ADA Worldwide, the independent label and artist services arm of Warner Music Group (WMG), has inked a new global distribution deal with South Coast Music Group (SCMG), a Charlotte, North Carolina-based label founded by industry veteran Arnold Taylor.
SCMG is home to some rising hip-hop talent, including Dustystaytrue, DeeYounginn, Luclover, and Big Mali, who recently supported Sexxy Red on her nationwide tour.
With this partnership, SCMG artists gain access to ADA’s global distribution network and array of services, including marketing, analytics, and music licensing, according to a press release on Tuesday (February 20).
Taylor, who previously held roles at major labels like Epic, Republic, Interscope, Def Jam, and Blackground Records, founded South Coast Music Group in 2014 as an expansion of his South Coast Marketing group.
At Epic, the initial plan was for Taylor to have his own imprint, which did not come to fruition. Speaking to MBW in May 2020, Taylor said, “It was super frustrating towards the end, because I wasn’t getting what I wanted. But everything happens for a reason. I was getting older, I’d started South Coast Music Group, I was doing both things, but then as soon as I signed DaBaby, that needed all my focus.”
“SCMG is excited to begin our partnership with ADA. Their goals, persistence, drive, and perseverance match our SCMG brand. This will only strengthen our journey to success we are embarking on.”
Arnold Taylor, South Coast Music Group
SCMG has since launched the careers of multi-platinum rappers DaBaby (signed to SCMG/Interscope) and Toosii (signed to SCMG/Capitol). It also houses a diverse roster of rising talent, including TiaCorine and Goldiie Lux.
“Arnold is an entrepreneur who had a vision and carved his own unique path in the industry. A decade in, and South Coast is thriving. We’re thrilled he’s entrusted ADA to support and grow his business and put our firepower behind the rich talent coming out of the Carolinas. We share a deep love for the music and can’t wait to help these artists break through and connect with fans everywhere,” said Cat Kreidich, President, ADA Worldwide.
“Arnold is an entrepreneur who had a vision and carved his own unique path in the industry. A decade in, and South Coast is thriving. We’re thrilled he’s entrusted ADA to support and grow his business and put our firepower behind the rich talent coming out of the Carolinas.”
Cat Kreidich, ADA Worldwide
The partnership with ADA marks SCMG’s first with a globally known distributor, allowing them to expand their reach and impact.
“SCMG is excited to begin our partnership with ADA. Their goals, persistence, drive, and perseverance match our SCMG brand. This will only strengthen our journey to success we are embarking on,” Taylor said.
The deal adds to ADA’s growing list of partnerships with independent labels like 10K Projects and Rostrum Records. Other partners include Sub-Pop, VP Records, Mute, Chocolate City, generative AI music startup Boomy, and more.
ADA has also supported major releases from rising stars worldwide, including Latin Grammy winner Quevedo, Bellakath, and Bennett. Additionally, the company led partnerships for Daft Punk’s catalog with TikTok and Peloton.
Music Business Worldwide
