💸 Hit-Boy Says Producers Are Getting Played!

🕣 4 Minute Read

In this week’s issue:

• Hit-Boy Thinks Music Producers Are Getting Played

• Metro Boomin's 'Dream' Album to Pay Tribute to '90s & '00s Hip-Hop

• LA Music Producer Edward Williams III Fatally Shot in Santa Monica

• Universal Music Group Pulling Hit Songs from TikTok Amid Contract Dispute

• First Annual Resonator Awards To Recognize Female Producers and Engineers

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Top Story

Hit-Boy Thinks Music Producers Aren’t Getting Fair Pay Compared to Artists

In a recent episode of the Back On Figg show, renowned producer Hit-Boy shed light on the unequal compensation faced by producers compared to rappers, emphasizing the challenges they encounter in securing fair pay for their contributions to songs. Hit-Boy expressed frustration, stating that while producers struggle to receive their fees, artists make substantial earnings through live performances featuring the songs they produce. He criticized the industry dynamic where producers must appeal to labels for what he described as a "measly, bullsh*t-ass fee," contrasting it with artists who rake in millions per night.

During the interview, Hit-Boy underscored the lack of credit given to producers, despite being instrumental in providing the beats that form the foundation of songs. He shared his experience of delivering significant hits to artists without receiving due acknowledgment. The producer also acknowledged Metro Boomin positively in the conversation, despite a previous public exchange of words. Hit-Boy commended Metro Boomin for his recent album and the strategic inclusion of the right artists, expressing full support for such efforts that benefit producers in the industry.

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Metro Boomin's 'Dream' Album to Pay Tribute to '90s & '00s Hip-Hop Legends

The What: Metro Boomin is eyeing a legendary rap reunion with a dream album that pays homage to the '90s and '00s hip-hop era. The super producer expressed his desire on X (formerly Twitter), envisioning an album that combines OGs from the golden era with some of the newer artists in the game.

Tell Me More: Metro Boomin's idea gained traction as fans suggested iconic names like T-Pain, Akon, Jeezy, Gucci Mane, T.I., Kanye West, Lil Wayne, 50 Cent, Eminem, and JAY-Z for the dream collaboration. The producer seemed open to the suggestions, sparking excitement among fans.

Dream Lineup: Fans speculated about potential additions like A$AP Rocky and Cam'ron, to which Metro Boomin responded positively. He also mentioned JID, expressing that the Dreamville MC must be part of the project.

2024 Plans: Metro Boomin hinted at a prolific year with at least three album releases. While the exact projects remain undisclosed, fans anticipate joint albums with Future and JID, along with another solo album.

Final Verdict: Metro Boomin's ambitious plan for a nostalgia-inducing hip-hop album has fans eagerly awaiting a musical time travel experience, and the prospect of collaborations with rap legends has ignited anticipation for a memorable musical journey.

LA Music Producer Edward Williams III Fatally Shot in Santa Monica

In a tragic incident in Santa Monica, Los Angeles, the music industry mourns the loss of Edward Williams III, a 46-year-old music producer known for his collaborations with artists like Travis Scott and Lil Cobaine. Williams was fatally shot inside his car, parked in the 2600 block of 29th Street, with witnesses recounting that he was wearing headphones at the time of the tragic event. Despite swift action by the Santa Monica Police Department, who responded to a call of shots fired just before 10:30 a.m., Williams succumbed to his injuries after being transported to the hospital. The motive behind the shooting remains shrouded in mystery, adding to the sorrow surrounding the untimely death of a talented individual who had a significant impact on the music scene.

As the community grapples with this devastating loss, details emerge that Williams leaves behind two young boys and a legacy tied to his small recording studio in Hollywood, rogue.black studios. Colleagues and friends remember him not only for his contributions to the industry but also for his dedication to nurturing emerging talent. The arrest of the alleged shooter, 27-year-old homeless woman Kayla Mackey, adds another layer to the unfolding tragedy, as investigators work to unravel the circumstances surrounding this shocking incident that has left the music world in mourning.

Universal Music Group Pulling Hit Songs from TikTok Amid Contract Dispute

Heavyweight music label, Universal Music Group (UMG), has challenged TikTok, revealing it will remove songs from its extensive artist roster, including Taylor Swift, Drake, Justin Bieber, and Adele. The move follows the failure of negotiations to renew the licensing contract between UMG and TikTok, with the previous agreement expiring on Wednesday. In a bold open letter to artists, UMG accused TikTok of attempting to strong-arm them into accepting an inadequate deal, falling short of fair market value and not acknowledging TikTok's exponential growth. The dispute centers around three key issues: fair compensation for artists and songwriters, protection from artificial intelligence (AI), and ensuring online safety for TikTok users.

Read UMG’s official statement here.

UMG alleges that TikTok proposed a compensation rate significantly lower than what other major social platforms pay, emphasizing that TikTok contributes only 1% to the label's total revenue. The label also accuses TikTok of allowing a flood of AI-generated recordings on its platform, potentially diluting the royalty pool for human artists and sponsoring the replacement of artists by AI. Despite TikTok's claim of having 'artist-first' agreements with other labels, UMG remains resolute in its decision to prioritize fair deals for its artists, signaling the potential removal of all licensed songs from TikTok in the coming days.

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On a Final Note

First Annual Resonator Awards Recognized Female Producers and Engineers

Last night marked the inaugural Resonator Awards, a brainchild of Grammy-winning engineer Emily Lazar, founder of We Are Moving The Needle—an organization championing female and non-binary professionals in music production and engineering. The exclusive event, a highlight of Grammy week, witnessed luminaries like Alanis Morissette, Shirley Manson of Garbage, and Jack Antonoff, among others, receiving and presenting awards. Noteworthy producers and engineers Jennifer DeCilveo, Catherine Marks, and Laura Sisk were honored for their 2023 contributions. In an interview, Lazar expressed her surprise at the event's scale, emphasizing the need for visibility and recognition in an industry where female and non-binary talents often go unnoticed.

The event signifies a paradigm shift, aiming to raise awareness about the scarcity of women and gender-expansive individuals in technical roles within the music industry. Lazar's mission with We Are Moving The Needle extends beyond awards, focusing on education, empowerment, and equitable hiring. The Resonator Awards offer a unique platform to celebrate the achievements of these underrepresented talents and spark conversations about gender equity in the recording studio. The ceremony's impact is expected to extend beyond accolades, fostering a sense of community and inspiring positive changes in industry practices.

Check out footage from the event here.

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