How To Build An Independent Record Label

Photo Credit: YSL Records

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Independent record labels are the way of the future!

I believe it’s important to take notes in an ever-evolving landscape that is the music industry of today. With the recent release of “Slime Language 2” and being Young Thug’s latest release since “So Much Fun” back in 2019.

I view this project as much more than a “compilation album”. The Slime Language Series is a great example of what’s possible when you have a leading artist who can also play the role of Rapper/CEO/Music Executive.

If you’re an artist or want to start a record label in general. Now is the time to pay attention. This is a formula that can — definitely — be repeated and expanded upon (Local, Regional & National).

For example, on “Slime Language 2” you have:

• Main Artists Under The Label — Young Thug, Lil Duke, Gunna & Lil Keed
• Featured Artists Under The Label — Karlae, Yak Gotti, YTB Trench, Yung Kayo, Unfoonk, T-Shyne, Strick, FN Da Dealer, HiDoraah & Dolly White
• Featured Major Artists — Drake, Nav, Rowdy Rebel, Lil Baby, Lil Uzi Vert, Coi Leray, Big Sean, Skepta, Future, YNW Melly, BSlime, Yung Bleu, Sheck Wes, Kid Cudi & Meek Mill
• Partnerships — Cactus Slatt (Travis Scott & Young Thug)

For everyone that has listened to the project — we can all agree — Young Thug and YSL Records can make some great music. The follow-up release not only speaks to the “tangibles”, it draws upon the “intangibles” as well.

It’s like any system of making money in American Capitalism. It’s not what you see, it’s what you DON’T see that matters the most. How can you bring — the best — people together to execute a goal?

Being from Atlanta and being able to witness so many rises in Hip Hop from Ludacris & Incognegro to the present-day release of Young Thug & Slime Language 2. The music industry has evolved into a business that embraces the Rapper/CEO.

As we’ve seen with Gucci Mane, Young Dolph, Nipsey Hussle, Westside Gunn & Many More. We are witnessing the “Franchising” of Hip Hop. It’s time for…