In efforts to give artists the same autonomy he’s been fighting his labels Universal Music Group and Sony/ATV for all over Twitter, Kanye West is returning his share of 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 (Sept. 23).
That roster boasts Big Sean, 070 Shake, Pusha T, Desiigner, Teyana Taylor, John Legend, and many more. The Detroit 2 rapper expressed gratitude upon seeing the tweet from ‘Ye, who executively produced his latest Billboard 200 No. 1 album.
“Thank you!!! This would help so much,” Big Sean tweeted. 070 Shake (real name Danielle Balbuena), who’s featured on “Violent Crimes” and “Ghost Town” on West’s 2018 album ye, also shared her label boss’ tweet by writing “Gang.”
West previously explained on Twitter last Tuesday (Sept. 15) how significant it is for an artist 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 Artists” in an exclusive interview with Billboard today, where he outlined his plan for a reimagined music industry. That is, once he helps free all artists.
“The desired effect will only be achieved when every artist owns their masters. I’m Team ‘Free Artists,’” he said when asked about the purpose of posting all of his recording contracts on Twitter. “I’m committed to doing whatever is necessary so artists own their own copyrights.”
