The source, an excerpt from "What Has Changed in Music Distribution?" by The Modern Musician, explains the evolution of music distribution, defining it as the process of making music available to the public. Historically, this involved physical distribution through sheet music and records, with distribution companies acting as intermediaries between artists/labels and stores, taking a percentage of sales. The video highlights how digital distribution has revolutionized this process, allowing music to reach platforms like Spotify and iTunes with ease and speed, replacing the need for physical shipping and reducing upfront costs. This shift also offers benefits like wider reach, faster royalty payments, and valuable data, though the source advises artists to research distribution services carefully to ensure they retain most of their royalties.

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The provided text, originating from a YouTube video transcript, focuses on the advantages of 360 record deals for musicians. It explains how these agreements allow record labels to take a percentage of all an artist's earnings in exchange for comprehensive career support. The benefits highlighted include labels covering expenses and tour bookings, acting as a pseudo-manager to free up artists for creative work, and leveraging their extensive industry connections for promotion and networking. Ultimately, the source positions 360 deals as a potential pathway for new artists to establish their careers and build a support network, while also cautioning artists to carefully consider these contracts before signing.

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The YouTube source, "What is an IPI (CAE) number and how to find it at ASCAP and BMI?" from "The Modern Musician" channel, explains the IPI (Interested Parties Information) number as a crucial eleven-digit international identifier for songwriters and publishers. This number, formerly known as CAE (Composer, Author, and Publisher), is administered by SUISA in accordance with CISAC guidelines and is essential for royalty payments. The video also provides practical instructions on how to locate an IPI number for a PRO member using the online search tools of ASCAP and BMI.













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The provided source explains that an ISRC code, or International Standard Recording Code, serves as a unique and permanent digital fingerprint for sound and music video recordings. These 12-character codes are essential for tracking music in the commercial stream, associating a recording with its artist, title, label, and other relevant information. Independent artists, record labels, and distributors are responsible for assigning these codes to each unique recording they release. An ISRC is comprised of a country code, a registrant code, the last two digits of the reference year, and a five-digit unique identifier for the specific recording.

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The source examines the terms of service for the music distribution platform DistroKid, offering a critical analysis from a legal perspective. It highlights key clauses within the distribution agreement, such as DistroKid's non-exclusive rights to distribute music and their sole discretion regarding refunds or deductions from artists' earnings. The analysis also points out concerning aspects, like the unclear definitions of "fraud" or "inappropriate conduct" which could lead to forfeiture of royalties, and the limitation on artists' ability to audit financial records. Ultimately, the video aims to educate artists on what they are agreeing to when using such platforms, contrasting DistroKid's terms with those of other distributors like TuneCore.

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How Kendrick Lamar’s Music Evolved Before His 2025 BET Awards Win Kendrick Lamar didn’t just win big at the 2025 BET Awards — he made history. In this powerful episode, we explore the full evolution of Kendrick’s music and message, tracing his journey from Compton’s streets to global acclaim. From Section.80 to Not Like Us, from poetic protest to Pulitzer-winning lyrics, Kendrick’s catalog is more than music — it’s a cultural revolution. We dive deep into the themes, albums, battles, and personal growth that shaped his rise:
🔥 Good Kid, M.A.A.D City — a cinematic coming-of-age story
🎤 To Pimp a Butterfly — protest, poetry, and Black power
🏆 DAMN. — the balance of ego, faith, and fame
🧠 Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers — healing through vulnerability
💥 2024–2025 Diss Tracks & Not Like Us — Kendrick reclaims his throne Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering his impact, this episode unpacks the artistic genius and cultural influence of one of hip-hop’s most important voices. 📱 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Spreaker, and wherever you get your audio. 🔁 Follow, rate, and share if Kendrick’s journey inspires you too.

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Kendrick Lamar dominated the 2025 BET Awards, taking home top honors and reminding the world why he's one of the greatest voices of our generation. With a performance that shook the stage and speeches that echoed truth and power, Kendrick didn’t just win — he redefined victory. From Best Male Hip Hop Artist to Album of the Year, this was a night stamped in K-Dot history. 🔥👑 #CulturalReset

KENDRICK DID NOT COME TO PLAY. 🔥
The Top Dawg himself just swept the 2025 #BETAwards with straight excellence. 💥
From bars to brilliance, Kendrick Lamar left NO crumbs.
👑 Best Male Hip Hop
🎤 Album of the Year
🔥 Performance of the Night
We witnessed greatness. Again. #KingKendrick



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K-pop icon Key from SHINee lit up the BET Awards 2025 stage with a presence only three decades of stardom can bring. Breaking barriers and bridging cultures, Key’s moment was more than just a tribute — it was a statement. From his bold red carpet look to his reflective words on longevity, reinvention, and resilience, Key reminded the world that K-pop isn’t just a wave — it’s a legacy. “I’m not just here as a performer,” he said. “I’m here as proof that music connects beyond language, race, or borders.” Whether you’re SHINee World or new to his journey, this BET moment will go down in global music history.

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The 25th annual BET Awards lit up Los Angeles with unforgettable moments and powerful wins—Kendrick Lamar swept Album of the Year for GNX, SZA took Female R&B/Pop honors, Leon Thomas III claimed Best New Artist, and trailblazers like Doechii, Chris Brown, and Summer Walker cemented their legacies. Plus, iconic tributes honored Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx, Snoop Dogg, and Kirk Franklin. With standout performances and bold activism from Doechii addressing real-world issues, this night truly reflected Black excellence in music, sports, film, and culture.

From Kendrick’s cultural takeover to Doechii’s unapologetic activism, last night’s BET Awards 2025 proved Black excellence never sleeps. 🌟 Who were you cheering for? #BetAwards #BlackExcellence”

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Doechii makes history at the BET Awards! 🏆🔥 During an electrifying acceptance speech, the breakout star didn’t just thank fans — she used her moment to amplify protest voices across America. From the red carpet to the stage, Doechii turned glamour into activism, calling out injustice and standing in solidarity with youth-led movements. This wasn’t just a win for music — it was a win for the culture, for resistance, and for fearless Black voices.

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