Muni Long Criticizes Universal Music Group For ‘Refusing To Support’ Her Music As Label Begins Removing Artists’ Songs From TikTok Over Failed Contract Negotiations

Muni Long

Muni Long Criticizes Universal Music Group For ‘Refusing To Support’ Her Music As Label Begins Removing Artists’ Songs From TikTok Over Failed Contract Negotiations

Looks like R&B artist Muni Long is not feeling the situation happening at Universal Music Group.

The singer/songwriter took to TikTok recently to express her frustrations about the corporation’s decision to remove several of their licensed songs from the social media app due to failed contract negotiations.

In one part of a video posted to her own page on the platform Muni Long, real name Priscilla Renea Hamilton, wrote:

“I mean it’s not like they are refusing to support my music until I prove that it’s valuable by investing my own money and maybe possibly lucking up on a hot TikTok trend or anything like that.”

Referencing UMG, whom the singer has a recording/publishing deal with, Long added the text “Universal Music Group said” while an audio playing in the background stated:

“That song, y’all know which one I’m talking about. Wrap it up by the weekend.”

@munilong

My therapist not answering again ???

? original sound – jay

While the Grammy Award winner ended the video by writing “Everything is fine,” fans of TikTok certainly seem to feel much different. Many have expressed their own frustrations with the situation, arguing that the companies’ failure to reach an agreement is now adversely affecting their time on the app. However, UMG reportedly is refusing to back down. Reports state that they are accusing TikTok of giving “indifferent” responses to several concerns they’ve raised, involving “appropriate compensation for our artists and songwriters, protecting human artists from the harmful effects of AI, and online safety for TikTok’s users.”

Seeing as though UMG holds an arsenal of music in their licensed catalog, which includes hit songs from artists such as Drake, Taylor Swift, and Justin Bieber, the issue could pose a serious inconvenience to users if it isn’t rectified soon. As Long pointed out, artists also rely on the app to gain exposure and get support behind their music. Long’s latest single “Made For Me” reportedly peaked at #1 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Chart following the release of her music video and a popular TikTok trend that had everybody sampling the record.

@milck.marie

Ughh muni know she snapped so hard

? Made For Me – Muni Long

Reportedly, the track has been used on TikTok alone in about 163,000 users’ videos, validating Long’s opinion. At present, it’s been reported that UMG has already begun the removal process. Latest updates state the music company feels TikTok is attempting to “bully” them into a “bad deal” that neglects concerns they perceive as very serious. In response, TikTok reps reportedly stated that they are “disappointed” UMG has decided to part ways from the app. There have been no further updates about how negotiations are going at this time.

[VIA 1,2]

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