In a candid video shared from his hotel room in Japan, rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, voiced his concerns about the music industry and the role of digital service providers (DSPs). He argued that these platforms are increasingly monopolizing revenue streams, putting artists in a precarious position where they have to rely on brand deals and touring to make money.

Ye explained that the financial structure imposed by DSPs forces artists to spend more on marketing their albums to achieve favorable first-week sales figures than they actually earn from album sales. “Every single musician now pays more money to get their first week numbers than we make off the actual album,” he stated, highlighting the pressures that artists face in the current landscape.

The artist further criticized the industry’s control over musicians, alleging that DSPs manipulate the financial dynamics to ensure that they retain a significant portion of the revenue generated from music sales and streaming. “They’re eating Every Which Way,” Ye lamented, suggesting that the system is designed to keep artists from achieving true financial independence.

Ye’s commentary comes at a time when many artists are expressing dissatisfaction with the industry’s structure, which often favors large corporations at the expense of individual creators. He emphasized the need for musicians to explore alternative ways to distribute their music without being subject to the stringent financial metrics imposed by DSPs.

As the video concluded, Ye encouraged viewers to engage with his content, underscoring the importance of raising awareness about these issues within the music community. His remarks have sparked further discussions about the need for reform in how musicians are compensated in an ever-evolving digital landscape.