R&B Artists Are Taking Control Of Their Music And Dropping Major Record Labels

“We can do it ourselves,” is what many R&B artists are saying nowadays.

Anthony Hamilton will be putting out his 8th studio album in 2021 and has decided to not seek the help of a major record label. The 49-year old soulful artist’s longtime manager spoke on his behalf. “We’ve thought about this day since 2005,” says Eli Davis. “You’re no longer a ‘slave’ to a system.”

“The Point Of It All” singer is joined by many other R&B artists, who have decided to cut ties with major record labels and reclaim the masters to their music.

Former Gap Band member and solo artist Charlie Wilson is now operating independently after fulfilling a six-album major label deal.  Ledisi‘s The Wild Card album due August 28, is her first independent release in over a decade.

According to Rolling Stone, these singers are a part of a growing movement: Leela James, Raheem DeVaughn, India.Arie, Fantasia, Brandy, K-Ci Hailey, and K. Michelle are among the artists who enjoy some commercial success — R&B radio hits, well attended shows — and have decided (or been forced) to create their music outside of the major-label system.

“Everyone came to the point: What are you all doing for us?” explains Michael Paran, who runs P Music Group, a label and management company. He said at most, the record labels could get the artists airplay on mainstream radio — but that’s about it.

Over year, many R&B artists and independent record labels have been swallowed by major recording companies. It even happened with Motown, who is responsible for many artists success. Now with more knowledge of the business side of the music industry and technology, artist are able to have more control of their music success.

Let’s support these talented artists as they transition to the next step in their careers.