Photo by PATRICK KOVARIK/AFP via Getty Images
Kanye West has, by the grace of God, hit the brakes on publically discussing his spoiler 2020 campaign in favor of airing his grievances with his labels Universal Music Group and Sony. It began last week when West tweeted out hundreds of pages of his record deal, asking lawyers to review them, and insisting that he will liberate musicians trapped in unfair deals.
On Wednesday, West took a tentative step towards his goal, claiming in a tweet that he would return to artists on his label G.O.O.D. Music the 50% ownership of their master recordings that he controls. "I'm giving all Good music artist[s] back the 50% share I have of their masters," he wrote. See the tweet below:
I’m giving all Good music artist back the 50% share I have of their masters
— ye (@kanyewest) September 23, 2020
It's another story whether or not West will actually follow through on this promise, or if the record contracts he and his G.O.O.D. Music artists signed actually allow for it. In the event that it does go through, however, it could be a massive windfall for artists like Big Sean, John Legend, Teyana Taylor, Pusha-T, and many more G.O.O.D. Music artists past and present.
West emphasized the importance of an artist owning their masters during his Twitter spree last week. "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."
The FADER has reached out for more information.
