Megan Thee Stallion Signs Distribution Deal With Warner Music Group While Maintaining Independence

Megan Thee Stallion has found a new home as she’s entered an “innovative agreement” with Warner Music Group while maintaining her independence.

Billboard reported in December that Megan would be working with WMG and utilizing the company “for distribution and services.” The distribution deal has since been signed and was announced officially on Friday afternoon (Feb. 2).

Within the structure of the unique partnership, the Houston Hottie will have access to WMG’s global services ranging from music promotion to distribution and worldwide marketing.

On the music side, Megan will keep releasing tunes independently through her Hot Girl Productions label and work collaboratively with Warner Music Group. The deal allows Thee Stallion to keep ownership and control of her masters as well as her publishing.

“This is the beginning of an exciting new chapter of my life and career,” Megan said in a statement. “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.”

Roc Nation will still be involved in managing the Grammy-winning rapper separate from the new Warner agreement.

Warner’s 300 Ent. previously distributed Megan’s music from 2018 through last November while the rapper was entrenched in a dispute with former label 1501 Certified Entertainment.

The tumultuous relationship was muddied with claims of 1501 keeping royalties from Megan and not allowing her to release music as she pleased.

The turbulent agreement between Meg and the Carl Crawford-led 1501 finally came to an end in October following a yearslong battle in court.

“Meg is not just a superstar,” WMG Recorded Music CEO Max Lousada added. “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.

“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.”

Megan Thee Stallion has released a pair of singles independently, the second of which arrived last week with “HISS.” The fiery track saw her send indirect shots at Drake, Nicki Minaj, and more while blasting to top the U.S. Spotify and Apple Music Global charts.

The 28-year-old is on pace to earn her 32nd Billboard Hot 100 entry and a lofty debut on the elusive charts. Megan has two No. 1 hits on the Hot 100 and six Billboard 200 placements to her name. Her song catalog has earned 10.3 billion on-demand streams (including user-generated content, or UGC, which does not count toward Billboard’s charts), according to Luminate.

Find Megan’s post to Instagram celebrating the deal with WMG below.

Michael Saponara

Billboard