Grammy-winning rapper Megan Thee Stallion has entered into a unique agreement with Warner Music Group (WMG) that allows her to maintain her independence as an artist while gaining access to the company’s global resources.
As part of the agreement announced Friday (February 2), Megan will release music through her independent music and entertainment label, Hot Girl Productions, retaining full ownership of her masters and publishing, and maintaining creative control over her releases.
Additionally, the agreement allows her to bring artists signed to her imprint into the WMG ecosystem and gain access to WMG’s global distribution and marketing network. She will also continue working with Warner Music and its international affiliates.
Megan Thee Stallion, whose real name is Megan Jovon Ruth Pete, is a three-time Grammy winner. She has risen to prominence in recent years, becoming one of the most popular figures in contemporary hip-hop. She has produced several chart-topping hits, including Savage, WAP and Hot Girl Summer.
“[Megan is not just a superstar. She’s an artistic force and a mogul in the making – authentic and unapologetic in defining her own unique place in the cultural landscape.”
Max Lousada, Warner Music Group
Over the course of her career, the artist has built a huge following, with over 28 million monthly listeners on Spotify, nearly 32 million followers on Instagram, and 6 million YouTube subscribers.
Megan’s new single, HISS, has already topped Apple Music’s Global charts, Spotify’s US charts, iTunes and YouTube Trending within the past week of its release. The track marked her second solo release via Hot Girl Productions, and follows the release of her single, Cobra, in November, which shed light on mental health.
In 2022, Megan Thee Stallion hosted a virtual reality concert tour called Enter Thee Hottieverse in partnership with virtual reality firm AmazeVR.
“Meg is not just a superstar,” said WMG Recorded Music CEO Max Lousada. “She’s an artistic force and a mogul in the making – authentic and unapologetic in defining her own unique place in the cultural landscape. So many relate to her remarkable story and have witnessed her come into her power on her own terms.”
“I’m really focused on building an empire and growing as an entrepreneur, so I’m proud to take this next step in my journey and work with Max Lousada and the entire Warner Music Group team in this new capacity. I know we’re going to create history together.”
Megan Thee Stallion
“At Warner, we’re creating an environment where original talents can explore both their creativity and entrepreneurialism, while building long-term careers. Following on her success with 300, we’re excited to continue our journey with Meg through this dynamic new partnership, with our global teams, infrastructure, and expertise supporting her every step of the way.”
Commenting about her partnership with WMG, Megan Thee Stallion, who is managed by Roc Nation, highlighted its potential to “create history.”
“This is the beginning of an exciting new chapter of my life and career. I’m really focused on building an empire and growing as an entrepreneur, so I’m proud to take this next step in my journey and work with Max Lousada and the entire Warner Music Group team in this new capacity. I know we’re going to create history together.”
“This new chapter with Warner Music Group will shift the landscape in the music industry and empower other independent artists to follow in her footsteps and claim their power.”
Desiree Perez, Roc Nation
Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez said that “Megan continues to be an absolute trailblazer.”
“This new chapter with Warner Music Group will shift the landscape in the music industry and empower other independent artists to follow in her footsteps and claim their power. It’s also a testament to Max’s ability to reimagine the relationships that major music companies can engage in with independent artists.”
Music Business Worldwide
