Tyler Perry’s Powerful Speech at Angie Stone’s Funeral – Calling Out the Music Industry’s Exploitation

The music world mourned the loss of a legend as Angie Stone was laid to rest. Many notable figures spoke at her funeral, but it was Tyler Perry’s speech that truly resonated, sparking discussions about the mistreatment of artists in the music industry. Perry didn’t hold back as he expressed his anger and frustration over how Angie Stone was treated throughout her career.

Tyler Perry’s Emotional Speech: A Call for Justice

During his speech, Tyler Perry made it clear that he was deeply troubled by the way the industry had failed Angie Stone.

“Y’all got to forgive me because I’m angry at the way she was treated,” Perry said, his voice filled with emotion.

He admitted that he hadn’t been aware of all the struggles Stone had faced in recent years, mainly because he stays away from social media and doesn’t let algorithms dictate his perspective. But once he learned the truth, he couldn’t stay silent.

“To think that this woman was in the business for all of these years, and there’s a difference between performing because you want to and performing because you have to,” Perry emphasized.

He then pointed out that despite Angie Stone’s immense contributions to the industry, she never received the financial rewards she deserved.

“All those years, all those songs, all that money that was owed to her—where is it? It’s wrong!”

His passionate words struck a chord with those in attendance and viewers who later saw the speech online. Perry expressed his exhaustion with seeing Black artists work tirelessly only to be robbed of their earnings by the very industry that profits off them.

“I’m tired of seeing us struggle and work hard and not reap the benefits of what we were supposed to get,” he declared.

He concluded with a powerful biblical reference, warning those who exploit artists like Angie Stone.

“You got to be careful when you start mistreating people, especially children of God, because the Bible says: ‘Touch not my anointed and do my prophets no harm.’”

Angie Stone’s Own Words: Exposing the Music Industry

Before her passing, Angie Stone herself had spoken out against the music industry, revealing the financial struggles she endured despite her decades-long career.

In a video she released, she candidly shared her frustration:

“After 40-something years in the business, I started wondering, ‘Where are my royalties?’ Because I wasn’t getting them.”

She discovered that Universal Music had been collecting all her royalties and mechanicals—essentially withholding money that rightfully belonged to her.

“They have taken all the money that was due to me,” she explained.

Even more frustrating, she learned that many of the songs she had worked on hadn’t even been properly registered by the companies she had signed contracts with.

“I should have been able to retire 20 years ago with the money I’ve made—supposedly. But key people gave up my coins.”

Her revelations highlighted a harsh reality in the music industry: artists often create the music, but executives and corporations control the profits.

She also pointed out the hypocrisy of the system, noting that major artists and producers had made millions from sampling her work, while she struggled financially.

“If Bruno Mars and Dr. Dre can get filthy rich from samples of my music, then why am I not being properly compensated?”

A System Designed to Exploit Artists

Tyler Perry’s outrage and Angie Stone’s testimony are just two examples of how the music industry has long been accused of exploiting artists—particularly Black musicians.

For decades, artists have signed contracts they didn’t fully understand, only to later realize they were locked into unfair agreements that stripped them of royalties, publishing rights, and financial independence.

Many of these contracts benefit the record labels, managers, and executives while leaving artists struggling to sustain themselves, even after massive commercial success.

Lessons from Angie Stone’s Story: How Artists Can Protect Themselves

Unfortunately, Angie Stone’s experience is not unique. Many legendary musicians have faced similar financial struggles due to bad contracts, shady accounting practices, and unethical business dealings.

Here are a few critical lessons artists can take away from her story:

1. Always Read and Understand Contracts

Signing a record deal without legal representation is one of the biggest mistakes an artist can make. Labels often include clauses that give them long-term control over an artist’s earnings.

2. Own Your Publishing and Masters

Many artists don’t realize that their most valuable asset is songwriting and publishing rights. If a company owns an artist’s catalog, they control all future profits from those songs.

3. Hire Honest and Competent Lawyers and Accountants

Even if an artist has a lawyer, they need to ensure that person is truly working in their best interest—not secretly aligned with the label or management team.

4. Keep Track of Royalties and Financial Statements

Many artists assume they will automatically receive payments when their music is played, but without proper monitoring, companies can withhold funds indefinitely.

5. Build Multiple Revenue Streams

Relying solely on record sales or streaming royalties is risky. Smart artists invest in touring, merchandise, endorsements, and business ventures outside the music industry.

A Legacy That Will Never Be Forgotten

Despite the injustice Angie Stone faced, her legacy as a pioneer of neo-soul and R&B will never fade.

Her influence on the industry is undeniable, and her music continues to inspire new generations of artists.

Tyler Perry’s speech and Stone’s own words have sparked a much-needed conversation about how the industry treats Black artists. Perhaps her story will serve as a wake-up call for others to demand transparency, ownership, and fairness in their careers.

Angie Stone may have been denied the financial rewards she deserved, but her impact on music and culture will live on forever.

What do you think about Tyler Perry’s speech and Angie Stone’s battle for her royalties? Let us know in the comments.