Yes, 21 Savage indeed owns the masters to his music.
Owning masters means an artist retains the copyrights to their original sound recordings, which is a significant asset in the music industry. Many artists sign away these rights to record labels in exchange for advances and distribution.
21 Savage has publicly affirmed his ownership, stating, "I own my masters right now. Every song you've ever heard me on, I own it." This includes his entire catalog, even hits released early in his career, such as those from his platinum-selling albums prior to signing his initial major record deal. This independent stance on his masters puts him in a unique and powerful position compared to many of his peers.
The Significance of Master Ownership for Artists
Owning one's masters is a crucial financial and creative decision for musicians. Here's why it's highly coveted:
- Financial Control and Royalties:
- Artists who own their masters receive a larger share of the revenue generated from their music. This includes income from streaming, sales, and licensing for various media like films, TV shows, and commercials.
- It empowers them to directly negotiate lucrative licensing deals, potentially earning millions that would otherwise be retained by a record label.
- Creative Autonomy:
- Artists maintain full control over how their music is used, re-released, or marketed.
- This includes the ability to make independent decisions about remixes, collaborations, and releasing previously unreleased material without requiring label approval.
- Long-Term Asset Building:
- Masters are valuable intellectual properties that can generate income for decades, providing a continuous revenue stream long after an artist's primary recording career.
- They serve as a foundation for generational wealth and allow artists to maintain a lasting legacy and influence within the industry.
Aspect | Artist Owning Masters | Artist Not Owning Masters |
---|---|---|
Primary Beneficiary | Artist | Record Label |
Revenue Share | Higher (typically 80%+) | Lower (typically 15-25%) |
Control | Full creative & business | Limited, label-driven |
Asset Value | High, contributes to wealth | Minimal for artist |
For an artist like 21 Savage, having this level of control from early in his career underscores a shrewd business strategy and a deep understanding of the industry's financial mechanics. It highlights a growing trend among successful artists to prioritize ownership and independence over traditional label deals that often cede valuable rights.