Does a producer (beat maker) give you full ownership of a beat? No, unless a buyout agreement is signed Many artist assume otherwise. When an artist pays a producer, they are paying for 1. Licensing rights - Exclusive permission to use the beat while the producer retains ownership 2. Production services - The producer creates the beat and helps arrange the song but unless stated otherwise, they still own the beat. This means that the producer is entitled to publishing and royalties how can an artist avoid conflict with producers 1. Negotiate the terms - license or Buyout clause 2. Sign a clear agreement - verbal agreements and paper work 3. Understand industry standards - know how much royalties producer typically earn and legal implications of licensing vs ownership Sorting all this out would save you and the Producer (beat maker) from future drama