What if a rap artist is under a signed legal contract with a record label can that artist signed to another contract without the authorization of the initial contract (Record label)... and if so, what is the type of violations has been committed regarding the initial contract?
Answers (2)
Record contracts are written to protect the record label from artists leaving and tying the artist to the record label even after the label no longer wants them.
It is plain and simple breach of contract, this is what happened to Prince, the label told him he could no longer record under his own name as they had his signature on the contract and that was a stipulation, hence his "Artist formerly known as Prince" period, all because he wanted to leave his label.
If you signed it then they will sue at the drop of a hat, some artists just record crap albums until their record contract has been filled and then leave.
The short answer to your question, you should read the contract. You cannot leave until they let you go.
Only sign a record deal if you are assured $10+ million dollars(not a signing bonus). Companies may assure you $3 million dollars (which is paid as salary) and a signing bonus of maybe $10 million (money you get up front for signing the contract). Signing bonuses are good if you're economically struggling to survive, but you have to pay signing bonuses back to the record company so you may only be getting 3 cents of every dollar you make on album sales. Record companies won't drop you until you've made them money, meaning you make more then that $13 million they gave you, then depending on your social status and how much money you're bringing in, they will decide if your image is still worth selling. Endorsements are sorta different, if your record deal allows for endorsements by other companies (like sprite pays you $20 million for 3 commercials) then you keep that money (after taxes). I used Chief Keef as an example because this is exactly his deal and he ended up putting out crapy music because he found out how cheap his deal was, so his record company dropped him because his social status dropped, and he dropped off of mainstream...
My advice is to look up some cheap recording places around your area and ask the producer can you guys make a deal where you can get lower rates since you will be a regular customer. Also learn the mechanics of music, look at fruity loops on YouTube and then work your way up to big producing software and one you get enough money, get your own equipment because then you're writing your own checks, create your own label with other musicians and get a smart producer so your label can scam uninformed rappers and make millions. It's what I do, but I don't cheat no one, I make the promise to make us both money which you should do.,