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BET CEO says network has 'suspended' Soul Train and Hip-Hop Awards

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The Soul Train Awards and Hip-Hop Awards, two cornerstone events celebrating Black music and culture, have been suspended by BET. The news was confirmed by BET CEO Scott Mills in an interview with...

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GloRilla Goes Gospel: Why Her Kirk Franklin Collab Is Causing a Ruckus

August 11, 2025

When Memphis rapper GloRilla's October 2024 debut album Glorious, one track left everyone talking; "Rain Down on Me," featuring gospel heavyweights Kirk Franklin, Maverick City Music, Kierra...

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Machine Gun Kelly Reveals Taylor Swift’s Candid Super Bowl Moment as Chiefs’ Dreams Crumbled!

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When the Kansas City Chiefs' three-peat dreams collapsed at Super Bowl LIX, the real drama wasn't just on the field it was in Travis Kelce's VIP box where Taylor Swift and Machine Gun Kelly were...

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Jelly Roll, Jonas Brothers, & More Unite for Stand Up To Cancer’s Nashville Debut Special!

August 10, 2025

In a powerful fusion of music and philanthropy, some of today’s most celebrated artists are stepping onto the stage not just to perform, but to make a difference. Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) returns...

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A long time coming,’ Canadian artists applaud first-ever Latin category in 2026 Juno Awards

August 10, 2025

The Juno Awards are officially recognizing the powerful rise of Latin music in Canada. Starting in 2026, the annual awards ceremony will feature a brand-new category: Latin Music Recording of the...

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Laufey & Clairo Just Dropped the Hottest Swiftie Takes (Literally) with Battle Spicy Wings on ‘Hot Ones Versus’

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“I Hated Music”: Yvette Young Gets Candid About Burnout & Tour Pressures

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Is Contemporary Christian Music, CCM, Just Secular in Disguise?

August 7, 2025

A June 13, 2025, Baptist News Global article highlights the long-standing conflicts between traditional Black gospel music and contemporary Christian music (CCM), which are exacerbated by racial...

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What Really Led to Zak Starkey’s Confusing ‘Firing’ from The Who

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In April 2025, The Who unexpectedly fired long‑time drummer Zak Starkey during a Royal Albert Hall show, reportedly over performance issues. Starkey, son of Beatles legend Ringo Starr, had been...

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MTV VMAs snubs and shocks: See who was left out of nominations

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The 2025 MTV Video Music Award nominations have been announced, boasting a diverse lineup with 33 first-time nominees. Pop icons Taylor Swift and Beyoncé even earned artist of the year nods without...

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Can a Christian Rapper Go Viral Without Compromise? DC3 Just Did

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KATSEYE Makes History at Lollapalooza 2025 With Record-Breaking Festival Debut

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Under the blazing Chicago sun, HYBE’s rising stars KATSEYE and BOYNEXTDOOR didn’t just perform at Lollapalooza—they owned it. From viral on-stage chemistry to career-defining sets, the two groups...

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How Black Pink Should Negotiate Their New Contract with YG Entertainment

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As the contract between Blackpink and YG Entertainment nears its end, fans of the popular South Korean girl group are wondering if the group will renew their contract with the agency.

Blackpink, consisting of members Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa, first signed with YG Entertainment in 2011 and made their debut in 2016 with the single "Boombayah." Since then, they have become one of the most successful girl groups in the world, with hit songs like "Ddu-Du Ddu-Du," "Kill This Love," and "Ice Cream" featuring Selena Gomez.

However, as the group's contract with YG Entertainment comes to a close, many are questioning if they will renew their contract with the agency or move on to other opportunities.

On one hand, YG Entertainment has been a major factor in Blackpink's success, providing the group with the resources and support needed to become one of the biggest girl groups in the world. The agency has also allowed the members to pursue individual endeavors, such as solo music projects and acting roles.

On the other hand, Blackpink has reached a level of success that could potentially allow them to branch out on their own. The members have already begun to establish themselves as solo artists, with Jennie releasing her debut solo single "Solo" in 2018 and Rosé releasing her debut solo single "Gone" in 2021.

Some speculate that they will be joining producer Teddy’s label called The Black Label due to the close relationship that was fostered in the studio when working on their albums.

It is uncertain what the future holds for Blackpink and their relationship with YG Entertainment. While the group has been successful with the agency, they may choose to explore other opportunities in the industry.

10 Factors for Artists & Creators When Negotiating a New Record Label Contract:

Whether Blackpink renews their contract with YG Entertainment or take their careers in a new direction, the following are 10 factors they should consider when negotiating with the other party:

When it comes to music business contract negotiations, there are several key factors that should be taken into consideration. Whether you're an artist, manager, or record label executive, it's important to be well-informed and aware of your rights and responsibilities. Here are the top 10 things to consider during music business contract negotiations:

  1. Royalty rates: This is one of the most important factors in any music contract negotiation. Royalty rates determine how much an artist will be paid for each album or single sold. It's important to negotiate a fair rate that is commensurate with the artist's level of success and popularity.
  2. Advance payments: An advance payment is a sum of money paid to an artist upfront, before any royalties are earned. This can be a significant factor in contract negotiations, as it can provide an artist with the financial stability they need to continue working on their music.
  3. Ownership rights: It's important to clearly define the rights and ownership of the music in the contract. This includes who owns the master recordings, the rights to use the music for different purposes, and who will get the revenue generated from the use of the music.
  4. Touring and merchandising: Many contracts include provisions for touring and merchandising. It's important to clearly define the rights and responsibilities of both the artist and the label in these areas.
  5. Promotion and marketing: A successful music career requires effective promotion and marketing. It's important to ensure that the contract includes provisions for promoting the artist and their music, as well as the budget for marketing and promotion.
  6. Length of contract: The length of the contract should be negotiated based on the artist's career goals. Some artists may want a shorter contract in order to have more control over their career, while others may prefer a longer contract for stability and security.
  7. Termination clauses: It's important to include termination clauses in the contract, in case either party wishes to end the contract early. This should be negotiated carefully to ensure that both parties are protected in the event of termination.
  8. Legal representation: It's important for both parties to have legal representation during contract negotiations. A lawyer can help to ensure that the contract is fair and legally binding, and can advise on any potential issues that may arise.
  9. Digital rights management: With the rise of streaming and digital music, it's important to include provisions in the contract for digital rights management. This includes how the music will be distributed and marketed online, as well as the revenue generated from digital sales.
  10. Flexibility: Finally, it's important to ensure that the contract is flexible and allows for changes as the artist's career develops. This includes the ability to renegotiate terms and make adjustments as needed, to ensure that both parties are satisfied with the agreement.

By considering these factors during music business contract negotiations, artists & music creators like Black Pink can ensure that they are protected and that the agreement is in the best interests of all parties involved. With a well-negotiated contract, an artist can focus on creating and performing music, while the label can focus on promoting and marketing the artist's work.

How Black Pink Should Negotiate Their New Contract with YG Entertainmenthow-black-pink-should-negotiate-their-new-contract-with-yg-entertainmentMark Singleton |Jan 23, 2023As the contract between Blackpink and YG Entertainment nears its end, fans of the popular South Korean girl group are wondering if the group will renew their contract with the agency...