T-Pain Reveals How Little Publishing Money He Makes From ‘Buy U a Drink’
T-Pain, the renowned artist behind hits like “Buy U A Drank,” has revealed that his iconic song hasn’t been the financial windfall that fans might assume. In an undated radio interview that recently gained traction on TikTok, T-Pain shed light on the intricate financial aspects of the music industry, explaining why he didn’t earn as much as expected from the track.
During the interview, T-Pain expressed surprise that people hadn’t investigated the publishing details of “Buy U A Drank.” He disclosed that, from a publishing perspective, the song had not brought him substantial earnings. The reason behind this, as he explained, was the presence of numerous collaborators associated with lines he referenced in the song.
“Y’all looked up the publishing on ‘Buy U A Drank’?” he inquired. “Publishing wise, I probably make no money. So, all those things that I said in ‘Buy U A Drank’ that was from other songs — when ‘Buy U A Drank’ blew up, all them other people from all them other songs said they was owed shit from my song because I said their name. I’m like, ‘what the fuck!'”
T-Pain clarified that he included these references as a form of paying homage to other artists and their work. However, it unexpectedly led to financial claims from the artists whose songs he mentioned in “Buy U A Drank.” Notable examples he mentioned were “Money In The Bank,” involving Scrappy and his writers, and “Snap Your Fingers, Do Your Step,” featuring Lil Jon and E-40.
Check out the interview below.
Despite the financial complexities surrounding “Buy U A Drank,” the song remains a cultural touchstone and a fan favorite.
T-Pain’s revelations about the financial side of his music career shed light on the intricate nature of the industry, where collaborations and references can have unforeseen consequences.
In a heartwarming twist, T-Pain shared a touching story from his past. In August 2021, he recounted how he connected with a distraught 70-something-year-old man named Bob while at a Jamaican resort. Bob had recently lost his wife and was contemplating suicide.
T-Pain offered Bob a drink and genuine companionship, lifting his spirits during a dark time. This encounter happened during the creation of “Bartender,” and T-Pain expressed gratitude for being able to make a positive impact on someone’s life. He continued to maintain contact with Bob, emphasizing the power of human connection and compassion.
T-Pain’s candid interview highlights both the challenges and rewards of his musical journey, from financial complexities in the music industry to the profound impact his music and kindness can have on others.
