Universal Music Takes Down 50 Cent's Official YouTube Video
from the how's-that-work-now? dept
Remember how the music labels like to say that everything they do is for the sake of the artists on their label? Yeah. Then remember how Universal Music had 50 Cent's own personal website declared a pirate site? It seems that UMG quite frequently works against the interests of its artists -- both big and small. It's no secret that 50 Cent and his label (UMG-owned Interscope) are in a state of constant disagreement. But what happens when 50 Cent decides, on Christmas Day, to release his latest "official" video? Universal Music takes it down. 50 Cent's own YouTube account put up the "official video" for the song "They Burn Me," but within hours, if you went to that page, you saw the following:Thank you for reading this Techdirt post. With so many things competing for everyone’s attention these days, we really appreciate you giving us your time. We work hard every day to put quality content out there for our community.
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Filed Under: 50 cent, takedown, video
Companies: interscope, universal music, youtube
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Maybe you're thinking of the RIAA?
No, I don't. I know this is a bit of innocent hyperbole, but even if some representative of a recording company said something that outrageous, it wouldn't be taken seriously. It's understood that the primary purpose of any company, much less a recording company, is to make money. Now, organizations like the RIAA, on the other hand, do claim to represent the best interests of the artists. (A claim that is almost, but not quite as laughable as it would be if made by a recording company.) I'd see your main point about hypocrisy being relevant if it were the RIAA who somehow got the video pulled, but not UMG.
For the record, I think it's counterproductive to UMG's profits to pull the video, but I think they're within their rights. It may be stupid, but not hypocritical.
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Re: Maybe you're thinking of the RIAA?
Please explain to us how, if this video is official, it can be unauthorized, ever? Because while UMG might have the ultimate ownership, their subsidiary, Interscope, has management of it.
Once again, just because you don't like the use of a thing, doesn't mean you necessarily have a right to prevent it.
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Re: Re: Maybe you're thinking of the RIAA?
Please explain to us what distinction you make between “ownership” and “management”? You seem to be implying that because Interscope is “managing” the video, it somehow trumps UMG’s rights in “owning” the video. It clearly doesn’t. Of course I don’t have access to the contracts, but I’d bet money that even if UMG is taking the funds to make the video out of 50 Cent’s cut, they still retain ultimate ownership of the IP. Just because someone put an “Official video” stamp on the video doesn’t change this.
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Re: Re: Re: Maybe you're thinking of the RIAA?
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Re: Re: Re: Re: Maybe you're thinking of the RIAA?
What's quite easy to see, to everyone but you apparently, is that my question was about the distinction as it relates to your baffling implication that somehow the "managers" have more control of IP than the "owners". Are you sure you don't work for an online help desk? They use the same trick of addressing a single sentence out of a paragraph and ignoring the actual question being asked.
I'll try again...
Because while UMG might have the ultimate ownership, their subsidiary, Interscope, has management of it.
If UMG has the "ultimate ownership" of the video, what relevance does it have who manages it or whether someone designated is as "official"? Do you really think that these factors override who owns the copyright?
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Re: Re: Maybe you're thinking of the RIAA?
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Re: Re: Re: Maybe you're thinking of the RIAA?
I don't think anyone is arguing they don't have the ability to get the video pulled (clearly the do). I think some would argue they don't have the right under the terms of 50's current contract and the provisions of the DMCA however that fact is largely irrelevant to reality since they don't need a 'right' to get the video pulled thanks to the third party agreement between UMG and YouTube that exists as a directly result of the liabilities created under the DMCA. So in the end what we have a system that's actively used against an artist's best interest or wishes that was created in their name to the rallying cry 'for the artists.' i.e. hypocrisy.
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Re: Re: Maybe you're thinking of the RIAA?
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Re: Maybe you're thinking of the RIAA?
Even when they've done nothing wrong, apparently if he can lie and spin a situation to make them look bad, he'll do it.
That's just the kind of person Mike Masnick is.
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Re: Re: Maybe you're thinking of the RIAA?
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Also if that is the case why didn't UMG or interscope just rerelease the video on their page? Instead of blocking 50s official version and act like it was off the internet, and not on about 100 other peoples pages already.
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Re: Re: Re: Re: Maybe you're thinking of the RIAA?
So, UMG gets to deduct the cost of making the video from 50's salary, and then has a right to the profits from advertising on youtube.
See, what you sre being dishonest about is yes, the probably have the legal right to do so, but that doesnt make it the right thing to do. That is what people get upset about, OF COURSE UMG can do it. But we also feel powerless as entities like UmG get to make all of the rules, and stack the deck, because their money provides undue influence.
50 cent COULD have negotiated video rights, but more likely NO MAJOR studio would sign him if he insisted on it, so it is either play at local clubs your whole life, or sign the contract that is inherently one sided.
Great choice. So, now 50 does some "civil disobedience" by directly releasing the fruits of his labor, his sponsor's profits be damned. And somehow, you think this makes him an asshole...no, the real assholes are the execs who rely on their underlings to correct their bad decisions, and rake in the profits that this virtual monopoly creates.
Profits are NOT a constitutional right.
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Re: Re: Re: Re: Maybe you're thinking of the RIAA?
UMG proves, once again, that they6 have no clue how to leverage infinite goods.
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Re: Re: Re: Re: Maybe you're thinking of the RIAA?
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Re: Re: Re: Re: Maybe you're thinking of the RIAA?
Thanks for confirming this for us. Now whenever any of your ilk comes along ranting about how Techdirt never supports artists, we'll just forward them to your representative statement. Because it was never about the artists; any attempt by them to make a little extra money is a douche move.
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Re: Re: Re: Re: Maybe you're thinking of the RIAA?
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Re: Maybe you're thinking of the RIAA?
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Remember how the music labels like to say that everything they do is for the sake of the artists on their label?
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It's just like security, imagine if a guy walks up to you at work and says "I'm here to protect you from thieves" and then punches you in the face so hard you're knocked unconscious for a few hours.
When you wake up you ask "why did you punch me if you're here to protect me from thieves".
And the security guard replies "thieves can't steal what you didn't make because you were unconscious. I just helped cut down your losses on piracy, your welcome".
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Of course UMG should pull it.
And if you weren't such a disingenuous, intellectually dishonest slimeball, Masnick, you would have done some research and explained that- instead of just waiting for someone that actually understands music to do it for you.
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I hate to break it to you, but 50 cent's official youtube channel exists at the behest of Universal - or at least his label, which represents Universal.
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All official videos on ANY label go through the label's YouTube channel.
Are you really as slimy as Mike Masnick, or just stupid?
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100 what?
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Re: 100 what?
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Do you have actual documented proof that 50's YT channel is not infact operated and maintained by Interscope or UMG, that 50 himself sits down with his laptop and posts stuff?
It appears that you are making assumptions too.
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This song is under the "Aftermath Entertainment" label, not "Interscope."
While a petty correction, as Aftermath is also a subsidiary of UMG, my getting the label wrong will probably be used to somehow "disprove" my own, and others', actual point.
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Obligatory: /sarcasm
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A little research goes a long way when making statements born of assumption and presenting it as fact. It
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ANY track or music video done while 50 cent has been with UMG was funded at least in part by UMG. His contract stipulates that all of his *music* videos are released via the official label YT site. Basically all artists have this in their contract.
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I didn't think so.
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Google is your friend.
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50 cent doesn't have the right to post that video on his personal site and make all the money.
But what do you expect from the second wealthiest rapper/hiphop guy in the world- a multimillionaire who wrote "How to Rob"?
As for the rest of the stupidity you freetards are babbling about, it's just more inane record label hate so you can try and justify stealing music.
Exactly what Mike Masnick wants you to do.
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Do you have actual documented proof ... YADA YADA ...
It appears that you are making assumptions too.
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He could probably spend ten minutes farting into the mic and UMG will claim ownership if enough people go to see it. That's why they took down the Megaupload video, they don't own the artists' creations, they own the artists.
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What do you care? It was the artist's CHOICE to sign a contract.
Still doesn't justify you stealing music from artists- major label, indie label, independent.
Who exactly do think you're fooling with this nonsense?
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Is anyone who points out that the labels are behaving stupidly a thief just because you can't think of anyway to defend their stupidity other than attack those speaking against them?
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The article is yet another lying hit piece by Mike Masnick trying to make record labels look bad. That's how he tries to help pirates justify ripping music off.
Mike Masnick has an incredibly weak business model in mind for himself, but it depends on piracy. That's why he spends every day trying to stop piracy enforcement.
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Hey who the fuck stole all the tinfoil!
But back to the point, this story has ZERO to do with piracy. Yet anyone who thinks the what the labels did was completely stupid is a "thieving fucking pirate" despite this again having nothing to do with piracy. So I will ask my question again, "Is anyone who points out that the labels are behaving stupidly a thief just because you can't think of anyway to defend their stupidity other than attack those speaking against them?" and add an addendum: or is because you are a looney nutjob and anyone who doesn't agree with you must be part of some conspiracy to support piracy or is it just that anyone who doesn't like copyright or the corrupt actions of the labels must just be a petty thief because otherwise it would shatter your worldview?
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the labels do not need any help looking bad, its kind of like how the daily show turned from making up news stories to reporting real news. Their is more than enough stupidity going on without anyone making anything up.
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No offense, but I have no reason nor desire to make the labels look bad. They do that themselves.
Mike Masnick has an incredibly weak business model in mind for himself, but it depends on piracy. That's why he spends every day trying to stop piracy enforcement.
My business model has fuck all to do with "piracy" and it shows your desperation that you feel the need to lie and smear me for reporting on how some of your buddies in the industry are too stupid to adapt to a changing market.
I am curious how you think my business model depends on piracy, though? I guess when you have no facts on your side, lying about people is the best you can do. Pathetic.
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"Changing market" = rampant illegal behavior. Masnick is too slimy and intellectually dishonest to call it what it is.
I am curious how you think my business model depends on piracy, though?
Your business model (in your head, at least) is currently two-fold:
1. Present yourself as an alternative marketer of entertainment in a world of piracy. No piracy = no need for a person like you. IOW, that part is dependent on piracy.
2. Write a blog that is primarily devoted to railing against piracy enforcement. That is exactly what you do, and you're a liar if you try to deny it.
I guess when you have no facts on your side, lying about people is the best you can do. Pathetic.
Yes Masnick, I guess when you have no facts on your side, lying about people is the best you can do. Pathetic.
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Oh, wait, you aloso love piracy, seeing as how you love anonymity, andonly the amonymous thieving pirate terrorists hate the labels.
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classic response from a narcissist in denial... but but but it's not ME it's ALL OF YOUUUUUUUU CRIMINALLLLLLLLS
seek help.. seriously.
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why? because you own him? asshats like you are the reason it took 80 years and a bloody war to end slavery in this country.
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Response to: Anonymous Coward on Dec 27th, 2011 @ 11:24am
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Since the cost of production comes out of 50 cents' income from the video, how did UMG "pay" for it?
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Wrong, boy.
The cost of the video is taken out of income from the video before 50 cents sees a single...cent.
So, in essence, 50 cents is paying for his own work.
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As far as I am concerned anything less than the complete and total abolishment of copyright is not negotiable at this point.
Go get a job slacker.
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and yet...
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A little research goes a long way when making statements born of assumption and presenting it as fact.
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If he doesn't want to be signed, take money from a label, and follow the rules of a contract, he shouldn't sign one.
Grow up.
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Exercise the real choices you have!
/s
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Get your propaganda straight.
oh, and if all the labels ceased to exist and all artists sold their music directly, would you stop stealing it?
Of course not.
You buffoons are transparent.
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unlike you most of the posters here are not part of a hivemind
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Wow, then you really haven't been paying attention. Stop projecting your fears onto us.
oh, and if all the labels ceased to exist and all artists sold their music directly, would you stop stealing it?
Still fixated on getting people to pay for music I see. Cute.
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Well, there's your problem. You either can't read, or can't comprehend the idea that disagreeing with a particular startegy doesn't mean that all labels are useless. In fact, we've argued exactly the opposite of what you claim our "mantra" is.
http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20080318/173833576.shtml
You seem to do this a lot -- insist we say stuff where we've said the exact opposite.
Kinda strange.
You buffoons are transparent.
Really, now?
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And are you going to deny that people regularly comment about how they can't wait for "the death of the industry" and "record labels dying" here???
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Rather than listen to anyone or anything that could actually bring your business model in line with technology you chose to stick your finger in your ears and scream PIIIIIIIRAAAAAAAATTTTTTTEEEEEEEEEE at the top of your lungs until we stopped looking for scary thieves with guns and started looking for a shirtless Johnny Depp sporting an eye patch.
Mmmmm I love me some Johnny Depp. :)
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The RIAA/MPAA's fears are far older than 4 years; they've lasted several generations' worth of technology. Somehow, that manages to inoculate and justify every horrible decision they make, like suing dead people and forum shopping for judges.
What's good for the goose...
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Okay, fine. How about me saying the same thing last month?
http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20111111/03372116719/believing-legacy-gatekeepers-will-fa il-to-adapt-is-not-same-as-wanting-them-to-fail.shtml
I showed you that other one because we've been saying the same thing forever.
And are you going to deny that people regularly comment about how they can't wait for "the death of the industry" and "record labels dying" here???
I'm sure some commenters say it. But, then again, you keep saying I'm a sociopath. Amazingly, what some anonymous commenter says on the site is hardly representative of the views of the site (or of reality).
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Music companies..
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UMG doesn't want their artists connecting directly with fans, because then they lose their power. Then they lose their distribution monopoly.
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Foul!
"His contract stipulates that all of his *music* videos are released via the official label YT site."
I claim FOUL! FOUL! FOUL!
YOU of all people have actual access to 50cent/UMG contract??? You've seen this clause on 50cent/UMG's signed comtract? Really????
And then you make the further claim: "Basically all artists have this in their contract."
Really? Really??? You've access to other comparable artists/UMG contracts to provide a statistical analysis? Can you give the actual percentages with standard deviation of contacts so analyzed? Enquiring minds want to know!
I have no idea what's in 50 cent/UMGs contract. But I do know not to make such stupid assumptions. I also know that 50cent is considered a 'major artist'. I also know that 'major artists' generally have a bit more clout with regards to negotiating the conditions included in their contracts.
'Assume' makes an 'ass' of 'u' and 'me'. But I'm just going to shorten this to 'ass' as in "You're one." Leave 'me' out of it. I make no presumptions regarding any particular contract I haven't read myself.
My best guess is that 50cent most likely does indeed own his own promotional material particularly as a result of his own contract negotiations. Of course, I'm just guessing.
If you want to prove me wrong, then post this mythical actual copy of the 50cent/UMG contract you imply that you have access to. Otherwise, stop making up bullshit.
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Simple
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Re: Simple
These are people who because of the changes to the market in the last 5 or more years do not have to have a label. They sign with one because they get cash up front and then the fame be easy.
Fuck em. If an artist signs with some scumbag label, let them. I am cool with idiots looking for a quick buck and easy fame to get fucked.
50 cent is a complete moron. Here he is with all his fame and fans and he continues with a label? Really? Why?
A label that owns HIM. Idiot.
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I am suspecting that the video was put up before it's official release, and UMG moved to get it taken down before it spread.
I would say that much of the "official site" and "official channel" stuff I am seeing for Fiddy ain't looking so official.
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Just a Thought,
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For those interested...
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Who cares.
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Re: Who cares.
Given his success, I think it's fairly obvious that the "ultimate" answer is: a lot of people.
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Re: Re: Who cares.
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Telling it like I see it
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Other Rights
There are more than just artist/label rights embedded in a sound recording (for example, each embedded sample must be cleared with its owners) that 50 may have forgotten to check on before releasing. Online music is more complicated than you think, so check the facts before jumping to conclusions.
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