Aussie rap has given me many, many gifts. From the awesome people I’ve met to the unparalleled feeling of electricity coursing through my veins as I rock stages. It has also taught me a few lessons.
Today I thought I’d take some time and reflect on some of the music deals I’ve made, the packages I’ve bought and the harsh reality that not everyone has your best interests at heart in the rap game.
It is my hope that people can learn from my mistakes, but at the very least, I can write for catharsis.
When I 1st started getting serious about putting my music out, I thought a good place to start was to purchase some beats. I am a lyricist 1st and foremost and at this stage in my journey through Aussie rap, I had about 5 songs written.
Let me just say that I was very fresh, very green and very beardless.
So I put the feelers out on my socials and linked up with a production crew in Sydney. After speaking to them it became apparent that I needed more than beats. I needed a studio to record, an audio engineer to mix, an engineer to master and some other things.. like a logo, press kit, online presence etc. Turns out this crew did all of these things and more.
I was sold.
I met with the crew and spoke about what my music represented, where I wanted to go with it and all the things you do on a 1st meeting. We also spoke about making film clips. To cut a long story short, this is what I bought:
- Exclusive rights to 5 instrumentals.
- The 5 tracks mixed, mastered and recorded in a professional studio.
- 5 film clips.
- Marketing strategy meetings.
- Logo.
For the grand total of $6,250.
It’s a lot right. What I didn’t know at the time was that exclusive rights doesn’t mean ownership. It only means that only I can use the beat.. I just assumed it meant I owned them. so when I eventually started releasing the tracks, I had to give 50% royalties to the beat maker.
At the moment it’s no stress as I make about $20 a year in royalties from streaming platforms, if that.. from all my tracks combined.
Aussie rap Divulge
I just want to take a moment to say that this was not a negative experience for me. I’m not bitter about the purchase. It was more a learning experience and growth opportunity. A BIG lesion. At the end of day, I recorded 5 dope tracks that stand up in Aussie rap and I got some sick film clips. Plus a dope Logo.
If I could pass on any piece of advice it would be to make sure you understand what you are purchasing and if you are unsure, ask questions.
I have since had a falling out with the beat maker but that’s another story for another blog. He still gets his royalties for the 5 beats.
Like I said, that was a huge lesson for me. No regrets though. To be honest, when the package was coming to an end, I was a little concerned about what would happen after completion, where I would go, who I would get my beats from in the future..
Turns out I needed not to worry at all. I have met some great human beings in Aussie rap and many people are happy to work with me for a lot less money and a lot less bullshit. In fact, the package ending only opened more doors for me.
After the package, the next lot of beats I bought were from the homies Deadbeats. Dope beats that I used on my debut EP. They cost me $100 each and I own the beats entirely.
Then there’s my boy GhostAttack who refuses to take any of my money for his time and production prowess. I have made some absolute bangers with Ghost and the Godfather is all about the community. I admire him very much.
Special shoutout to my homie QK Beats who supplied the beat for STFU and a special shoutout to my boy Gordon Burke who recorded, mixed and mastered the track.
I thought it would be cool to write about this stuff.. and I actually feel some peace. It’s all part of the journey. I am unsigned, completely independent and am free to work with whomever I choose and make the music I want.
Big shoutout to my homie Supaadry who produced the 11 bangers on our debut album Return to Emerald City which drops in May. I cannot wait to show you all what I have been working on!
As always, thanks for rocking with ya boi Prim!
Thanks Prim always a pleasure to work on your stuff. Gordon
The pleasure is all mine bro ❤