In the era of the #Metoo Movement, the world of entertainment has been unmasked of its complicit actions and blatant silence. The music industry has maneuvered itself to the forefront and its doors are being opened wide to certain artists. Needless to say that Time’s Up for these individuals and their labels.
On the surface level the music business’ hierarchy trickles down from music label to the CEO to the artist. In reality the chain consists of the Artists and Repertoire (A&R), Art Department, Artist Development, Business Affairs, Legal Department, Marketing Department, Publicity and Sales Department.
Though it’s evident that the structure of the music business is rooted in establishing a substantially good image of the represented artist, that has not always been accomplished, or perhaps even strived for.The music market is ultimately dominated by the three top record labels.
According to Statistica, Universal Music Group, Sony Music and Warner Music Group account for “over 80 percent of streaming music revenues as of 2017”. Smaller labels like Interscope, RCA and Atlantic Records happen to be mutually owned by the ‘Big 3’.
Recently taking the internet by storm with his vulgar lyrics, rainbow-colored hair and massive facial tattoos, Universal Music Group rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine has been at the forefront of the #MeToo movement. In 2015, he was accused of sexual misconduct with an under-aged girl and pled guilty to the Use of a Child in a Sexual Performance which ultimately led to four years of probation.
"I have millions of youth that look at me as a role model,” CBS News reported while in court 6ix9ine stated.
However, now they’re looking at him through a prison cell. As of November 2018, the Brooklyn, N.Y. rapper is now facing a 32-to-life sentence charge that includes armed robbery and attempted murder.
Through this, 6ix9ine’s music and reputation have remained in good condition.
“Within 24 hours of authorizing the release of his debut album 'Dummy Boy' four of his tracks were in the top five on iTunes,” according to TMZ.
Undoubtedly, with this example of 6ix9ine it shows how people are willing to separate an artist’s personal life and their music, raising morality concerns.
Contrarily, R. Kelly is another music artist but has received multiple allegations but has done so while avoiding prison time. The RCA R&B king has recently been under recurring scrutiny after Lifetime’s six-part docuseries “Surviving R. Kelly,” aired on Jan. 3. According to Vulture, “Surviving R. Kelly” details Kelly allegedly “raped, manipulated and isolated” under-aged girls and young adults.
These disturbing revelations, which date back to 1994, have somehow revitalized R. Kelly's 25-year career as his music has spiked immensely the same month the docuseries aired, according to USA Today.
Society has allowed countless predatory artists to flourish. This is an era that doesn’t condone any form of sexual misconduct or violence, yet simultaneously gives these individuals a platform to succeed and essentially promote their actions. With these recurring allegations of rampant of sexual misconduct, the music industry needs to rectify and hold these individuals accountable.
