Two Timing Artist

We all hear stories about managers that two time their clients, but what about the clients that two time their managers. Debra Antney known artist manager in the hip-hop community, with names under her belt like Waka Flocka (her son), Nikka Manaj,Gucci Mane, OJ Da Juiceman, French Montana, and Lex Luger, among many other high-profile acts. She is currently suing her client French Montana for claiming he made several lucrative concert deals behind her back.  She is suing for $50,000 that is her 20% fee that she was cheated out of.

LMFAO was sued by their former managers for 7 million dollars. The group consist of, uncle and nephew Stefan ‘Redfoo’ Gordy and Skyler ‘SkyBlu’ Gordy, have been sued by bosses at personal management company RPM GRP, who claim the band signed a deal with them in 2008 but later ditched the contract and hired two of the firm’s former employees to manage them instead.

Other big names like Taylor Swift and Ke$ha have also faced lawsuits by their managers. DAS Communications requested $14 million in damages after they were fired from Pop star Ke$ha. According the papers filed she made great amount of money in a very short period of time due to DAS efforts.

Taylor Swift’s former manager also sued country singer for millions of dollars, arguing she owes commissions from a contract she signed with him in 2004, according to RollingStone.com. In July 2005, Swift’s father Scott fired Dan Dymtrow and the singer signed with record label Big Machine. Dymtrow claims he was fired because Swift’s family didn’t want to pay his commission after he helped the singer’s music career take off.

 This is more common then most people think. It is important as artist managers to make sure that your have signed contract with any artist you invest time and money in. The artist and the manager generally begin on good note. In most cases, the manager will find an opportunity or negotiate a deal that will set the stage for success. The probabilities are low, but if the song reacts with the public and finds it self on top 40 radios, the artist is set to make several million from publishing and performances.  Managers are generally paid a percentage of the band’s income, often 15% to 20%. More recently managers are being offered salaried contracts instead of percentages, this way an artist can pay a manger half the money for the same amount of work. There are many different types of contracts so make sure your contract list every detail of your agreement.