Local rapper Cassper Nyovest has clarified his new deal between Family Tree Media and Universal Music Group after fans questioned the nature of the deal following his announcement of the "tailormade" deal last week.
The "Destiny" rapper explained that his new deal is similar to that of how Roc-A-Fella Records used to operate as a division of Dej Jam Recorders while Universal Music handled the distribution. Meaning they are still their own entity but distribution is done through Universal Music Group.
He also highlighted that his label Family Tree still owns the masters to their songs and that he dictated what was placed in the contract.
I would like to take this time to announce that my company, Family Tree Media has signed a partnership deal with Universal Africa. This deal was tailored 2 what I wanted. Lesson? Build it till it’s worth something&then you get to call the shots!!! New album Dec 1st #SweetAndShort pic.twitter.com/HRc85RU1ZK
— R.M Phoolo (@CassperNyovest) November 15, 2018
It means Family Tree is the same as Rocafella. We own our masters and we determine what we want the contract to say cause we have the capital. Too many details but to keep it #SweetAndShort, Ksazobalit!!! https://t.co/tTzZec5CJw
— R.M Phoolo (@CassperNyovest) November 15, 2018
His arch-rival, AKA, had a similar situation a few months ago when he announced he was shutting down Beam Group and signed a new deal with Sony Music and his former management company Vth Season.
In contrast to Mufasa, Supa Mega was dragged on social media for his business move and he even poked fun at the situation following Cassper's announcement.
Guys ... is my deal with Sony okay now? I’m asking for a friend 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/EHifDecU88
— AKA (@akaworldwide) November 15, 2018