Joe Budden has attempted to debunk what he considers to be one of the music industry’s “biggest myths.” He says artists like Drake, who supposedly retained more freedom by partnering with a record label, are being misled. Budden began by citing one particular report that claimed Drake had a licensing deal with UMG that gave him full control over the creative direction of his music and when it was released.
“I want the audience and anyone listening to know that this is one of the biggest myths that the music industry pushes on naive and ignorant people today, that a licensing deal means freedom,” Budden began. “Listen to Joe Budden, even if you don’t trust me. It doesn’t. A licensing deal doesn’t mean you have the freedom to do whatever you want. In fact, it means the exact opposite. It means, ‘You keep it.’ That’s the label’s way of telling you that they absolutely don’t want to be held liable for your shit. You keep it. That’s not where the value lies. We’re just going to share in that license. And in order for us to agree to that, here’s what you have to do, and most artists give in. That’s the negotiating table.”
Drake attends the Billboard Music Awards
US rapper Drake poses in the press room during the 2019 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 1, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Bridget BENNETT / AFP) (Image credit: BRIDGET BENNETT/AFP via Getty Images)
“I just think a lot of artists and creatives are being fooled with the new word tricks,” Budden concluded. Fans on social media had mixed reactions to his opinion. One wrote, “When it comes to Joe and his opinion on Drake, I take it with great skepticism.” Another countered, “He is 100 percent right about the licensing. You don’t have to believe it, but facts are facts. Those in the industry know.”
Joe Budden talks about Drake’s licensing deal
Drake has already signed the deal with Universal in 2022. Below you can find Budden’s full comments on the situation. Stay tuned for more updates on Joe Budden and Drake on HotNewHipHop.
About the author
Cole Blake is currently an editor at HotNewHipHop based in Brooklyn, New York. He started working at the site as an intern in 2018 while studying journalism at St. John’s University. Since then, he has earned his bachelor’s degree and written extensively on a wide range of topics including pop culture, film and television, politics, video games, sports, and more. He has also covered music festivals such as Gov. Ball and Rolling Loud. You can find him posting work for HNHH Monday through Wednesday or on weekends. When it comes to sports, Cole is an avid NBA and NFL fan. His favorite teams are the Indianapolis Colts and the Los Angeles Lakers. He also cheers on the Yankees whenever he’s at Yankee Stadium or the Red Storm when he’s in the company of other SJU alumni. His favorite hip hop artists are Billy Woods, Earl Sweatshirt, Cam’ron, MIKE, and Mach-Hommy.
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