By Autumn Coleman
Hip-hop artist Megan Thee Stallion recently announced a new distribution deal with Warner Music Group on Feb. 2.
Under this agreement, the rapper will continue to release music independently under her entity, Hot Girl Productions, with support from Warner Music Group’s distribution and services. The deal is the first of its kind, paving the way for potential opportunities for other artists in the future.
The news of the deal came after Megan Thee Stallion released her latest single, ‘Hiss,’ from her upcoming third studio album.
Entertainment lawyer Angela Minor assumes the deal will set a precedent within the entertainment industry.
“It’s going to create an autonomy that people will now begin to actually see their wealth in real time, in real money, in real ways. It will definitely set a precedent for female artists, especially female hip-hop artists,” she said
Megan Thee Stallion was signed to 1501 Certified Entertainment until October 2023, after a three-year legal battle between Megan Thee Stallion and the label ended in a mutual settlement.
For young artists seeking more beneficial deals with labels, Megan Thee Stallion’s deal allows for more negotiation in these conversations.
“Megan’s deal shows that artists are learning with each new generation,” said Dr. Msia Clark, associate professor at Howard University in the African Studies department, who also spearheaded the initiative to bring a hip-hop minor to the university.
Megan Thee Stallion walking into court for her 2020 trial regarding a shooting with rapper Tory Lanez. (Photo courtesy of NBC).
“Megan has learned from her previous deals and leveraged her success to get a better deal.”
Many have followed Megan’s career since she went viral with a freestyle in 2016, which currently has 14 million views. Megan Thee Stallion has been the subject of controversy and legal challenges throughout her career.
Megan Thee Stallion was the first female rapper signed to 300 Entertainment in 2018. Since her breakthrough in 2016, the artist has garnered numerous professional accolades, including multiple Grammy awards, one of which was for Best New Artist.
“This is a really big distribution deal,” said Eric Asike, a Warner Music Fellow and a strategic, legal, and management communications major at Howard University.
“It’s very monumental that she was able to even achieve that as someone who hasn’t been in the game for that long, especially compared to other people who have been in the game for decades.”
