When Sir Mix-a-Lot released “Baby Got Back” in 1992, the song quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Beyond its catchy beat and memorable lyrics, it has remained a staple in pop culture. Decades later, Sir Mix-a-Lot still profits from this hit, thanks to strategic music publishing.
The Role of Music Publishing
Music publishing plays a crucial role in ensuring artists get paid whenever their music is used. This could include radio play, streaming services, TV and movie placements, commercials, or even covers by other artists. For Sir Mix-a-Lot, whose “Baby Got Back” has been licensed many times, publishing royalties provide a significant income.
Licensing and Sync Deals
Sir Mix-a-Lot generates income through licensing and sync deals. “Baby Got Back” has appeared in numerous TV shows, movies, and commercials. These sync deals are lucrative, as they involve licensing the song for specific content. Every time the song plays, Sir Mix-a-Lot earns a fee. For example, in 2007, Burger King used a reimagined version of “Baby Got Back” for a SpongeBob SquarePants-themed commercial. This deal not only brought immediate cash but also revived the song’s relevance, leading to more opportunities.
Streaming Royalties
With the rise of digital music, streaming has become a major revenue source. “Baby Got Back” remains popular on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. Each stream generates a royalty. Although the per-stream payout may seem small, the high volume of streams adds up over time. For a song as enduring as “Baby Got Back,” streaming royalties offer steady, ongoing income.
Covers and Samples
Covers and samples of “Baby Got Back” provide another revenue stream. Many artists have covered the song, and it has been sampled in other hits, such as Nicki Minaj’s 2014 track “Anaconda.” When artists cover or sample a song, the original songwriter earns royalties. In the case of “Anaconda,” Sir Mix-a-Lot received both royalties and a renewed surge of interest in his original track, leading to more streams, downloads, and licensing opportunities.
Merchandise and Branding
Sir Mix-a-Lot has also capitalized on the iconic status of “Baby Got Back” through merchandise and branding. The phrase “I like big butts, and I cannot lie” appears on various products, from t-shirts to novelty items. This merchandise not only generates direct sales revenue but also keeps the song in the public eye, indirectly boosting other income streams.
Owning His Masters
A key decision Sir Mix-a-Lot made early in his career was to retain ownership of his master recordings. This choice has given him greater control over how his music is used and has allowed him to reap the full financial benefits. Owning his masters enables him to negotiate directly with companies for sync deals and licensing opportunities, ensuring favorable terms. It also means that a larger share of royalties goes directly to him, rather than to a record label.
Conclusion
Sir Mix-a-Lot’s ongoing success with “Baby Got Back” highlights the importance of music publishing and smart business decisions. Through strategic licensing, master recording ownership, and an understanding of his music’s value, he continues to earn from a song released over 30 years ago. For artists seeking long-term wealth, Sir Mix-a-Lot’s approach offers valuable lessons in the importance of music publishing, ownership, and staying relevant in a changing industry.
