Most beats online are sold in two ways: you lease the beat, or you buy exclusive rights. The words sound technical, but the difference comes down to one question: can other artists use the same beat as you? This guide explains both options in plain terms. It is general information, not legal advice; for NKSounds beats, what counts is the wording of our contract.
What does leasing a beat mean?
A lease is a non-exclusive licence. The producer keeps ownership of the beat and gives you permission to record a song on it and use that song under set conditions. The same beat can be leased to other artists, before or after you. That sharing is why leases cost less.
Conditions vary between producers. Common ones are a cap on streams or sales, a limit on music videos, a fixed term, a required credit such as "prod. by", and no radio or TV use. An unlimited lease usually removes the caps on streams and sales, but it stays non-exclusive: anyone else can still lease the beat.
At NKSounds the lease is called the Standard licence (€49): MP3 and WAV, non-exclusive, release on all streaming platforms and monetise. Options add the stems (+€20) or extended rights for TV, radio and concerts (+€50).
What changes with an exclusive?
With an exclusive licence, the producer stops selling the beat: from that moment, you are the only new buyer. Exclusive deals usually include the stems and wider uses such as radio and TV. Two points are often misunderstood. First, exclusive rights do not automatically transfer the copyright of the beat; in most deals the producer is still credited as the author and the contract defines what you can do. Second, people who leased the beat before you generally keep their licence on its original terms, so the beat may still exist in older songs.
Our exclusive licence costs €299 and includes MP3, WAV and stems, radio and TV use and full rights as set out in the contract. The beat is then removed from the catalogue.
Leases, Content ID and YouTube
Content ID and similar systems recognise audio and expect one owner per recording. Because a leased beat can appear in many songs, a leaseholder should not register their track in these systems: it could claim other artists' songs on the same beat, and many distributors do not accept non-exclusive beats for Content ID. If your song does get claimed, contact the producer with your licence; a written contract makes that conversation quick.
How to choose
- Choose a lease to test songs, build a catalogue, release often on a budget, or record freestyles and mixtape tracks.
- Choose an exclusive for a single you will promote, a track pitched to a label or for sync, or any song you want to keep unique.
- Start with a lease, then go exclusive if the song takes off, as long as the beat is still available.
Whatever you pick, read the contract before you pay and keep it with your files. NKSounds contracts are written in English and sent by email with your download. Need several beats? With 3 for 2, three Standard licences cost the same as two. Compare the options on the rap beats for sale page or browse the exclusive beats.