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How much do Event Rap artists make?
Event Rap artists keep most of the fee revenue from each commissioned video or live performance booking, between 60% and 85% depending on the project details, and the artists are responsible for covering video production costs out of their end. Some artists work with music producers and some make their own beats. Some hire video animators and directors and some make their own videos, so their take-home pay varies based on how much of the production work each artist chooses to keep in-house vs how much they subcontract.
Who owns the videos you produce?
The copyright ownership for each song and video we produce stays with the artist who made it (as well as any co-writers or collaborators they might have worked with), which means our videos are "commissions" and not "works made for hire". If a client wants to buy out a video's IP in full, that is an option, but in practice the use-licenses we issue to clients cover pretty much every conceivable intended use for our custom rap videos.
What uses does your license cover?
Event Rap issues non-exclusive, worldwide use licenses to our clients that allow them to exploit, use, publish, share, host, and distribute the custom rap songs and videos we produce, in any media and in perpetuity, for any purpose other than directly selling or licensing the media to third parties for profit. In other words, it covers all uses of the songs and videos related to indirect commercial activities such as marketing, promotion, education, social media posting, and team-building. However, any direct commercial exploitations of the media and associated IP require further written permission and compensation, and/or a revenue sharing agreement with the copyright holders.
Why do you structure the deal this way?
Creators, including rappers, should be paid fairly for their work and not be exploited. Our prices are kept low to account for the additive benefits enjoyed by the artists who create our custom raps, which they are free to release and sell via streaming music platforms after the commission is complete (if they want to). Event Rap artists put their own name and artist brand behind each custom rap song and video they create, and they pour additional effort into each project to maximize the benefit not only to the client who commissioned the video, but also to maximize the knock-on benefits to themselves. By vesting ownership with the artist, we encourage them to use, adapt, repurpose, and incorporate custom rap commissions into the existing catalogue of work available to their fans, which benefits all parties, the sponsor, the artist, and Event Rap.
Can you really make a rap video about any topic?
Yes! The only limiting factor is the willingness and availability of an Event Rap artist to take on the commission. If the topic is more controversial or politically sensitive, we might have to shop it around to a few different artists before we get a taker, but in practice we've managed to find a placement for every custom rap topic so far.
Can I tell the artist what to say about the topic?
No! If you commission a custom rap video, you are paying for the privilege of having a professional rapper create an original song and video about your topic, and the artist ultimately gets to choose what to say. Event Rap artists do take guidance from commissioning sponsors about how the sponsor wants the topic framed, but if the artist and sponsor are not in alignment with the proposed message in the custom rap, the artist will not take the job. We put a lot of care into matching the right artist with the right sponsor to minimize friction. Once the artist has taken the job, they can say what they want about the topic, while remaining open to feedback from the sponsor. If the sponsor and artist can't agree on mutually-acceptable lyrics or messaging, the project is dropped and a full refund is issued, but in practice this hadn't happened yet!
Can I ask the artist to avoid NSFW content?
Yes! Our artists know how to tailor a message to the target audience to maximize impact, and if an artist feels like their integrity will be compromised by the required restrictions associated with a particular project, they always have the option to turn down the job.
What happens if you don't have an artist available for my event or topic?
We have twelve artists ready to work, so in practice we always have someone available, and as demand for our unique service increases we have many talented prospects ready to onboard to fill every order. Most rappers are willing to speak on any topic whatsoever when prompted, if they are relatively free to speak their mind.
I'm an artist, how do I join Event Rap's roster?
We aren't onboarding any new artists at the moment, but we are accepting submissions to be on the list of prospects ready to work as the need arrises. Feel free to send us links to your work via the contact form if you think you would be a good fit.
What kind of artists should apply?
We only work with artists with a proven track record of making original, topical rap music and videos that has a unique voice and connects with fans. You don't have to be famous, but you have to be dedicated and dope. All of our artists are at-minimum ten-year veterans of underground hip-hop, proficient at songwriting, live shows, crowd control, video production, and freestyle rap. See the "For Artists" tab above for more details.