Logic's record label won't allow streamers to use his music

Olivia Richman Published 20/09/2020

Retired rapper Logic, real name Sir Robert Bryson Hall II, has set his sights on Twitch.

After announcing a partnership with the streaming platform, Logic had a successful stream sharing music from his final album, “No Pressure.” Since then, he’s become quite a big name in the streaming community, spending about three hours every few days listening to music and playing games with followers.

As Logic has become more in tune with the world of streaming, he’s spoken out more against some things he’s noticed when it comes to music use. Recently, there was a long list of streamers hit with copyright strikes on Twitch, causing artists to speak up. The Digital Millennium Copyright Act had many streamers receive strikes for playing music in the background. Three strikes and a streamer can be permanently banned.

Logic is the most recent artist to discuss the controversy.

“Too many of my gaming homies, Ninja included, have wanted to play my music during streams and on YouTube but UMG won’t let me. I want to give to this great community and allow them to use my music for free. This is beyond a dollar sign. I want the community to enjoy my music,” Logic tweeted.

Too many of my gaming homies @Ninja included have wanted to play my music during stream and on YouTube but @UMG wont let me. I want 2 give to this great community and allow them 2 use my music for free! This is beyond a dollar sign. I want the community to enjoy my music #HowSway
— RezMeRonda (@Logic301) September 18, 2020

According to Logic, Universal Music Group is behind the restrictions. He signed an exclusive deal with UMG in May 2019. Recently, UMG automatically flags videos that play even a few seconds of Logic’s tracks.

“It’s crazy, dude,” 100 Thieves streamer Jack “CouRage” Dunlop said. “I’ve talked about this with so many artists and they just feel trapped. They want their music played but can’t get approved.”

Unlike Twitch, Facebook Gaming has deals with UMG and other record labels, allowing streamers to play their artists’ music as long as it’s in the background. Facebook noted that streamers can’t “play DJ” with the music. On other other hand, YouTube has had dilemmas revolving around copyright restrictions for years.

Twitch is predicted to follow suit down the line. For now, even big name streamers like Tyler “Ninja” Blevins are not able to use Logic’s music, as well as many other popular artists.

Olivia Richman

About Olivia Richman

Olivia has worked in media ever since graduating from college, with her coverage ranging from traditional newspaper reporting to digital coverage of all things gaming, online betting, and nerd culture. She has traveled around the world pursuing that coverage, from the far coasts of the United States to the busy downtown core of Tokyo, Japan. Olivia’s favorite games include Overwatch and Super Smash Smash Bros, and she has been published at Esports Illustrated, Inven Global, EsportsInsider, Upcomer, and elsewhere.

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