T.I. Explains Difference Between Partnership And Record Deal

T.I.'s tenth album Dime Trap comes out this Friday, October 5.

It's his first album on his new deal with Epic. But when they called it a "deal" on Everyday Struggle, Tip emphatically clarified, calling it a "partnership".

He then explained what you get in a partnership.

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All young artists better watch this! #ti breaks down the difference in traditional record deals vs partnerships

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"You have what we call a pressing and distributions deal. You are partnering with the label and you're utilizing [and paying for] their infrastructure and their services. I'm using radio promo, marketing, the staff at Sony. I'm paying them a distribution fee as well as getting a 75-25 split."

T.I. didn't mention this, but in a pressing and distribution deal, the artist would own his masters.

In a traditional record deal, the label pays for everything and gives you an advance. But you have to recoup that advance in sales before you can get royalties, which are usually in the 10 to 15 percent range. You wouldn't typically own your masters in a traditional record deal.

What's your prediction for Dime Trap's first week totals, of which T.I. will take home 3/4?