What Are Exclusive Rights to a Beat?

In the music industry, and primarily in the beat selling industry, there are generally two different options when it comes to buying a beat. The first option is leasing the beat, which technically isn't actually buying the beat. It's more like renting the beat. And an unlimited number of artists and other people can rent that same beat. The second option is purchasing the exclusive rights to a beat.

But what does this mean exactly? What are exclusive rights to a beat?

There are generally two answers you will find. Let's get into the meaning of exclusive beats below...

Answer #1 - "Second Hand" Exclusive Rights

Most of us music producers and beat makers like to offer our beats with the option to lease the beat or to buy them exclusively. I did this for years.

And why not?

It seemed like the best option for my benefit. People could lease them over and over which gives the producer profit over and over. But, there was also the possibility that someone might purchase the exclusive rights and that really brought in the nice large profit. It's the best of both worlds.

But, there's one problem with this. If someone purchases the "exclusive rights to a beat" that has been leased or used before, are they really getting the exclusive rights? Well, if we go by the definition of "exclusive", then no they aren't. Exclusivity is supposed to mean that whoever has that item is to be the only one with that item. "Exclusive" goes hand in hand with "one".

One User. Full Control. Sole Access.

So, technically, if the exclusive rights to a beat that has been leased or used before is purchased, it isn't truly exclusive. If it has been leased before by other people, they still have rights to use the beat according to their lease agreement. On a positive note, the exclusive rights purchaser will prevent future leases and uses of the beat and they still will receive all of the files - MP3, WAV and Track Stems - that come with the exclusive rights purchase.

What I've described here is what I like to call "second hand exclusive rights". And this is what is primarily found in the online beat selling industry. But, there's a better option!

Answer #2 - True 100% Exclusive Rights

Although rare, there are beat makers and producers out there that offer legitimate exclusive rights to beats. These are usually referred to as exclusive beats. I like to call them 100% exclusive beats. These exclusive beats are available only as exclusive rights. Because they aren't available for lease, they are only purchased once exclusively. This means that whoever purchases the beat will be the only artist who has access to the beat. Noone else will have ever used it before and noone else will ever use it in the future. This is true exclusiveness.

One purchase. Full Control. Sole Use.

This is important to artists, music/record labels and other people who purchase beats and instrumentals. Most of them aren't looking for beats that have been used countless times by other artists. They don't want to use something that people have already heard. They want something original!

I recently did a poll question with the people on my mailing list, which are mainly rap artists, and 69% of them said they are looking for exclusive beats. They are looking for something that is theirs to use and theirs alone. What about you?

Related: How Much Are Exclusive Beats?

Thanks for Stopping By!

I hope this has shed some light on what exclusive rights to a beat really means. I'm not knocking "second hand" exclusive rights beats. I actually have some for sale on this site as well. I just want you to know what you are getting with these purchases and also what true exclusive beats are.