Why T-Pain Says Getting A $40M Advance From a Record Label was a Bad Deal

Chart-topper T-Pain learned the hard way the importance of securing a lawyer when signing big contracts. T-Pain attends the 2019 iHeartRadio Music Awards which broadcasted live on FOX at Microsoft Theater on March 14, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rich Polk/Getty Images for iHeartMedia) The artist sat down with rapper LaRussell and GoodCompenny for an episode of “Free Game Friday” in June to talk about his career and some of the pitfalls he had. One major one was how he was a multi-millionaire before he was 20 and lost it all through mismanagement. He explained that awareness about the financials behind the music is incredibly important to know. The “I’m Sprung” singer was around 21 when signed his first recording contract with Akon ‘s Konvict Muzik in 2005. At the time, he had already recorded and distributed his first debut solo mixtape, “Back @It,” and scored himself a hit single on the street. Deal After Deal To say Akon was impressed would seem to be an understatement. According to T-Pain, he went with Akon over other record companies, some of whom were offering him big checks totaling $900,000, because Akon appreciated his passion as an entertainer and songwriter....