Rules 101

Lyrics

[Verse 1: Timbo King] Rule number 1: Never let a label see you stressing Follow my directions on these industry lessons 2: Keep a straight head for you meetings Looks are deceiving 'cause crooks, they be beating 3: Copies of your tapes is a no-no 'Cause niggas make promos and sell your shit for dolo 4: Before you get jerked, learn the business Surviving in this game of snakes is very thinless 5: Negotiate a deal with the proper figures Cut off the middleman, fuck with only real niggas 6: Let your lawyer fix broken clauses Your first option, date to get paid, pro rata 7: I'm here to school all stupid fools Individuals, niggas want residuals 8: Concentrate, study legal terms On the real, stay away from all evil firms 9: Ask for all the musician funds Bloodsuckers of the poor, this how this business runs 10: I'm giving you the information 1 through 20, Royal rules and regulations [Chorus: Timbo King] You know the rules... You know the rules... [Verse 2: Timbo King] Yo, 11: An album deal can be very tricky Speaking with experience, two labels tried to stick me 12: You gotta sell a whole lot of units I'm business minded, here to teach all students 13: Advance money is recoupable Breach of contract, loopholes are very suitable 14: Try to start a bidding war No matter what, you'se a write-off, so what you signing for? 15: Star status is so surprising Make sure you get all rights on merchandising 16: Avoid silly allegations Kickback, side deals, kills your reputation 17: This advice is important Bullshit politics down to extortion 18: Don't let your dreams get deleted Without the Royal rules, your career is uncompleted 19: Incentives slash percentage Money back, guaranteed, hell no, he spent his Rule 20: Keep it focused on consistence Take care of yours, when it comes to this business [Chorus] You know the rules... You know the rules... You know the rules... You know the rules... You know the rules...