Rapper Big Tril has weighed in on the ongoing copyright debate, arguing that the power to create hit songs has shifted from traditional media to digital platforms.
Responding to legislators who questioned the practicality of enforcing copyright law, Big Tril said policymakers must recognize how the music industry has evolved.
“Radio and TV don’t wield the power they used to,” he said. “They are playing second fiddle to the internet.”
For years, radio airplay was considered the ultimate breakthrough for artists, with heavy rotation on major stations capable of turning unknown musicians into stars. Television music shows also played a key role in shaping popular hits.
But according to Big Tril, that dynamic has changed.
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He argues that while radio and television still play an important role, they no longer create hits but instead help sustain songs that have already gained popularity online.
Today, songs often break through platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and even WhatsApp, where viral clips and user-generated content can quickly propel a track into the spotlight.
By the time traditional broadcasters pick up a song, Big Tril suggests, the internet has already determined its success.
His remarks challenge the long-held belief that artists depend on radio and television for relevance, instead highlighting a shift toward a digital-first music ecosystem.
In that context, he argues, paying artists for airplay should not be controversial but expected, since broadcasters benefit from the audiences that popular songs attract.
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