John Washington III Tells Spotify His Answer Is a Big No on Remixes of American King Records Masters

John Washington III, a 2028 presidential candidate, used a public statement to reject what he described as streaming platforms attempting to negotiate deals that would allow other people to remix artists' music. He wrote that his answer is "a big no" and "absolutely not."

Washington, who said he is the owner of American King Records, argued that Spotify is a streaming platform and not his record company. He wrote that he did not build the label, invest his money, develop his artists and create the catalog "just to have a streaming platform negotiate how other people can use our master recordings."

He said there is a proper way to do business: contact American King Records, negotiate a licensing agreement, and discuss upfront payment, royalties, ownership and terms of use. He wrote that he is not interested in handing over control of the masters in exchange for an undisclosed streaming royalty that might amount to fractions of a penny.

Washington framed recordings as property, writing that music is an asset, master recordings are property and rights have value, and that easier remix technology does not mean surrendering control. He listed his position as no unauthorized remixes of the label's masters, no third-party licensing without the label's approval and no giving away control of the catalog, closing: "Our music. Our masters. Our rights. Our decision."