Story

Travis Scott’s Label Owes Production Company $180K For “Wake Up” Video

Kanye West might have a point.

It’s no secret that record labels have been struggling in recent years as the industry changes and it’s even more commonly known that record labels are known to sometimes refrain from paying people for their work.

Now, Smuggler, the company that was hired by Epic Records to produce Travis Scott’s “Wake Up” music video, is filing a lawsuit against Epic claiming that the label still owes $187,255 that they are reportedly refusing to pay.

The entire cost for the video was $749,000. Epic reportedly tried to haggle the price down to $600,000 but seemingly conceded after paying the first instalment of $561,766. The label has yet to settle its bill with a second instalment and it’s saying it’s because they don’t like the video.

The label reportedly claimed that the video was missing effects that weren’t outlined in their contract and tried to get the agreement cancelled despite the fact that the video had been out for a month and that Scott’s team was unanimously happy with the results.

On top of that, Smuggler alleges that Epic is actively engaging in blacklisting them, “a fact the company discovered in August 2020 when directors “inexplicably pulled” out of two jobs that Smuggler was bidding for, the court documents claim.”

If you’re feeling nostalgic, you can check out the video in question below. Hopefully the production company gets what they’re owed for their good work.

[via]

Tweet LinkedIn PinShares0

Artist Spotlight

The Real Mack The Knife honors memory and spirit with soulful release “Rio Grande de Loíza”

The song “Rio Grande de Loíza” by The Real Mack The Knife is a powerful tribute to Puerto Rico’s history, memory, and sacred spirit. The track transforms nature into something spiritual, intimate, and timeless, inspired by the legendary river and Julia de Burgos’ immortal voice.

The song “Rio Grande de Loíza” has an old, alive vibe from the beginning. River water, moonlight, desire, and cultural memory shape a song that seems to rise from the ground. The Real Mack The Knife uses the river as a living, symbolic being, unlike the original work.

Julia de Burgos gives the piece incredible depth. She sees the river as a witness, a mother, a wound, a mirror, and a prayer throughout the song’s emotional landscape. The literary and spiritual connection gives the track a haunting beauty beyond music.

Connect with The Real Mack The Knife on Spotify || Instagram || Facebook || Youtube

Tweet LinkedIn PinShares0

Artist Spotlight

Devan Ibiza adds soul and reflection on new release “Portland”

With “Portland,” Devan Ibiza creates a warm, thoughtful, atmospheric hip-hop record rooted in boom-bap’s deep, reflective energy. Soulful production and introspective mood make it a quiet moment of thought rather than a distraction.

“Portland” embodies classic hip-hop. Boom-bap gives it a rhythmic foundation, and warm, soulful production draws listeners in. This beat is perfect for contemplation, letting emotion and thought flow.

The single’s mood adds interest. Devan Ibiza values subtlety and atmosphere over loudness and trends. The song’s restraint is its strength. Late-night thoughts, personal memories, and quiet realizations make “Portland” contemplative.

Devan Ibiza’s release is well-paced emotionally. Since the song is never rushed or crowded, its atmosphere can naturally resonate. That patience gives “Portland” a timeless quality usually reserved for classic hip-hop stories and soulful underground records.

Connect with Devan Ibiza on Spotify || Instagram || Facebook || Youtube