Latest news with #Scooter
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Taylor Swift Buys Back Masters of 1st 6 Albums 6 Years After Scooter Braun Bought Them
Taylor Swift has officially bought back her masters six years after Scooter Braun bought them. Scooter, 43, bought the master recordings of Taylor's first six albums from Big Machine Label Group in 2019 for $300 million. After Scooter faced backlash for the business deal, he sold the masters to investment firm Shamrock Capital in 2020. Taylor officially bought the masters back from Shamrock Capital in May. 'I almost stopped thinking it could ever happen, after 20 years of having the carrot dangled and then yanked away,' Taylor wrote in a letter to fans on her website about the deal on Friday, May 30. 'But that's all in the past now. All of the music I've ever made … now belongs … to me.' In addition to buying back her masters, Taylor also bought back her videos, concert films, album art and photography and unreleased songs from Shamrock. 'All I've ever wanted was the opportunity to work hard enough to be able to one day purchase my music outright with no strings attached, no partnership, with full autonomy," she continued in the letter. 'I will be forever grateful to everyone at Shamrock Capital for being the first people to ever offer this to me. The way they've handled every interaction we've had has been honest, fair and respectful. This was a business deal to them, but I really felt like they saw it for what it was to me: my memories and my sweat and my handwriting and my decades of dreams. I am endlessly thankful. My first tattoo might just be a huge shamrock in the middle of my forehead.' Taylor had been open about being upset with Scooter for buying the masters and she's opened up several times about the situation over the years. 'Scooter has stripped me of my life's work, that I wasn't given an opportunity to buy,' she wrote about the sale when it was first announced in a Tumblr post. 'Essentially, my musical legacy is about to lie in the hands of someone who tried to dismantle it.' Following the sale, Taylor announced her plans to rerecord her first six albums – Taylor Swift, Fearless, Speak Now, Red, 1989 and Reputation – so that she could own the rights. She has released all of the rerecordings except for Reputation (Taylor's Version) and Taylor Swift (Taylor's Version) as of time of publication. Prior to the news of the sale, Page Six reported on May 21 that Scooter encouraged the 'Call It What You Want' singer to buy the masters from Shamrock Capital. 'Interestingly enough, one of the individuals who is encouraging this deal to take place is Scooter, who was at the center of the deal the first time around alongside Big Machine,' a source claimed to the outlet about the sale. Scooter has also been open about how the sale has impacted him. He previously opened up about the situation while attending a screening of the Taylor Swift vs. Scooter Braun: Bad Blood docuseries in October 2024. The docuseries looks back at Scooter's acquisition of Taylor's former record label, Big Machine Label Group, and the drama that followed. 'I watched [the documentary] recently. I wasn't going to watch it because I just thought it was going to be, like, another hit piece,' he told the crowd at a screening of the Max and Discovery+ docuseries in Los Angeles, according to event footage posted via YouTube. 'And I pretty much stayed quiet about this kind of stuff. And my dad called me and my mom, and they were like, we just watched it. We think you should watch it. So I did.' He continued, 'Look, it's five years later. I think, everyone, it's time to move on. There were a lot of things that were misrepresented.' Scooter then noted that it's important for people to 'communicate directly with each other' when dealing with conflict. 'I think doing it out on social media and in front of the whole world is not the place,' he said. 'I think when people actually take the time to stand in front of each other have a conversation, they usually find out the monster's not real. And that has not happened.'
Cosmopolitan
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
Taylor Swift Might Have Another Chance to Buy Her Original Albums
Five years ago, Taylor Swift embarked on quite the journey to re-record her first six albums after Scooter Braun bought and sold the masters to Shamrock Holdings for $300 million. Since then, she's re-released four of her six original albums, originally released under her former record label, Big Machine Label Group, only to be met with more success and another round of cultural zeitgeist thanks to Taylor's Version. According to a new report Page Six, Shamrock Holdings is 'interested' in selling Taylor's original recordings back to her. Per the report, Scooter is allegedly 'encouraging' the sale. 'Interestingly enough, one of the individuals who is encouraging this deal to take place is Scooter, who was at the center of the deal the first time around alongside Big Machine,' a source told the outlet. In case you need a refresher, Scooter bought Taylor's masters from Big Machine for $330 million in 2019 before selling them to Shamrock the following year. At the time, Taylor wrote a lengthy message to fans to update them on the situation and share that she allegedly wasn't given a chance to buy back her work. 'For years I asked, pleaded for a chance to own my work. Instead I was given an opportunity to sign back up to Big Machine Records and 'earn' one album back at a time, one for every new one I turned in,' she wrote on her Tumblr account in June 2019. 'I walked away because I knew once I signed that contract, Scott Borchetta would sell the label, thereby selling me and my future.' In 2020, Shamrock reportedly reached out to the 'Cruel Summer' hitmaker to tell her they owned her Big Machine catalog and weren't allowed to contact her during the sale, or the 'deal would be off.' 'As you know, for the past year I've been actively trying to regain ownership of my master recordings. With that goal in mind, my team attempted to enter into negotiations with Scooter Braun,' she wrote, in part, on social media. The Grammy winner also revealed that the former music manager's team allegedly wanted her to 'sign an ironclad NDA' stating she would never speak about him again before she had a chance to bid on her own work. 'These master recordings were not for sale to me,' she added. According to Page Six, Taylor could buy back her masters for a hefty price of $600 million to $1 billion. Founder music consulting firm CAD Management, Clayton Durant, told the outlet the sale might be worth it for the pop culture phenomenon. 'If she could claw back and create a deal structure where she could get the rights to her original recordings, she exponentially increases the amount of money she makes,' Durant explained. He shared that if Taylor owns both the old and new recordings of her songs, she would make all the publishing royalties from both versions and have full control over her own catalog. Translation: Taylor would have the ability to control whenever her songs are used in commercials, movies, TV shows, at political rallies, and more. While she has full control over her 'Taylor's Version' tracks, Durant shared that 'she's making money off the publishing still from the [original] songs.' He added, 'When she puts out a re-recording version, consumption also spikes on the original.' The singer-songwriter recently treated fans with a peek at her latest re-release as 'Look What You Made Me Do (Taylor's Version)' was featured in an episode of The Handmaid's Tale. Details on Reputation (Taylor's Version) are slim, but fans theorize that could be the next body of work she re-releases thanks to some classic Easter eggs. Scooter Braun and Taylor Swift's teams have yet to comment on the reported sale of her masters.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Why Fans Think Taylor Swift Can Buy Her Recordings Back
A new report suggests Taylor Swift may finally have the chance to buy back her original master recordings—the same catalog Scooter Braun acquired for $300 million in 2019. The Grammy-winning singer has already released four 'Taylor's Version' albums. By releasing new versions of her old albums, she tried to gain back the creative control over her work after the Scooter Braun deal. However, a new report indicates that ongoing 'negotiations' might lead her to purchase the original masters of all six albums: her self-titled debut, Fearless, Speak Now, Red, 1989, and Reputation. The Taylor Swift versus Scooter Braun drama has taken a new direction in 2025, six years after the latter purchased the former's albums for a hefty price. After a year of Braun's purchase, the manager sold the albums to Shamrock Capital. Interestingly, a new Page Six report claims that Braun is reportedly 'encouraging' a deal for Swift to buy back her original albums. A source explained, 'One of the individuals who is encouraging this deal to take place is Scooter, who was at the center of the deal the first time around alongside Big Machine,' Swift's former record label. Moreover, the approximate price of the 'Blank Space' crooner's original catalog will be much higher than what Braun paid for it. As per Clayton Durant, founder of the music consulting firm CAD Management, the price for Swift's six original albums could be anywhere near $600 million to $1 billion. Durant opined that Swift could 'create a deal structure where she could get the rights to her original recordings.' Acquiring the rights to her old albums would lead to an exponential increase in the amount of money she makes, Durant suggested. In other news, fans think that T-Swizzle will announce the release date of Reputation (Taylor's Version) at the 2025 AMAs. Swifties found what seem like several Easter eggs on her website regarding the upcoming AMAs. Viewers also heard the full version of the Reputation track, 'Look What You Made Me Do' (TV), in the latest episode of The Handmaid's Tale. With Swift and her 'hints,' there are no coincidences. Hence, fans think the 2025 AMAs could be the night where she drops details of the much-awaited album, Reputation TV. The post Why Fans Think Taylor Swift Can Buy Her Recordings Back appeared first on - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
Hype Malaysia
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
Justin Bieber Reportedly Sold Music Catalogue For Over RM800mil Because He Was Broke
It's well-known that Canadian singer Justin Bieber is one of the world's biggest stars, making a fortune from his catchy hits. However, a recent documentary reveals that the singer was on the verge of bankruptcy not too long ago. American tabloid site TMZ recently released its documentary on Hulu about the pop star, titled 'TMZ Investigates: What Happened To Justin Bieber'. In the documentary, a source claimed that Justin was on the verge of 'financial collapse' in 2022. Hoping to save himself from the terrible situation, the singer agreed to sell his music catalogue to Hipgnosis Songs Capital for US$200 million (approximately RM854 million). The 2022 music deal was reportedly one of the biggest music-rights acquisitions in Hipgnosis Songs Capital's history. With the acquisition, the 31-year-old handed over the rights to his entire publishing and recorded music catalogue that he released before 2021. The catalogue included over 290 titles, including some of Justin's biggest hits, like 'Baby', 'Never Say Never', and 'One Less Lonely Girl'. According to the TMZ-Hulu documentary, Justin's manager, Scooter Braun, tried to talk him out of the music deal, urging him to wait until January 2023. Apparently, Scooter wanted to benefit from the singer's final earnings and give him a tax break. However, Justin shot down the idea and moved forward with the deal in December 2022. The vocalist is also one of the youngest singers to sell their catalogue. Financial troubles were also allegedly one of the catalysts for Justin to leave Scooter after years of partnership. The same documentary alleged that Justin had owed Scooter millions of dollars following his cancelled 'Justice' tour. Scooter's company, Hybe America, allegedly agreed to help pay for the singer's debt towards concert promoter AEG Presents as long as Justin repaid them within 10 years. However, the singer failed to repay his debt. TMZ's documentary also dives into other parts of Justin's life, including his mental health, his marriage to Hailey Bieber and his career. The singer's team has yet to comment on these reports, but what are your thoughts on this? Sources: TMZ, Variety, Us Magazine
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Atlanta Community Celebrates Young Scooter's Life With Balloon Release Vigil
A wave of love, grief, and unanswered questions swept through Atlanta's Kirkwood neighborhood on Wednesday night (April 3) as hundreds gathered to honor the life and legacy of rapper Young Scooter. The artist, born Kenneth Edward Rashaad Bailey, sadly died on his 39th birthday after suffering a fatal injury while running from police. Family, friends, fans, and fellow artists came together at the vigil to celebrate the man they knew as more than just a rapper, but someone who meant a lot to his community. 'He gets so much love because he gave so much and he embodied so much love — he was love,' said Baby Jade, a close family friend and well-known podcast host of 11 Alive reported from the scene. At the vigil, the atmosphere appeared to be both mournful and celebratory of Scooter's life. Red, white, and blue balloons floated into the sky. Music producer ATL Jacob, a close collaborator, offered words of comfort. 'If y'all going through whatever, feel the music,' he said. 'Let it resonate with you and carry you through.' Rapper, Ralo, also shared a deeply personal memory: 'I grew up in his household, on his sofa. I slept in his bed. His momma took me in when my momma wasn't able to.' He also expressed heartbreaking regret: 'Me and Scooter were going through things before this, and I just wish I would've fixed it. I gotta live with that for the rest of my life.' Scooter's mother, brother, and children stood at the center of the gathering, leaning on the community for strength and encouragement. See above. Scooter's death unfolded after a chaotic and tragic sequence of events that began with a 911 'swatter' call placed by Demi Blanco (born Demetria Spencer), a reality star known from Zeus Network's Baddies. Spencer has since been under public scrutiny for what authorities say was a false report. In her initial call, she claimed to be part of the 'Neighborhood Watch' and reported seeing a 'naked and bloody' woman being assaulted outside a home in Atlanta's Lakewood Heights neighborhood. That call prompted an immediate police response to the home, where Young Scooter had been present. When officers arrived, they reported seeing Bailey attempt to flee. While trying to scale a wooden fence, he suffered a severe arterial injury to his thigh. The Fulton County Medical Examiner confirmed his cause of death as 'accidental' due to blood loss from that injury. Police have since emphasized they never discharged their firearms or used force. 'While we understand that many people are saddened by his passing, it is important to recognize that Atlanta police officers neither discharged their firearms nor used any force against Mr. Bailey,' the department said in a statement. Audio from the 911 call later revealed Spencer struggled to provide a clear description of the alleged assailant, and responding officers found no evidence to support her claims. On April 1, Spencer attempted to explain herself during an Instagram Live, saying, 'There's a reaction for every action. This is part A, you guys didn't have part A, you guys only had part B.' She continued, 'In the narrative it looks like I'm trying to set this man up. I'm giving you what led up to the call. I was physically abused, so I called to protect myself. I never had any intentions to get anybody hurt.' Spencer was arrested and charged with transmitting a false public alarm. The family, still reeling from the sudden loss, released a statement to VIBE this week expressing their devastation and the need for clarity. 'We are completely devastated by the loss of Kenneth 'Young Scooter' Bailey and are currently still waiting for more information to understand the circumstance,' the statement read. 'Young Scooter was more than just a Hip-Hop artist; he was a phenomenal father and mentor to a lot of Atlanta youth pursuing both sports and music. Scooter was their advocate and support system. He always encouraged his children and the youth to pursue their dreams no matter what.' The message concluded with a heartfelt plea: 'The family is grateful for the outpouring of support and love from the city and all over the country. At this time, they are requesting privacy and prayers as they grieve and wait for answers.' VIBE sends condolences to Young Scooter's loved ones, friends, and fans. More from 'Swatter' In Young Scooter's 'Accidental' Death Contradicts Her Initial 911 Call While On Live Young Scooter's Official Cause Of Death Revealed Woman Arrested For Alleged False 911 Call Resulting In Young Scooter's Death
