🚫 Don’t Sign That! A Real Talk Breakdown for Artists About Contracts

May 31, 2025

Yo, before you sign anything—pause. I’m writing this for every artist, creative, and dream chaser out here who’s so hungry to “make it” that they’ll sign anything with a logo on it. This industry ain’t for the naive or the unprepared. Labels are playing chess, and a lot of y’all are showing up without even knowing the rules. Let’s fix that.

The Illusion of a Deal

Just because someone puts papers in front of you doesn’t mean it’s a win. Most “deals” are advances—aka loans. You’re not getting free money. You’re getting fronted money you gotta pay back… with interest… from your own future earnings.

And they ain’t just giving you cash—they’re buying control. Of your name. Your voice. Your masters. Your image. Your rights.

Words That Should Make You Read TWICE

Here’s a list of contract terms that’ll either secure your future—or steal it. Read these out loud. Circle them. Ask about them.

“Perpetuity” – This means forever. If it says they own something “in perpetuity,” they own it even after you die.

“Recoupable” – That advance they gave you? Yeah, they’re taking that back before you see any royalties.

“360 Deal” – This means they want a piece of EVERYTHING: shows, merch, features, even your YouTube income.

“Exclusivity” – You can’t work with anyone else without their say-so. That includes collabs, producers, etc.

“Delivery Requirement” – You might be required to drop 3 albums in 2 years… or be stuck in limbo until you do.

“Work for Hire” – That means you made something, but you don’t own it.

“Cross-Collateralization” – This one is slick. It means if one project flops and doesn’t make back the money, your next project’s income gets used to pay off the old debt. You’re forever chasing your own bag just to break even.

“Audit Period” – Most labels put tight limits on when and how you can check their books. Sometimes you only get a 12–24 month window to audit your royalty statements, and only once a year. If they’re messing with your money, you might not even find out until it’s too late.

Label Tricks You Don’t See Coming

Change of Definitions – They’ll redefine “net profits” so heavily that by the time everyone takes their cut, you’re left with crumbs.

Creative Control Clauses – You thought it was your vision? Nah. They can shelve your album, switch your single, or tell you to dress like a clown if they think it’ll sell.

Royalty Breakdowns – They say “15% royalty,” but after deductions (studio time, video budget, marketing, travel), it’s more like 3%.

Delays & Freezes – If your project “underperforms,” they might not greenlight the next one. And since you’re locked in, you can’t drop independently either.

What You Should Be Getting Paid From

If you’re not getting money from these lanes, you’re leaving food on the table:

Streaming Royalties

Publishing (Performance + Mechanical)

Sync Licensing (TV, film, games)

Live shows + appearances

Merch

Features & Guest Verses

YouTube/Content Monetization

Brand Deals / Sponsorships

Fan Subscriptions (Patreon, OnlyFans, etc.)

NFT / Web3 / Exclusive Drops (if you’re in that wave)

Paysos Talks

The real bag is in the business—not just the booth. I’m telling you this because I’ve seen it happen. Talented artists, dope projects, but no leverage… because they didn’t know the game.

Don’t be so thirsty for a deal that you drink poison. If the paperwork ain’t right, walk away. Real power is in ownership. Protect your masters. Understand your publishing. Learn the language or pay somebody who does.