Lil Wayne has reportedly sold the rights to his masters for $100 million, according to TMZ.
The “A Milli” emcee sold his masters to Universal Music Group back in June, but it is just being brought to public knowledge due to a pending lawsuit. Additional details surrounding the deal are currently unknown. Fans on social media were shocked by the news, especially because it came at a time when a lot of artists are fighting to obtain the rights to their masters.
Twitter user @Wednesdayad_ams tweeted, “One thing you’re nevaaa supposed to do is sell your masters. You know how many artists are struggling to own their work?! That money multiplies. Your songs in movies, shows, remixes…your basic ownership rights are gone!”
His alleged deal comes just months after Kanye West tried to buy back his masters from Universal. The Jesus Is King rapper said his efforts were blocked due to the multiple contracts he signed. He later tweeted over evidence of legal documents and suggested new guidelines for publishing and recording deals.
“I need to see everybody’s contracts at Universal and Sony,” Ye tweeted. “I’m not gonna watch my people be enslaved. I’m putting my life on the line for my people. The music industry and the NBA are modern day slave ships. I’m the new Moses.” He then wrote, “My kids gonna own my masters,” in a follow-up tweet.
It has been an interesting year for Weezy. Back in October, he took to Twitter to show his support for President Donald Trump ahead of the presidential election. “Just had a great meeting with @realdonaldtrump,” he tweeted. “Besides what he’s done so far with criminal reform, the Platinum Plan is going to give the community real ownership. He listened to what we had to say today and assured he will and can get it done.”