvvee Memphis...My aunt lived in Raleigh-Egypt directly behind the high school...use to come there every summer...
Nothing like The Memphis In May Music Festival...
I don't know this is on accident or what, but De La Soul in the late 1980s changed hip hop and looked to do it again. From sampling to self-fund raising.
+dznutz1971 Yo, very good analysis.
Yep...shame that the album sucked ass - maybe if they had the pressure of turning in a product that needed to sell, they would have tried harder...
Just Ricky! This is the new way of owning your creativity. It’s a unique way to cut out the third man. God bless De Le Soul
I love De la soul I hope they get everything they deserve..all that hard work rest in peace Trugoy the dove true legends..they came out when hip hop was great..
Along with other benefits, we get the exact album the artist want to make, without any outside influences. For artist like De La, this is perfect.
I remember years back it was the main thing to get signed,you're favourite artist got signed and you'd b like "fuck ye he/she is signed,they made it!!!". Independent seems to be a lot better,can almost do what you want. Maybe have to work a bit harder but its better
***** Yeah, I believe (in the future), we will have "curated content" by way of record labels, or some other entity. In other words, signing to someone like Duck Down, currently, lets you know that they believe an artists is of a certain caliber/quality. Therefore, when you buy a record from Duck Down, you know that the artists are going to be in a similar vein.
Yeah . It seemed like in the late 1970's and early 1980's a rapper would be so happy to get signed to a major label. They knew how to make music and produce beats but didn't know the business. Now today artists are doing the independent route.
Take a note from Prince
+dznutz1971 Smh wow
Like how TLC was selling a lot of records but was still broke.
de la deserves this kickstarter fund. Salute
The fact that the quality of music has fallen and music especially rap has become devalued. Signing a record deal now is just selling your soul. Labels owners are also radio, magazine and television controllers, all owned by same corporations which dictate who will be stars. And dictate who will be famous. If you don't fall into that mold of your okay with signing your life away in a 360 deal, go independent its work hard work but the rewards are freedom. No one is selling records anymore. Show money is how artists eat that's why rappers are always dropping mix tapes to stay relevant so they can continue to tour. Same situation with label deal but they get a cut from everything you do, merchandise,tour,commercials,shoe ,clothing deals song and album features with other artists. If independent all other avenues of revenue belong to you so . 3 cent per album selling 100,000 on major label or 4 dollars per album selling 15,000 albums sold independent you make more independent.
Dave and Mase make great points about people nowadays not wanting to pay for music. There's this messed up sense of entitlement folks seem to have. And that's part of why the music industry is in the state that it's in right now.
***** why not give the music free and charge for shows
...is this a serious question?
It's sad! Internet killed all that. It's easy access now.
take it back they have expensive features and their production game is on point i get it now, they cant rap for shit tho
I see that your username is A Subjective Perspective, but how could you listen to Stakes is High (hell, the entire album), I Am I Be, Breakadawn, Much More, etc. and say they can't rap for shit? Just curious, who are some of your favorite emcees?
This is why these 3 brothers here will always be known as "legends/teachers of hip hop". De La Soul speaks the truth more than any other rap group out there. And what they said about signing to record labels being slavery, that's exactly what it is now like: slavery. But if you want more of a comparison, being signed to a label today is like being in a human trafficking ring. Niggas have gotta sell themselves like fucking bitches to get into the biggest labels to make billions. And like the record execs, they pimp these niggas to the highest bidders. You got niggas that say that they would desecrate themselves by going down low and get male ass on the side to be the new wave "hood rich" rappers. Shit's a dirty game yo, and these dudes like the effeminized shit they're on.
That shows just how much we all love you De La👊🏽
meanwhile fans will rush to spend their money on $1000 tix to see their fav artist give half azz performance smh RIP Trugoy The Dove
10:42 you can thank Steve Asshole Jobs for that mainly.
Yeah it's mostly the Millennials I see with that attitude, like, WTF these are the same ones who talk like music is their life but they don't wanna pay for pricelessness. This is one reason why I've often said for several years now that I think those of us born in the 70's are the last generation of those with solid music appreciation skills, handed down to us from our parents for some time to come.
+Lulu Centeno I agree with most of what you said but I think those born in the early-mid 80s appreciate it as well. Remember that a 14-16 year old in 1996 definitely appreciates what they had during that time compared to now (that's the demo I'm in)
Man I say this all the time. Good to see someone with the same mind set. I am proud to be a 70's baby !
Slavery is a term thrown around too loosely these days. Debt bondage is more specific to what they are talking about, where one pledges themselves against a loan!!! But I understand how it might feel to be literally beholden to a record company and have to put out a certain type of music, it does kind of feel like a master-slave relationship!!! But all respect to De La Soul, they are legends who deserve to do them and put out good music!!!
Tim Davis Agreed, but "debt bondage" is not counting the other issues that have occurred from signing with labels. Consider signing a 4-album deal, signing away your publishing and master rights, and even your individual artist names. If the label chooses not to release your album because they don't think the cost/benefit is there, your work sits on a shelf, while you're contractually locked in to that label. Now, you still have to eat, and have bills to pay; what do you do? That album may never see the light of day, and you can't go anywhere else to release music. Think about what happened with the original Sugar Hill Gang; they had to take the Robinson's to court for the right to perform using their artist names! They also don't get paid any real royalties on all the songs they've produced throughout the years.
Bro I know this.....I'm not talking about one's livelihood but that is a sacrifice you make when you take the loan label gives you....technically that loan is suppose to cover those expenses but it may not given the costs that come with touring, producers, "ghostwriters", etc. It's sad to see but that is the business, no hard feelings. Shit, why didn't Grandmaster Caz take the Sugar Hill Gang to court for taking the dudes rhymes? You must pay back that loan given to you and if you don't, well you get shelved for one's likeness, royalties, publishing, and master's because the record label owns it all. Black artists in the 90s were taken advantage of because of the fame and instant gratification. Shit I remember when New Edition went out on tour and made nothing nor recieved any compensation for their labor, its a harsh lesson that many in black music have had to learn!!! Not to be harsh but it's abusive to see this game being played on many black musicians.
Tim Davis Artists were shelved even after they fully recouped their original debts; the labels just didn't feel the risk of pushing a new album was worth the reward. I understand it's a business, but there's a difference between legal rights, and what's ethically right. Caz would've had to take Hank to court for stealing his rhymes, but Hank hardly made any money. Additionally, you're talking about kids from the hood who might not have the first clue on how to sue for their credits. Plus, where would they get the money to hire a lawyer? In addition, by the time they raised enough money, I'm sure the statute of limitations would've passed.
I think the main issue is that many labels have taken advantage of the ignorance of many struggling artists. They used their lack of comprehension of legalese against them, and played into their hopes and dreams. It's easy to blame them for not knowing how the business works, but it's hardly a fair argument.
I'm not looking into getting into an internet debate about this, but was just trying to explain that it's significantly more than "debt bondage".
No shots I think we both are saying the same thing, but morals and ethics go out the window in the arena of business. They are still taking advantage of black artists today which is sickening, hip-hop especially...that is all i'm trying to convey.
Tim Davis I totally agree, with the exception that I feel it crosses most racial lines. Greed has a tendency to spoil most great things, and music isn't immune.
I see nothing wrong with an artist, a person who has talent, making a living from that talent - whether it's making paintings for a wealthy patron like in the Renaissance or getting funding from fans via Kickstarter. There should be no shame in this: I'm getting a t-shirt and a CD from one of my favourite musical acts and I know that unlike buying the CD from Amazon, they're getting most of the money.
There's a great article by musician/producer Steve Albini about what it actually costs an artist to do a deal with a major label - you think they get that million or whatever and the company provides the studio time and promotion for free? No, the artist has to pay for EVERYTHING out of that contract money and then on top of that the label and the promoters and everyone else who can get a hand in takes a cut. Unless you're Madonna you might as well have a 9-5 by the time you're done and you'll be working a lot harder than that with all that's involved with touring.
I would much rather the musicians I like get funded directly from the fans so they can focus on music and touring without worrying about how much they're getting out of that record deal. If I had an artistic talent and could make a living off it, I'd totally do that, so I don't care if the excess goes into their pockets or funds future albums, I only ask that they make the music because they WANT to and not just put something out because they feel like they HAVE to.
Real Hip Hop, true fans must support! I have no problem with that, we need more dialogue explaining the positive possibilities of this process. Please support real Hip-Hop.
5 years later..
Yea. They got the money.
Made And the Anonymous Nobody
And got nominated for best rap album of the year in 2017 grammys
Well done guys..
🌹🌹🌹
Gotta respect that. Thats how music should be cut out the middle man. It's always a middleman tho....
Honestly. You couldn't get better audio for the guest??
De La Soul one of the most ground breaking groups ever and 30yrs later they still going... amazing. I put on their project and I haven't heard a de La song no lie in probably 20yrs.
This is exactly why I listened, listen, and will listen to them. Thank you De La Soul! 3 Feet High and Rising was the first cassette tape I ever bought and you have made me happy and smarter for decades. XD
I chipped in 10 on my part. While I didn't really love the album (I liked it enough) it was obvious that they did put a good amount of effort and energy into their project. And I'm glad they're still around.
When will these businessmen stop lying and claiming that they "do it for the fans". Nahh nigga, you do it for yourselves.
FooliboyLu ... In the case of de la, they pretty much do it 50% for the fans and 50% for themselves... That's just about the best ratio you'll get out of anybody in the industry...
I always thought that if yo' name wasn't Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey or Madonna.....GOOD LUCK! All artists need to do Kickstarter. I think it's a brilliant idea. Why don't ya'll stop playin' and say what's really on ya'll minds. *"Putting out music is expensive and if nobody buys it then I'll be out of that money."* There, I said it for ya'll. Oooh, and *I want ya'll to pay for the album and then turn around and buy it.* Now, the *backlash* is gon come if the music is wack and nobody likes it. Just because ya'll have been out for years that doesn't guarantee anything. Times and tastes have changed. TLC went above and beyond their quota and they still ain't put out a record to first. I buy music if it's good. No more or less. I wanna start a Kickstarter account, shoot..... You still look good, David. I enjoyed this interview and I want ya'll to win. I am a fan (not donating a one red cent though) ;)
LaCheleWallace I agree with you 100%!
Gustavo Laboy Thank you. ;)
I understand your stance of not wanting to pay for an album that you haven't heard, but I think you're missing the fact that if you contribute at least $15 to the Kickstarter, you're automatically getting the album. It's not like you donate and then have to turn around and come out of your pocket again to buy the music itself. So essentially, it's not much different than purchasing it from iTunes, Amazon, or wherever. I feel what you're saying, though. Personally, I was happy to donate because De La's never dropped a wack album; I have faith in their music.
***** OH, OK! See, I didn't know that. I thought you had to donate and then turn around and buy it, lol. Well in 2015, you never know, bae. How many of our favorite artists have let us down recently? Mary J, D'Angelo, Faith and the list goes on.
Now that's true. You never know what you're gonna get, even from your favorite artists. Maybe this is my naïveté talking, but I'm hoping for the best. Plus, I'm a music collector and even if I don't particularly care for an album, it's still a good feeling to know that I purchased music from an artist that I love. I'm always down to support those who've consistently put out good/great work, ya know?
hell yeah and this is a great album also these brothers are legends
Yo straight up this is the best idea I've heard in a while. If your good and talented like de la is people "the fans" put money behind it and you be your own boss. Without bitch ass record labels fucking you out of your shit telling you what you can't do or say on a record and do it your own way. It stops the people from getting the music for free to some degree. So fuck these bitch ass record label corporations that's worth a thousand times what the real artist putting in the work so they can just sit back and reap the benefits of some one else's work. You hear it time and time again so don't say it don't happen cause it does. The only thing is you got to have a name for yourself first. This would be great for Wu Tang Clan. Because there is 9 people in Wu and record labels ain't really trying to come out their pockets for that many people. But I bet the fans all around the world would put up millions of dollars to get a album from them. And if you can't reach your goal of funds to make it work you just return the money or whatever. And we might start to get to hear some real shit instead of all this wack shit all the time. MF DOOM and real hip hop artist like that might get what they actually deserve. Game changer word up!
sorry don't feel sorry 4 a group that a few millions..now whining cause they are being promoted like a younger group..i love de la's music but shit thats not slavery try working in a factory and doing music as a hobby 4 only your friends 2 hear..
"Industry rule number four-thousand and eighty;
Record company people are shady"
- Q-Tip
3:43 Vlad, what kind of question is that, my dude? Seemed like you tried to put ‘em in a box.
Love De La Soul - real cool guys and History of Rap
very interesting!
i bet it wasnt easy for them to make the decision, even they said so 'we talked about this a lot! if it is going to look like begging or not'
but it looks like it def worked out for them and lets see if others do it in the future after seeing this success
He is right...there are humans working and using their brain power to make music...the authentication and genuine support is needed through buying the product with actual money and not bootlegging or illegal downloading...salute
De la soul’s music is just happiness , so many fun memories . Stay strong de la
Trying People is STILL one of my favs. All the joints DILLA did for them was just... classic. Long live De La Soul.
Wow. .breaking shit down deeo man..really needed to hear that froma legends ppoint of view
Damn, Inspector Vladget is on fire with these last few interviews. De La Soul are living legends.
That's so great that they made it! I was bummed out over Slum Village on pledgemusic last year, couldn't believe so few people put money up, I don't think they even made 10%. Glad they still put out their album though.
This really is the future, better for fans and artists, not so great for marketing people looking to cash in, but that's their problem...
if you wanna support the art heres the link! Theres 4 more days on the campaign :)
www.kickstarter.com/projects/1519102394/de-la-souls-new-album
If you aint convinced or worried they aint as good as they used to be, heres a lil something with Nas they just put out!
soundcloud.com/wearedelasoul/de-la-soul-featuring-nas-god-it
Erick Velasquez I can't stop listening to that damn song...
Chosun BK If thats any indication of the final product im pumped :)!!
Erick Velasquez Agreed!!!
They are right
If they can make 100,000 in 9 hours , what did the label make off them
Nothing.That was the whole problem.
@@Kadditheproducer The label did made more , that’s the point , as independent artist with a fan base strong enough to make that kind of money just to fund the project they had to make millions off “Me , Myself , and I “
On God,damn bro I ain't even think bout that.Fuk!You a fukin genius bro.Thats even more incentive to snake him out.They ain't wanna pay him his standard rate,which would be millions after all the streams.🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯
Tupac got butthurt because De La Soul didnt want to sellout to Gangsta Rap.
My FAVORITE Hip Hop group of ALL Time! Still killin it 20+ yrs in the game!
thank u de la for continuing to share your talents and gifts with us.l.e.s luvs the de la.....yeah yeah
isn't that slavery if you're "NOT" putting money in your pocket without signing to a paying label?? I'm confused kickstarter wants you to make music for free with no money just the music?? that's slavery if you raise money off your trade but not get any funds for it, isn't that slavery?? I need money bcz what the company wants to broadcast to the public I deserve to get paid no??
I'd give 'em $300 to make it happen. Been listening to these cats since 1989.
WOW! Another good vid by VLAD,times is changing.
radiohead are one of the first groups that went against the majors back around 2010 on their rainbows lp . they pretty muxh gave the lp away and asked people to give what ever they felt was fair. shot out to De La Soul
DE LA FOREVER! Keepin it TRUE
Still got three dela classic cds in my crates, and waiting for my son to hear,. period. .. 3ft high and rising that's all
As a fan I would've paid any amount they would ask for just to hear their music. It would be worth it every nickel.
This is brilliant!
I still buy music. All the music I have now (which is A LOT) I paid for. Too many virus' and bugs attached to that free shit.
Ron Finch COME ON, DATITTY! I pay for music too!
LaCheleWallace Aight Damita!! I see you!!
Ron Finch trick
Seth Heywood broke
Ron Finch loser
If De La Soul raised 100,000 in a Day, you know they wanted to get Greedy... cuz split 3 ways, just if they kept that money for themselves would be about 33,000... thats a Lil better than a Minimum Wage job FOR A YEAR.. Thats not enuff for all them to Eat
dope informational interview.
Listen to eye know and compare it to the garbage people put out now.. Dela are the kings
Plugs one and two are hippies.
Dope! Respect to De La! Yo ***** link up! 💯
Hip Hop Royalty right here
They are right..it's like pre-purchasing.It's not that ppl are cheap, it's more of ppl are broke, for the most part.Plus , there are options to get it for free.Nowadays, you have to supply the ppl with more than music to sell music.You need a package.That is where de l a soul lacks at.They are legends in the game ,no doubt but this era is different.Its not just about the music,skills talent anymore.Thats why groups like de la soul would not get the backing from the major labels thus they went to kick starter.They sound a little bitter and probably are a little fucked up in the game
5:33 I don't think they have any obligation to keep saying that they are not doing this to try and get money. The hottest songs are all about that now! The consumer has been supporting and charting the one's who talk about "gettin money" 90% of the time! Is this some kind of hypocritical standard because De La's stuff is considered "Conscious Rap"?
I understand that they are saying that the Kickstarter wasn't a scheme where they would just pocket and abscond, but for me it spins off a concern that people see them as less than genuine or that it puts them in a negative light if they expect to profit for their work.
DeLa Soul will always be in the hole because *they're not musicians,* so because of their use of expen$ive samples, they will constantly have to shell out nice money per unit sold, to the original artists/ writers/ producers. Always.
Good for you guys. Well spoken.
with all the garbage that's out here now, people should be lining up to do a de la album for free. the sad thing is outside of their fanbase, very little will hear this album.
I think this is the way to go, fans give them money upfront if they feel its worthwhile, because people tend not to pay after its made and its online. Then I guess they make the profits from doing shows and other things, they can make pure art like that.
'A big part of it is cheap people and people who think everything is supposed to be for free' - There is a middle-way between Kickstarter and "the traditional way" and that is self-releasing; artists having their own label with separate distribution/marketing deals that the artist controls. I think that is how artists like Kate Bush and Jim Thirlwell do it. But De La Soul are on the right track and what's out from the new album sounds/looks brilliant. I'll buy the vinyl.
My mom got me the 3 feet high and rising cassette for Christmas in 1989 when I was 13.
The best birthday present ever
If you were Pete Stoikle I wore you ass off court number 4 at brace but I not that good you may have faked it!! HAHA
De La are obviously great. This interviewer is a tool. Why not ask them about what they are doing to do creatively? That's what they are good at.
De La must be millionaires so I didn't give them shit no offence there one of my fave groups ever I have all there albums seen them live lots of times but no way am I funding there albums
de la soul pioneering as always
De La breaking down the FACTS...
I LOVE Maces reaction to Vlad talking constantly about $$$. I get like that around similar people. I can't stand that attitude of letting yourself up to be a slave to the power and pull of $$$ so freely
Individually charging for content has really grown on YT,Mixer,and Twitch. It's interesting how,hindsight being 20/20,they tried to help start a change in the music business. But,it just ain't the same musically. In the music form,folks are just very traditional and I cant knock it.
Being an up and coming artist,the perception would even be vastly different for ME doing a kickstarter than THEM. It IS,for an artist,viewed as begging. Folks are used to having music at their disposal in these new times. Even back in the day,instant gratification was key. Pay for the CD or cassette and it's in your hands immediately. Now,folks dont have the mindset of investing in an album they want from an artist.
You know dem stakes is high
So much knowledge in this. Kickstarter is a perfect way to fund projects and remove the bs. People need to drop the stigma of thinking Kickstarter is taboo for successful artists or businesses.
***** Cats look at a De La Soul & TLC and don't see people who would need exterior funds in any format.
De La soul is so dope
this is the TRUTH!... i first got into hip hop in 1999... i was 15... i first started drawing in 1999... i feel what they are sayin.. everyone wants stuff for free... back in the day you had to pay for... these young people don't kno what that was back in the day... thats why i will never really expose my artwork too much online... i just bought de la souls stakes is high album used on amazon this may... i bought Grind and date ,and their double disc album back in 2000... if u want a movement to keep goin support and don't slow it down.. god bless u ya'll,, BY THE WORLD FAMOUS PSWIF ONE SINCE 1999... JESUS SAVES NATIONS! PEACE TO DE LA SOUL 1
i want more emcee's of their caliber to go this route. let the fans do the talking not these labels. and this shows De La is still relevant regardless what people think. Lets get tribe to do it now lol
Yo VLAD tell the whole DeLa team to keep pushing f_€! what everybody else is saying. Real HIPHOP trying to come through. These brothas care about our culture. So I say do yo thang and a phat middle finger to the industry. One!
I think it's messed up that I bought their music in the past and i have to fun their new music? If you budgeted your money right, you wouldn't need to "ask" for crowd funding
I don't mind putting up 15 dollars. The problem is you putting out crap in return.
así es, muchachos, madre, a la mierda con los principales sellos discográficos y con quien los quiera
perfect sense, next stop to troll the media, get on as many media sources as possible and get the sub money to fund the project, no beggin just a sub fund to keep it hip hop. perfect ethics.
The fans take the power from the label. We do want a return< but what we get is our fav artists able to give us the best music with the most creative freedom and no deadlines so there's o one really to answer to, except the fans. I don't see why this concept is so hard to grasp. We who love de la should be happy to pay a little money KNOWING that we're going to get classic stuff.
Legends, and yes I put my money where my mouth is...
PATHH88 same here. david byrne damon albarn and 2 chainz. should be good
Except that a major label, means more exposure, more tours, more publicity, etc. Its cute to think "Indie all day", till you realize you want to live lavish or even live at all. Let's face it, all the biggest names in hip hop, are signed to a record label; Eminem, Jay Z, Kendrick, etc. Coincidence? No.
Alde N You get more Pub sure, but you are going to pay for that.
Advance, album better be hot or you are going to have to find out how to pay that advance that you spent ALL BACK.
Distribution is the only big win I can see you getting out of a record deal, but the label has to get THEIRS before you get anything, plus all of the stupid legal obligations that come with being signed to a major label.
In today's music Industry signing to a record label instead of partnership is completely idiotic. The technology revolution is destroying the old way, Kendrick isn't signed to a major he has a partnership with one.
Alde N look up the interview with Q Tip talking about selling 3 million records and living at his mom's crib.
Q-Tip was a financial moron. He never toured, nor was he financially sound. Using Q-Tip was a bad example, as many more acts have signed to labels and are rich. Drake, Kendrick, Eminem, Jay Z, Snoop, Tupac, etc. Cherry picking outliers means nothing.
To what expense tho
Original comes to mind when I see these guys ,it's crazy in a way bc look at how many people could of put them on who vibed off ther music but in the long run keeping it real is what keeps them going ,I'm totally behind De la soul , keep making hip hop until y'all are 80 yrs old .
how can signing a deal that pays you well if you are smart how could that be like slavery
They took out the middle man. GJ DeLaSoul, we need more of this in our society, and less bloodsuckers who profit off the creative juices of others.
Listen to More De La! songs Trying People and Freedom Train
Still..just when i thought I've heard all resources. .i hearabout kickstarter . I used to hear it get tossed around a lotbut never really came into question.still..being independent seems the best way now and days
Do here this u can ween you're self off the endorsement check without being bind to a major label contract you can get a bag independent but that big loan looks good 💯💯💯💯