masters

Birdman Says He’s Got “Love & Respect” For UMG For Letting Him Own Masters, But Fans Think Somethings Not Adding Up

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Birdman explained how his relationship with Univeral Music Group has helped him become rich and continue owning his masters during an interview with Steve-O on his Wild Ride! podcast. Despite the comments, many fans aren’t fully buying into everything he had to say.

The conversation began with Steve-O congratulating Birdman on Cash Money Records selling over one billion albums throughout its run. From there, they discussed the ownership of masters and Birdman admitted that he didn’t know anything about that side of the music industry when he first got into hip-hop. He said he was already caught up in “bullsh*t” by the time he understood the business side of things. “I did own everything,” he clarified. “I never allowed none of the labels to own anything. Universal never owned nothing. We owned all our own music and publishing. So, when I figured out and found out, I went and established what was missing and what was lost because we always owned everything. Still today, I own 100% of my company. I own 100% of my masters.”

Read More: Birdman Wants To Invest Some Serious Numbers Into Cash Money Reunion Tour

Birdman Attends Lil Wayne’s “Funeral” Album Release Party

MIAMI, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 01: Birdman and Lil Waune attend Lil Wayne’s “Funeral” album release party on February 01, 2020 in Miami, Florida (Photo by Gerardo Mora/Getty Images for Young Money/Republic Records)

From there, he added: “I’ve got nothing but love and respect for Universal because they never tried to take that from me. That was my consent that this is what I wanted to do and they never tried to take that from me. I know early on in other artists’ and other people’s careers, not to say Universal, but they took that from them. I never experienced that.” When The Art of Dialogue shared the clip on Twitter, fans expressed doubt at Birdman’s comments. “Something ain’t adding up birdman. Took you years to pay back lil Wayne,” one user wrote. Another added: “Bro robbed everybody that made him rich (and famous) don’t care what he owns as it’s probably ill gotten gains anyway.” Check out the full comments below.

Birdman Discusses Relationship With Universal Music Group

The interview arrives as Birdman has been feuding with Rick Ross on social media due to his beef with Drake. Be on the lookout for further updates on Birdman on HotNewHipHop.

Read More: Gucci Mane Shares Unique Way That Birdman Inspired Him

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Rappers Who Own Their Masters

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One of the greatest business moves artists and rappers can make is owning their masters. This means they control where their music is licensed (in TV, film, and advertisements) and, as a result, reap the financial rewards. Record labels began taking ownership of artist’s masters in the 1950s. During the “golden age of vinyl,” they cornered the market. And yet, to this day, “…a label is still contractually owning the voices of people who spent their whole lives honing their craft and becoming great writers, vocalists, and superstars, ” said Chance the Rapper in an interview with Success. Many of today’s rappers were inspired by trailblazing artists like Ray Charles and Prince, who took control of their legacies by regaining their masters. Here’s a list of rappers who have been wise enough to gain ownership of their masters. 

21 Savage

In January 2017, fresh off the enormous success of his EP Savage Mode, 21 leveraged a deal with Epic Records.  He has a 70/30 split with the label. “I make more money off my album sales than I do off touring. For a lot of rappers, most of their money comes from touring,” he admitted on the podcast A Million Dollaz Worth of Game.  

The American Dream rapper says that his masters serve as generational wealth for his family. However, if the bag is long enough, he has no problem with handing them over. “But…if a m-thaf-cka come and say, ‘Aye…I got a billion for your masters,’ that m-thaf-cka’s gone,” he added.

Kanye West

“My children gonna own my masters…not your children, my children”. 

Kanye West is currently without a record label or a music publisher but has made one thing clear: he has no intention of selling his catalog. Just last year, West acquired his masters from the 2013 Yeezy album up to the present. Def Jam owns the copyright to his recordings up to sometime in the mid-2010s and distributed subsequent releases up to last year’s Donda album. But his actual deal with the label ended in 2021. Sony Publishing will continue to administer his work (such as Vultures ) per the terms of the deal for an unspecified time.

Billboard estimated the songs generate $13.25 million in publishing royalties annually. Sources said West earns $5 million from his share, valuing the catalog at roughly $175 million. In an effort to give artists the same autonomy, Kanye also tweeted in Sept 2020 that he would be giving all of his G.O.O.D. Music artists back the 50 percent share of their masters. He also proposed an eight-point plan that would revolutionize the music industry. Artists and rappers would receive master ownership, short-term deals, an 80/20 split of royalty payments in the artist’s favor, and transparency.

Jay-Z

Media mogul Jay-Z demanded control of his Def Jam masters when he became president of the label in 2004. The rapper’s masters would later revert back to him in 2014, with his publishing rights returned to him around the same time in a separate deal with EMI. As of 2021, his music catalog was worth $95 million. In an interview last year with CBS Morning’s with Gayle King, he revealed that he’s not interested in selling his musical repertoire. “I want my kids to see my work and if they decide to sell it, then it’s up to them.”

Chance The Rapper

Chance The Rapper has mentioned many times the huge impact owning his masters has made on his career. In 2016, Chance declined a record deal with Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music, opting to stay independent. It paid off because he owns all his recording rights, publishing, and distribution. The rapper, who has a 50/50 royalty split, continues to influence rappers and emphasize being in control of one’s career. In 2022, he even helped iconic singer Anita Baker regain control of her master recordings after she asked fans to stop streaming her music.

Drake

In 2021, Drake received the largest deal in music history from Republic Records and Universal. The $400 million deal included recordings, publishing, merchandise, and visual media projects. Prior to the Scorpion rapper’s historic deal, Michael Jackson held the top spot as having the largest deal in music history. According to reports, $250 million went to his estate in 2010 from Sony Music.

LL Cool J

An OG in the game, LL Cool J has owned his masters for over 20 years. The Queens native has full authority over all 13 of his studio albums on Def Jam. In an interview with Million Dollaz Worth of Game, he revealed that being sampled by rappers like Rick Ross and The Notorious B.I.G. proves his legacy is cemented.

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Nike Tiger Woods ’13 “Masters” Official Photos Revealed

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The Nike Tiger Woods ’13, a golf shoe revered for its performance, is set to launch an exciting “Masters” colorway. As a tribute to one of golf’s most prestigious tournaments, this edition embodies sophistication and style. Renowned for its exceptional traction and support, the Tiger Woods ’13 is a favorite among golfers. Its upcoming “Masters” colorway adds a touch of elegance, featuring a blend of classic colors that resonate with the tournament’s prestigious aura. The shoe’s innovative design ensures comfort and stability on the course, enhancing performance during swings and walks.

Nike’s attention to detail in crafting the Tiger Woods ’13 shines through in this special “Masters” edition, offering golfers not just style but also functionality. With its impending release, golf enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the opportunity to sport this limited-edition shoe on the greens. The “Masters” colorway pays homage to the sport’s tradition while incorporating modern elements, making it a must-have for both collectors and avid golfers alike. The Nike Tiger Woods ’13 in its “Masters” colorway promises to blend tradition with contemporary style, embodying the essence of the revered tournament on the golf course.

Read More: Nike Air Max 1 “Dia De Los Muertos” Restocking This Year

“Masters” Nike Tiger Woods ’13

Nike Tiger Woods '13
Image via Nike

The sneakers feature a black and green rubber sole with spikes for maximum traction on the course. The midsole is green and white protective material constructs the uppers, with a black Nike Swoosh on the sides. White laces and grey details complete the design. Yellow accents near the laces and red Tiger Woods branding adorn the tongue and heels as a nod to The Masters branding.

More Photos

Sneaker Bar Detroit reports that the Nike Tiger Woods ’13 “Masters” will be released on December 8th. Also, these sneakers will have a retail price of $250 when they are restocked. Further, make sure to let us know what you think about these kicks in the comments below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the most recent updates and news from the sneaker community. We’ll make sure to offer you the newest products from the most notable brands.

Masters
Image via Nike
Nike Tiger Woods '13
Image via Nike

Read More: Billie Eilish x Nike Air Alpha Force 88 “Triple Red” Unveiled

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Nick Cannon Pursuing Child Psychology Degree

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Given that he’s welcomed 12 children into his life from six different mothers, Nick Cannon has a lot to learn about fatherhood. Moreover, he spoke on his progress on The Language Of Love podcast with Dr. Laura Berman on Sunday (June 18). In fact, he wants to take that learning process to the next level and actually hit the books. Furthermore, the multi-hyphenate entertainment figure revealed his pursuit of a master’s degree in child psychology. During their conversation, he mentioned some of the things that stick out in his mind the most in his early stages of advanced education.

“Oh, the presence of a father and how much will they need you,” Nick Cannon remarked. “The Freudian aspect of reverting back to your childhood trauma, or the lack thereof. Nature vs nurture. These are conversations I have several times every single day. I’m living, whether in therapy on my own or even just wanting to make sure that every single child has what they need, developmentally and emotionally. I’m studying the brain and at what point does sensory matter.”

Read More: Nick Cannon Aspires To Start Family Band, Mariah Carey Won’t Let Her Twins Share The Spotlight: Source

Nick Cannon’s Full Interview On The Language Of Love

Regardless of his studies, the “Wild ‘N Out” host is also taking other steps to develop his relationship with his children- or rather, with each other. “As much as that may be a wish of mine, I’ve got to respect that’s not a wish of everyone’s,” Nick Cannon said of bringing all his kids together. “I think that we’ll get there. One of the things I’ve witnessed from some of my elders in the game, once the children get of age to make their own decisions, it’ll happen. Because they’re currently under their mothers’ jurisdiction, I’m trying to play by the moms’ rules. But once they can make their own decisions, I would hope and pray that we’ll have established a strong enough relationship that they’ll want to come hang out with me.

“I think he’s kind of already figured it out,” he said of his six-year-old son Golden. “He knows he has other siblings. Even within his own house, he’s not an only child,” Cannon continued. “He knows about his older siblings. He’s been around the younger ones. He’s been around them, just nobody talks about it. It’s not like, ‘This is your brother or your sister. And I think the school that he’s in, he’s on the internet. He knows his dad is known for having a lot of kids.” For more news and the latest updates on Nick Cannon, stay up to date on HNHH.

Read More: Who Are Nick Cannon’s Baby Mamas?

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LL Cool J Speaks On The Benefits Of Owning His Masters

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Music is a weird industry. Just because you create a song doesn’t mean that you actually own it. In fact, you could be the best-selling artist to ever live and yet only see a fraction of the profits your work generates.

That’s where masters come in. The most person who owns the “masters” of a song is technically the legal owner of that song. They are the ones who can choose how it is used. Furthermore, they can also choose how the artist is compensated in terms of residuals. Famously, Taylor Swift re-recorded an entire album to claim ownership of it after she was unable to buy her own masters. Throughout history, artists have long battled to control their own music. Furthermore, there are countless examples of this being exploited by the owners of an artist’s masters.

LL Cool J Testifies On Owning His Own Masters

“Yeah, I own my masters,” Cool J told the Million Dollarz Worth of Game podcast, “I got my catalog back just before 2000. And, you know, it just worked out well. So now, if you hear an LL COOL J song in a movie, or if you hear my song in a commercial, I’ve licensed that song.” LL Cool J’s work can be heard just about everywhere in popular culture. However, it’s not just about the money for Cool J, it’s about the principle of making music.

“But that’s a blessing, you know? There but for the grace of God, you know what I’m saying? It just worked out. I got a lot of bites at the apple. And I was born to do what I’m doing. I’m not a dude that’s just doing Hip Hop because I’m doing it. You know? I was born to do it,” Cool J said. While the money is likely very nice from a catalog as prolific as Cool J’s, his words resonate as to why he owns his own work. It’s blood, sweat, and tears on those tracks. While he isn’t in the game to make money, if there is money to be made, he deserves to be the one to make it.

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Tiger Woods Speaks Ahead of the Masters: ‘I Don’t Know How Many More I Have In Me’

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Tiger Woods Captures His First PGA Tournament Victory in Five Years

Fans of golf may want to watch the upcoming Master’s as it could be one of the last for Tiger Woods. Speaking ahead of the upcoming competition at Augusta National, Woods revealed his road could be coming to a close.

“I don’t know how many more I have in me,” Woods said, according to ESPN. “I know more guys on the Champions Tour than I do the regular tour.”

Woods revealed that his competitive urge hasn’t left, but he understands the limits of his body. “The overall desire to win has always been there and I’ve always worked at it and believed in what I could do.”

What is he doing to prepare? Attempting to recreate the course where available. “I’m trying to simulate shots and rehearsing, again and again, each and every flag location, each and every shot I would possibly hit.”

The Masters begin on Thursday and can be watched on CBS and ESPN.

The post Tiger Woods Speaks Ahead of the Masters: ‘I Don’t Know How Many More I Have In Me’ appeared first on The Source.

Amar’e Stoudemire Arrested For Punching Daughter Hours After Receiving Master’s Degree

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Authorities arrested Amar’e Stoudemire the night of December 17th for allegedly punching his daughter in the jaw and slapping her several times. Police charged the former NBA player with battery and stated that the incident came from an argument between Stoudemire’s daughter and her grandmother. Moreover, officers reported that his daughter was “giving attitude” when he struck her. Officers set his bail at $1,500. Also, this happened just hours after Stoudemire posted that he received his Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Miami. He celebrated his 40th birthday mere weeks ago.

MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 29: Amar’e Stoudemire attends the 2022 ABMB Art Fair Preview on November 29, 2022 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)

According to police reports, the former basketball star’s daughter told them that her father struck her hard enough to draw blood. However, it’s unclear whether this was his 17-year-old daughter or his 14-year-old daughter. An officer working the case wrote “I observed blood stains on the victim’s sweater and sweatpants” on the arrest report.

“The mother of the victim, Alexis Welch,” they continued, “showed me the photo she received from her daughter, which shows the victim crying and blood running down her face.”

Welch told authorities that after her daughter sent her a picture, she rushed to get her and her two sons. Also, Stoudemire allegedly asked Welch to pick their daughter up because she was “being disrespectful.”

Reportedly, at around 8pm on Saturday (December 17th), the grandmother called Stoudemire’s daughter. She responded, “What?” Then, her father “rushed inside her room and asked her why she was giving attitude.” Later, his daughter said she wasn’t having a tone, and she said her father told her “You’re talking back again.” The daughter reported that the 40-year-old then struck her.

Meanwhile, the UM graduate said that his daughter called Welch to pick her up. She was sad “because she received a whooping from him for being disrespectful and a liar.” When authorities arrived on the scene, they saw bloodstains and arrested Stoudemire for punching his daughter. His bond is set at $1,500.

The last we heard of Amar’e Stoudemire, he was calling on Kyrie Irving to apologize for his antisemitic comments. Stay tuned to HNHH for the latest updates on this story.