Once Rappers, Now Heads of Record Labels
Hip-hop music has grown into one of the most consumed genres of music in the United States. The genres of hip-hop include an endless list, from trap to gangsta rap, and it does not just stop there. Over the years, hip-hop has evolved, and the greatest rappers have grown to become the most significant curators.
Rapper-owned labels are giving birth to up-and-coming artists and, more recently, bringing in the best talent. Since the start, many artists have turned their passion and love for music into their own record labels. More than ever, the cycle that goes on and on and what keeps hip-hop culture alive.
From Sean “Diddy” Combs Bad Boy Records to Meek Mill’s Dream Chasers Records, let’s look at five rappers who have started their own record labels.
1. Bad Boy Records – Sean “Diddy” Combs
Bad Boy Records have signed some of the hottest artists today, from The Notorious B.I.G. to Machine Gun Kelly. The label has become an award-winning, globally celebrated music, media, and entertainment company. The record label has a big reputation for changing the music industry and is changing the game one artist at a time.
2. OVO Sound – Drake
OVO Sound (also known simply as OVO) is a Toronto-based Canadian record label founded in 2012 by hip-hop artists Drake and Oliver El-Khatib. The brand is has some of fan-favorite artists like PartyNextDoor, Majid Jordan, and many others. By the way, Drake’s sixth album, Certified Lover Boy, was his first official release under his label. While the brand is continuing to do great things, Drake’s record label is making its way on top.
3. Dream Chasers Records – Meek Mill
Dream Chaser Records was a joint venture with Roc Nation and was created in 2019. The record label succeeds in talent acquisition and offers creative feedback in branding with an artist. A few artists signed to the label include Vory, Kuro, and Yungro. The brand is slowly making its way up and soon will be another hit label created by a hip-hop artist.
4. Cactus Jack Records – Travis Scott
Cactus Jack Records was founded by Houston rapper Travis Scott and launched in 2017. A few artists signed with the label include Sheck Wes, Don Toliver, and Chase B. The record label has teamed up with Nike and McDonald’s brands. Ever since his highly anticipated album, ASTROWORLD, the label has become a well-known industry that many are pretty fond of. Again, Cactus Jack Records strives to bring new creativity to the hip-hop industry and help emerging artists.
5. G.O.O.D. Music – Kanye West
Kanye West founded G.O.O.D. music (also known as Getting Out Our Dreams) in 2004. The label includes today’s top artists, such as Big Sean, Pusha T, John Legend, and many others. The company has been one of the most recognizable and respected labels. G.O.O.D. has stood behind its core values and truly brought to life these incredible artists and is still bringing new talent into the world. Furthermore, their efforts have paid off tremendously, and the record label has tremendous talent.
