TikTok and Universal Music Group (UMG) are in the final hours of an epic showdown, which will see all of the label’s music removed from the world’s biggest app, and neither side is budging.
UMG issued a long statement on Tuesday defending his position on the contract, which is about to expire this midnight, where he accuses TikTok of sitting back and getting “filthy” rich without paying what they consider “fair.”
That is why they are taking the position of removing their artists’ music from the platform, as they feel that TikTok should pay more to license their songs.
Universal also argued that they have implemented every countermeasure there is to ensure their artists are protected from impersonation by AI and cybersecurity, something TikTok has not done for the music industry or its fans.
The Big 3 label has a huge roster of artists, including Taylor Swift, Drake, Nicki Minaj, Ariana Grande, Bad Bunny, Ice Spice, Rosalía and dozens of other names that will soon be affected, but UMG says they have a bigger responsibility to address.
TikTok hit back, pointing out that the problem is classic corporate greed and accused Universal of fostering a “false narrative.” Additionally, they noted that they have healthy artist agreements with each label and publisher.
UMG has been reviewing its accounts closely. At the beginning of January, Variety reported that the label was preparing to lay off hundreds of employees, primarily in the recorded music division. So, at first glance, it seems like they are tightening their belts on all fronts.
Russ, the rapper, has been speaking out about industry politics since going fully independent a couple of years ago, and he’s also making his criticisms by saying that both sides have too much at stake to drop the ball at midnight. He thinks Universal’s crusade to protect artists is simply language they’re using to appease their own issues.
Both sides must act quickly, if they don’t want to risk Swifties and Munchkins soon using TikTok for a different reason, to post their tantrums over a lack of Tay Tay music.
2024-02-01 00:28:46
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