Wu Tang Productions Disputes Royalty Disagreement With Group Member Ghostface Killah

The iconic hip hop collective, the Wu Tang Clan, has completely changed the way rap artists approach the music business. Nine individually talented artists grouped together to become a rap super power. However, as likely to happen to any band of musicians or groups of recording artists, problems are bound to arise.

In 2005, a lawsuit had been filed by original Wu Tang Clan member Ghostface Killa, claiming that he did not receive music publishing royalties on early studio albums released by the group. The suit was filed against Wu Tang Clan Productions, owned and operated by the group's legendary super producer the RZA.

This is a recurring problem in the rap music business. Artists and producers work together, with no prior discussions to royalty shares. After much success is achieved by their music, disputes inevitably arise.

Remarkably, surviving members of the group still create and produce music together, and are still committed to the international brand that they have built. For instance group member Raekwon recently released the follow up to his street classic album "Only Built For Cuban Linx, Pt 2" which features many of the Wu Tang Members including RZA, Ghostface Killah, Methodman and Inspectah Deck.

How do we take proper measures to prevent a dispute such as this one from even arising in the first place? GET IT IN WRITING ! You've heard me write about this numerous times, always get your agreements in a tangible written form. Have you ever became involved in a dispute such as this one ?

The Courtship Continues, Eminem's Eight Mile Style LLC Vs. Apple

Apple is being sued for using certain Eminem recordings for their iTunes commercials, while making a number of songs available for download on the iTunes platform. What's the problem ? Apparently, Apple did not acquire the proper persmissions to use the songs from the publishing company which holds those rights, Eight Mile Style, LLC.

After failing to reach a settlement agreement earlier this week, the two companies are now headed to trial. Eminem's music publishing company first filed suit back in 2007 against Apple for illegal use of the copyrights.

The twist ? Aftermath Entertainment is also being sued for alledgedly providing Apple with permission to use the recordings, although Aftermath did not own or share in the ownership of these copyrights in the first place. Say what ? Now that's some Shady shit.

UPDATE --- New Music Business Website In The Works

Whaddup !

How is everyone doing ? Just thought I would post a quick update concerning this blog and my upcoming project. Both are hand in hand, as I am now in the action phases of my newest entrepreneurial website.

The site will actually be relevant to this blog, as it will involve helping independent musicians and recording artists establish a successful position in their own niche markets. It will also have tools, articles and other helpful resources for developing smart music marketing strategies.

I plan to still make frequent posts on this blog, so stay tuned for the newest dirt on the grimey business of marketing rap music. Want to know more ? Shoot me some comments on this post and I'll get back to you.

Your boy,

RTiculate

Kanye West's Publicity Stunt At MTV Video Music Awards

Most of you are well aware of the incident that took place at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday in New York City. Upon winning her very first award, pop-country music star Taylor Swift's acceptance speech was cut short by producer/rap artist Kanye West. I wont get into details about the incident, we'll keep it straight business. Peep the articles at Billboard.com, or hit up YouTube to watch the clip.

Since the awards show, however, Kanye West has been everywhere in the news, as the media is keeping a close eye. Shortly after the incident an "apology" was made via the artist's blog, where the hit producer defended his actions amidst a rant. The following night, Kanye appeared on the debut of Jay Leno's new talk show, where the rapper was put on blast for "ruining the singer's moment". You know 'Ye though, how he's always got something to say.

Either way you look at it though, people are writing and talking non-stop about this little stunt, which is being heavily publicized to say the least. Specifically, speculations have been made that MTV actually organized the whole situation, especially after the Eminem-Bruno fiasco created a buzz, having successful impacts for both Eminem's "Relapse" album and Sacha Baron Cohen's movie "Bruno".

Also, consider that MTV is no stranger to controversy, always pushing the limits in an attempt to boost their ratings. Well it works, and well as you can tell ! Not only did MTV get significantly higher ratings, but the awards show which known for it's stunts lived up to the hype once again. You know that Taylor Swift is going to ride this promotional wave, appearing on the View. The pop-country singer received tremendous support from fellow MTV VMA award winner Beyonce, as well as many celebrities and fans.

Whether or not this whole Kanye West-Taylor Swift stunt was manufactured or not, both artists have an excellent opportunity, having the buzz surrounding them that can be strategically used to their marketing advantage. Although, it is in this writer's opinion that the stunt was completely organic, meaning not created by MTV on account of how 'Ye has a history of these sort of out bursts. The ego from this dude's persona could not possibly get any bigger, however he still makes headlines, and you gotta respect that much.

How does this help Kanye ? Twitter almost over loaded with tweet regarding the rapper, which in it self is a story that made the news. Also, the following day, both artists were interviewed on TV shows boasting celebrity hosts with millions of viewers. Plus this music business marketer personally noted that before the awards show even finished, many popular blogs had already broke the news !

Publicity stunts such as these can have tremendous effects on the marketing campaigns for an artist in the rap music business. Have you ever stirred up a controversy surrounding your music persona ? Share your experience with us.

Jay-Z Spends Friday Entertaining Fans With String Of Interviews And Live Performances

Superstar rapper Jay-Z has been busy performing live shows and promoting his album. MySpace Music hosted a live performance by Jay-Z in front of many Brooklyn rap music fans, where the rapper hails from originally.

Aside from that, lets take a look at other things this rap artist entrepreneur and music business mogul did this week to create awareness of his brand and further increase his legacy.

-- Charity/benefit concert at MSG in NYC
Special guests; Kid Kudi, Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Mary J Blidge, Kanye West among others. With an all star line up like that, it's no wonder the show sold out almost instantly. It's great to see HOV donating to a good cause as well.

-- Dj Hero hosts special gig in the artist's hometown of Brooklyn before the big show.
DJ Hero is releasing a RENEGADE EDITION of the game featuring the hit song by Jay-Z & Eminem, while both rap superstars are scheduled to perform a show to kick off the launch of this new game.

-- HOV Tells All To The Big O
Billboard reports that Jay-Z will also be on the Oprah Winfrey Show, and featured in "O" Magazine.

-- JIGGA IN REAL TIME
Jay-Z is scheduled to be interviewed on the popular political talk show REAL TIME with hilarious comedian Bill Maher.

-- Video Premiers, Interviews and Other Performances...
The rapper is appearing on a string of networks promoting the videos for the singles of his new album BP3. Jay-Z will then embark on tour to perform for music fans all over North America, including shows in London and Toronto Ontario, Canada.

It's hard to reach "Jay-Z status", when HOV is still tearing it up like a true rap music business mogul. Not to toot the rap-entrepreneur's horn, but he does have a habbit of setting the bar with a hard grind. This is probably why he is nominated for numerous honours at the BET Hip Hop Awards this year.

What do you think ? Too much corporate sponsored appearances, or Jigga really reaching out to his fans by expanding his empire ? Leave your two cent piece.

Rapper T-Pain Promotes New Auto-Tune iPhone App

That's right, now you too can be T-Painin' !

The Apple Store now features the new "I Am T Pain" application for $2.99. Antares, the company which developed Auto-Tune, partnered with the rapper to create this new app. It is a first of it's kind, allowing users to alter their vocals, record and share music uploads via e-mail and the popular social networks such as MySpace and FaceBook.

Jay-Z's first single "D.O.A. (Death Of AutoTune)" had stirred up a minor controversy about the relationship between these two rap artists. T-Pain went on record to to respond by saying "FUCK JAY-Z!". This app will no doubt only increase the popularity of the Auto-Tune trend that has impacted the rap music business for quite some time now.

This is a great marketing strategy for T-Pain, who further develops his AutoTune-esque style and cements his brand name and position within pop culture. What are your thoughts on this development?

Blue Print 3 Released Today, Drops Ahead Of September 11th Date

In order to combat the leakage, Jay-Z has dropped his "Blue Print 3" ahead of the official scheduled September 11th release. Amazon and iTunes are both accepting pre-order sales of the album, however digital based music services such as Rhapsody have already released the album over the weekend, seeing is how the bootlegged copies were already available online, why not ?

The rap artist will be performing live at a benefit concert inside of the famous Madison Square Garden in New York City. Also, Jay-Z will soon begin his "College
Arena" tour, which will see the rapper stopping at 21 different venues to perform. Ticket sales open on friday through Livenation.com.

Urban World Film Festival

HBO and Black Entertainment Television (BET) networks present...

The 13th annual Urban World Film Festival. This festival highlites films which tailor to the worldwide urban film market as well as feature soundtracks that are primarily hip hop and R&B. The film fesitval will begin September 23rd and run through the 27th in the beautiful New York City.

BlackPlanet.com is also presenting a "spoof this contest", where contestant can submit in their own movie spoofs for a chance to win a $1,500 cash prize as well as two VIP all access passes to the festival.

Currently in the movie circuit, big crowds of celebrities and fans alike are gathering at the 34th annual Toronto International Film Festival which starts Friday September 10th and will end September 19th.

How is this relevant to rap music business ? Everything ! If you are trying to get your songs placed in the movies, these festivals are the perfect opportunity for artists and manager to connect with music supervisors who choose which songs are placed in movies. Hit up a film festival near you to make these valuable network connections.

BET Hosts Competition To Name Voters For Hip Hop Awards Show

BET is having a contest to find 75 voters to judge their upcoming Hip Hop Awards 2009 show. The idea is genius actually, attract die hard rap music fans and enthusiasts by testing their knowledge on certain elements of the genres, such as history and trivia.

This is an interestingly fun and interactive way for music fans to become involved with the process of deciding the artists most deserving of the awards. Contestants can submit an application directly through BET.com, although members who receive the BET newsletter are e-mailed a link to the applications.

The application features questions such as:

"In your own words, how do you define hip hop ?"

"Finish this lyric...."

"Can you name all of the hosts of BET's show Rap City ?"

This is a great marketing strategy that should surely build up an interesting buzz leading up to the show, which will be broad casted live to millions of viewers on BET Thursday October 27th. The Hip Hop Awards show will be hosted by comedic actor Mike Epps, as well as feature such artists as Jay-Z, LiL Wayne, Drake, Busta Rhymes, Jadakiss among many others! Go to BET.Com to find out more.

Jay-Z Learns To Live With Leaks, BluePrint 3 Arrives Early

The Blue Print 3 has leaked !!!

Just ten days before it's official release on September 11th, Jay-Z's highly anticipated album has hit the web. While this comes as no surprise to most, especially to the Internet "pirates", definitely something that was inevitably going to happen with or without any one's consent, i.e. major labels or the co-sign of Jay-Z himself.

Jay-Z recently told MTV through conference call that he is happy his music fans could preview the album before it's release. After all, leaks are what artists in the music business now have to realistically deal with.

But did the Jigga man plan to leak the album ? One can only speculate, however he is quoted as saying "..the whole thing is going to leak pretty soon" in regards to a question inquiring about the first 3 song leaks which are rumoured to have been released from super producer Timbaland's camp.

Are there any such security measures that an artist can take to ensure that their album does not leak ? It is actually better to embrace the leak and use it to your advantage. Create a buzz for your upcoming release by giving it away earlier !