Recently, Mase called out his Diddy, his former label head at Bad Boy Records, for allegedly having him signed a highly unfavorable recording agreement.
The kicker is – no matter how one-sided the terms, you agree to it. Nobody fucked you over, you consented to said fucking.
Maybe, it was the opportunity for fame. Or, it could have been all of the commas and zeroes in the advance clause. Whatever the perceived enticement, it is your responsibility to look out for your own interest.
If the details were written in black and white, the terms were acceptable to the young rapper at the time. Unless he was under duress, he knowingly signed away his equity in his own creative works.
He had no idea his music would stand up to the test of time and would be so extraordinarily valuable. He very well could have easily been a one-hit-wonder. Whatever the case, entertainment lawyers were available to him and would have explained the details of his agreement.
Whether he chose not to listen to counsel or failed to acquire the best representation, the blame doesn’t fall on Diddy. It should fall on Mase. The deal was worth it when he signed it. He shouldn’t get to cry about it now that the limelight has dimmed.
The bottom line is that you have an inherent responsibility to look out for your own interests, not just in the present day, but in all possible futures. It’s something to thoroughly consider before you sign any agreement.
