Reddit reviews The Plain and Simple Guide to Music Publishing: What You Need to Know About Protecting and Profiting from Music Copyrights, 3rd Edition

My 2 cents is:

1. Everything /u/ChrysMYO said is gold.
   
   
2. Treat this as a learning experience. Working with a rapper in the studio and putting together concepts/songs is an entirely different skill set then just making beats and putting 'em on soundcloud/songclick. Ask for just enough money that it will cover your expenses (travel/food) and so he will value your time.
   It's not about trying to even trying to make money off your friend, but like, assuming you guys make a great mixtape at some point another rapper will ask your friend about you and he will say, "Oh he's dope and he's mad cheap" as oppossed to "Oh yeah he's dope and he'll work for free".
   
   
3. Read this book and get the publishing situation correct in case any of the songs blow up https://www.amazon.com/Plain-Simple-Guide-Music-Publishing/dp/1480354627/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1510342919&sr=8-1&keywords=music+publishing
   
   
4. Put your producer tag on every song. NON-NEGOTIABLE.
   
   
5. Can you DJ? If not, learn. Rappers always need backing DJ's and that'll get you a little bit of that show money. Also, playing shows is fun AF.

I think you need to understand the business side of things. If you make the wrong deal, like a co-publishing deal, you will get an advance, and backend royalties with will go against the advance until it is paid off. check out what an Administration deal. Get an entertainment lawyer. Check these resources out:


https://www.amazon.com/dp/1480354627/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_WCY0Bb2MZXCMA

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https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ1RVDuSiJncq6VQYiqpzLA

https://www.youtube.com/user/OfficialBeatStars

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