Drake does not own the master recording of 'Euphoria'; the song is owned by independent label OVO Sound in partnership with Republic Records, while publishing rights are split between Drake, producers, and outside writers. As a signed artist under OVO, Drake performs and promotes the track, but ownership of the recording and copyright rests with the label and rights holders he contracts with.
What 'Euphoria' Is and Who Holds the Master
'Euphoria' is a track from Drake's 2018 album 'Scorpion,' produced by Kanye West and others under OVO Sound and Republic Records. The master recording is controlled by OVO Sound/Republic, not by Drake personally. Ownership of a master typically resides with the label or their distributors unless specially negotiated. Publishing rights may be administered by Drake's publishing entities and separate writers, which is common for features and high-profile collaborations.
Drake's Role at OVO Sound and How It Affects Ownership
Drake is the co-founder and flagship artist of OVO Sound, but being a founder does not equate to owning masters outright. Label deals often grant advances against royalties, and artists can earn through points, backend deals, and publishing splits rather than direct ownership. The label's agreements determine how revenues and rights are shared, and those contracts govern whether an artist truly 'owns' a recording or merely monetizes it through licenses and streams.
How Music Rights Work for Recordings
In the music industry, master rights and publishing rights are distinct. Master rights relate to the specific recording, usually owned by a label, while publishing relates to the underlying composition and songwriting. For 'Euphoria,' the composition may involve multiple writers and publishers, but the recording resides with OVO/Republic. Understanding the split between composition and master is essential to clarifying ownership questions.
Key Parties and Control Points for 'Euphoria'
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Recording Owner | OVO Sound / Republic Records | Label credits and publishing registrations |
| Drake's Involvement | Artist, co-founder of OVO, featured performer | Public label structure and credits |
| Publishing Administration | Handled by Drake's publishing entities and external publishers | Performance rights organizations |
| Producer(s) | Kanye West, Mike Dean, and others credited | Album credits |
| Distribution | Republic Records under Universal Music Group | Label and distributor announcements |
Common Misconceptions About Artist-Label Ownership
Many assume artists automatically own their masters, but standard major and even many indie deals place master ownership with the label, especially for prominent releases. OVO operates as a joint venture with Republic, distributing through Universal, which means masters are typically cataloged under the label entity rather than the artist's personal ownership. Drake retains influence and revenue via his stake in OVO and artist-friendly terms, but that differs from direct copyright ownership of the recording.
Business and Revenue Implications
Revenue from 'Euphoria' flows to OVO Sound and Republic, then to Drake according to his agreement. This can include advances, royalty rates, and backend cuts. Streaming, licensing, and synchronization income are allocated based on label and publishing splits. For catalog valuation, the label's balance sheet reflects the asset, while Drake's net worth calculations may include his share of company revenues and performance royalties.
Summary of Ownership Status
Drake does not personally own the master of 'Euphoria'; the track is owned by OVO Sound in partnership with Republic Records under Universal Music Group. Drake's relationship with the song is through his artist deal and company role, not direct copyright ownership of the recording. Publishing may involve additional writers and administrators, but the recorded version is controlled by his label partners.