Former 3-6 Mafia member raps way to fame without record deal
Marques Cunningham
A major record deal is often viewed as a symbol of success; however, quite a few rappers disagree. Nearly 10 years ago, a financial strain prompted T-Rock to walk away from his record deal with 3-6 Mafia.
Today, he is one of the best-selling independent rappers, with more than 140,000 copies sold.
“Arizona is one of my biggest markets,” T-Rock said. “Some regional artists only sell in their particular region. I’m all the way in Atlanta, but my albums and mix tapes are selling a lot of units out there in Phoenix.”
T-Rock’s financial struggles stemmed from what is known as a Standard Industry Contract.
This contract is universally used by almost every major record label in the industry. In these contracts artists are paid upfront for their contributions.
By accepting the money upfront, the artist’s waive all rights associated with the song. They may receive $3,000-$7,000 while the record label may make millions.
Also, the artist’s usually write the music, but would rarely receive credit. They would appear to be just the performer and not the writer.
“People were looking at me like a major artist but I wasn’t getting paid like one,” T-Rock said. “I realized one day that if I kept rapping with 3-6 Mafia, true enough, I’ll make them rich, that I’ll be recognized, but I’ll never be rich at this rate … I’ll never be comfortable.”
T-Rock and 3-6 Mafia once had animosity regarding their falling-out but that is no longer the case.
“I’m actually thankful for them,” said T-Rock.
Other rappers who found success as independent artists include: Master-P, Eightball and MJG, Plies, Brotha Lynch Hung, Lil Wayne, UGK and Tech N9ne.
Tech N9ne is currently the top-selling independent artist, selling more than a million albums. In 2008, he performed in more than 200 venues.
