stayc main image

Sony Music Slams AI Tech Giants for Unauthorized Use of Stars' Songs

May 16, 2024

Sony Music, the world's largest music publisher, has taken a significant stance in the ongoing debate over artificial intelligence (AI) and copyright. Recently, Sony has sent letters to major tech...

Read more
stayc main image

Pete Ganbarg Launches Pure Tone Records: A New Venture with Atlantic Records

May 16, 2024

In a significant move for the music industry, Pete Ganbarg, renowned for his A&R expertise, has announced the launch of Pure Tone Records in a joint venture with Atlantic Records...

Read more
stayc main image

Why The Killers ‘Mr. Brightside’ Has Remained on the Charts for a Decade and Counting

May 16, 2024

Released in 2003 and re-released in 2004, The Killers' "Mr. Brightside" quickly became a defining anthem of the early 2000s, propelling the band to global superstardom...

Read more
stayc main image

Ariana Grande: From Nickelodeon Star to Vocal Powerhouse

May 16, 2024

In the ever-evolving landscape of pop music, few artists have undergone as remarkable a transformation as Ariana Grande. With her extraordinary vocal range, infectious charisma, and unwavering...

Read more
stayc main image

Klaus Mäkelä: A Trailblazing Debut with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra

May 16, 2024

In April 2024, the classical music world witnessed a momentous event as 28-year-old conductor Klaus Mäkelä took the podium to lead the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.This landmark...

Read more
stayc main image

Kesha Redefines Her Hit Song "Tik Tok" with a Powerful Lyric Change

May 16, 2024

In a bold declaration of her values, pop icon Kesha has made headlines by permanently altering a key lyric in her 2009 smash hit "Tik Tok." Originally opening with "Wake up in the morning feeling...

Read more
stayc main image

Billie Eilish Sets Hearts Racing with 'Feather' in New 'Heartstopper' Teaser

May 15, 2024

Billie Eilish is ramping up anticipation for her upcoming album, Hit Me Hard and Soft, with an enchanting preview of her new song, “Feather,” featured in the latest teaser for Netflix’s...

Read more
stayc main image

Childish Gambino Releases New Album and Announces World Tour

May 15, 2024

Childish Gambino, the stage persona of the multi-talented Donald Glover, is making waves again in the music world. This Monday marked the release of "Atavista,"...

Read more
stayc main image

BLACKSWAN: Pioneering Diversity in K-Pop

May 15, 2024

In the vibrant world of K-pop, known for its dazzling choreography and catchy melodies, the group BLACKSWAN stands out not just for their musical talents but also for breaking significant cultural...

Read more
stayc main image

The Musical Odyssey of Rihanna: An Icon’s Journey Through Sound and Style

May 15, 2024

In the dynamic landscape of contemporary music, few artists have made as indelible a mark as Rihanna. With her distinctive voice, fearless experimentation, and boundary-pushing style, Rihanna...

Read more
stayc main image

Almighty So 2: A Long-Awaited Drill Masterpiece

May 14, 2024

Chief Keef, the enigmatic figure of the rap industry, has once again disrupted the scene with the release of his much-anticipated mixtape, Almighty So 2....

Read more
stayc main image

Fans Choose RM’s ‘Come Back to Me’ as This Week’s Favorite New Music

May 14, 2024

In a testament to the global phenomenon of K-pop, RM, the leader of BTS, has once again proven his solo prowess as his latest track emerges as a fan favorite. In a recent poll published by Billboard..

Read more

The Ghostwriting Debate in Music: How Widespread Is It and Should We Care?

stayc main image

The world of music has always been shrouded in a certain level of mystery and allure, but the recent spat between Meek Mill and Drake has brought a longstanding issue back into the spotlight: ghostwriting. The controversy ignites a debate about the importance of authorship and authenticity in music, particularly in genres where personal narrative and credibility are key, like hip-hop.

In 2012, Damien Hirst, a renowned artist, responded to criticism about his minimal personal involvement in the creation of his famous spot paintings by comparing himself to an architect. His defense highlighted a crucial point: in many creative fields, the end product is a collective effort. This idea is widely accepted in some areas, such as speechwriting for politicians or scripts for TV presenters. However, in music, especially rap, there's a significant focus on the authenticity of the artist's voice.

Hip-hop is a genre deeply rooted in personal storytelling and authenticity. As Austin Daboh from 1Xtra points out, the personal nature of rap lyrics means that ghostwriting can be seen as undermining an artist's credibility. When rappers like 50 Cent talk about their life experiences, such as surviving multiple gunshots, the expectation is that these stories are their own, not fabricated or penned by someone else. This personal connection is why Meek Mill's accusation against Drake struck such a nerve; it challenges the very foundation of what many believe rap should represent.

Yet, ghostwriting in music is far from rare. Many iconic tracks have had contributions from writers behind the scenes. Nas helped craft hits for Will Smith, Method Man contributed to ODB's debut album, and Jay-Z wrote for Dr. Dre and even Bugs Bunny. Killer Mike has openly discussed his own ghostwriting experiences, explaining that writing from another artist's perspective can make perfect sense. In pop music, where the focus is often more on the performance than the personal narrative, the use of ghostwriters is widely accepted. Artists like Taylor Swift and Lorde have brought songwriting to the forefront of their identities, showing that pop can value authenticity too. The inclusion of voice memos on Swift’s album "1989" underscores how integral songwriting is to her brand.

However, not everyone in the industry is thrilled about this shift. Some believe that performing and writing are distinct talents, and that good performers need not write their own songs. The reality is that many hits are the result of collaborations among multiple writers and producers. This is particularly true in genres like hip-hop and dance music, where the lines between production and songwriting are increasingly blurred.

The debate over ghostwriting ultimately circles back to the question of what fans expect from their favorite artists. Is it the artist's voice and story that matter most, or simply the quality of the music they produce? For some, the idea of an artist not writing their own lyrics feels like a betrayal, while for others, it's just part of the creative process.

In the end, the issue of ghostwriting in music reflects broader questions about authenticity and authorship. While some fans might feel deceived if they discover their favorite artist didn’t pen their own hits, others might appreciate the collaborative effort that goes into creating great music. Perhaps the only real rule in ghostwriting, as in many aspects of life, is this: if you're going to do it, don’t get caught.