Megan Thee Stallion Makes History, Retains Masters in WMG Distribution Deal

Courtesy Photo: From L-R: Rayna Bass (Co-President, 300 Entertainment), Desiree Perez (CEO, Roc Nation), Megan Thee Stallion and Max Lousada (CEO, Recorded Music, WMG).

In a groundbreaking move announced on Friday, Grammy-winning rap sensation Megan Thee Stallion has forged a pioneering agreement with Warner Music Group. This innovative deal, announced in a joint statement, empowers Megan to maintain her autonomy as an artist under her label, Hot Girl Productions, while tapping into WMG's global resources for distribution, marketing, and promotion.

Setting this arrangement apart is Megan's retention of full ownership of her masters and publishing rights, a rarity in major label agreements. She exercises complete creative control over her music and holds the option to integrate artists from her imprint into the WMG ecosystem, fostering emerging talent.

"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," said Megan.

WMG, acknowledging Megan's artistic influence and entrepreneurial acumen, recognizes her as more than just a superstar. "Meg is not just a superstar," emphasized Max Lousada, CEO of WMG Recorded Music. "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."

Desiree Perez, CEO of Roc Nation, views this deal as a transformative force. "Megan continues to be a 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."

The announcement comes on the heels of the remarkable success of Megan's latest single, "Hiss," which soared to the top of charts worldwide upon its release. This follows her critically acclaimed solo release, "Cobra," in November 2023, marking her second under Hot Girl Productions.

Monét Crowned Best New Artist, Killer Mike Makes Grammy History

The 66th Grammy Awards, hosted by Trevor Noah, resonated with the power and innovation of diverse artists across genres. Rising stars like Victoria Monét, crowned Best New Artist, and established icons like Killer Mike, who swept the Rap categories, made history alongside electrifying performances and poignant moments.

Monét's emotional acceptance speech, reflecting on her artistic journey, resonated deeply, embodying the vibrancy of a new generation. Mike's historic Rap sweep, surpassing Lauryn Hill's 1999 record and the first since 2003, cemented his legendary status. Collaboration thrived with J. Cole and Lil Durk's powerful "All My Life" winning Best Rap Collaboration.

Victoria Monét wins the award Best New Artist at the 2024 #Grammys pic.twitter.com/2TNbTnj2iu

— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) February 5, 2024

Black artists shone across diverse categories, shattering boundaries. Rising star Coco Jones surprised with her Best R&B Performance win for "ICU," while Dave Chappelle triumphed in the Best Spoken Word Album category. History was made with the inaugural Best African Music Performance award presented to South African singer Tyla for her captivating "Water."

I'd love to know why the LAPD thought putting Killer Mike in cuffs at the Grammy's was necessary pic.twitter.com/3W5SJuFXwo

— TizzyEnt (@TizzyEnt) February 5, 2024

In a truly unforgettable moment transcending generations, legendary singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman, rarely seen in public, graced the stage to perform her iconic "Fast Car" alongside country star Luke Combs. This first-time duet resonated deeply, reminding everyone of Chapman's enduring influence and the power of music to bridge divides.

Taylor Swift made Grammy history, clinching Album of the Year for Midnights—her unprecedented fourth win. Swift surprised fans with more than just history on Sunday night. While accepting her first award of the evening for the best pop vocal album, she dropped a bombshell: her 11th studio album, titled The Tortured Poets Department, is set to stream on April 19.

A selection of winners can be seen below, for the full list of winners click here.

Album of the Year

Boygenius - The Record
Janelle Monáe - The Age of Pleasure
Jon Batiste - World Music Radio
Lana Del Rey - Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd
Miley Cyrus - Endless Summer Vacation
Olivia Rodrigo - Guts
SZA - SOS
WINNER: Taylor Swift - Midnights

Record of the Year

Billie Eilish - What Was I Made For? (From the Motion Picture “Barbie”)
Boygenius - Not Strong Enough
Jon Batiste - Worship
WINNER: Miley Cyrus - Flowers

Olivia Rodrigo - Vampire
SZA - Kill Bill
Taylor Swift - Anti-Hero
Victoria Monét - On My Mama

Best New Artist

Coco Jones
Gracie Abrams
Fred Again..
Ice Spice
Jelly Roll
Noah Kahan
WINNER: Victoria Monét
The War and Treaty

Song of the Year

WINNER: Billie Eilish - What Was I Made For? (From the Motion Picture “Barbie”)
Dua Lipa - Dance the Night (From Barbie the Album)
Jon Batiste - Butterfly
Lana Del Rey - A&W
Miley Cyrus - Flowers
Olivia Rodrigo - Vampire
SZA - Kill Bill
Taylor Swift - Anti-Hero

Best Pop Vocal Album

Ed Sheeran - - (Subtract)
Kelly Clarkson - Chemistry
Miley Cyrus - Endless Summer Vacation
Olivia Rodrigo - Guts
WINNER: Taylor Swift - Midnights

Best R&B 

SongCoco Jones - ICU
Halle - Angel
Robert Glasper Featuring Sir & Alex Isley - Back to Love
WINNER: SZA - Snooze
Victoria Monét - On My Mama

Best Country Album

Brothers Osborne - Brothers Osborne
Kelsea Ballerini - Rolling Up the Welcome Mat
WINNER: Lainey Wilson - Bell Bottom Country
Tyler Childers - Rustin’ in the Rain
Zach Bryan - Zach Bryan
Best Música Urbana AlbumWINNER: Karol G - Mañana Será Bonito
Rauw Alejandro - Saturno
Tainy - Data

Best Pop Solo 

PerformanceBillie Eilish - What Was I Made For? (From the Motion Picture “Barbie”)
Doja Cat - Paint the Town Red
WINNER: Miley Cyrus - Flowers
Olivia Rodrigo - Vampire
Taylor Swift - Anti-Hero

Best Progressive R&B Album

Diddy - The Love Album: Off the Grid
Terrace Martin and James Fauntleroy - Nova
Janelle Monáe - The Age of Pleasure
WINNER: SZA - *

Grammy Triumph Turns Troubled for Killer Mike, Escorted Away by Police

Photo Credit: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Atlanta-based rapper Killer Mike experienced both triumph and turbulence at the 2024 Grammy Awards, where he clinched three accolades, only to be later reportedly escorted away in handcuffs by Los Angeles police officers.

Chris Gardner of The Hollywood Reporter first broke the news of Killer Mike's arrest, sharing videos on social media capturing the rapper being led away by several police officers at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA, shortly after accepting his Grammy wins.

Breaking: Rapper Killer Mike has been taken away in handcuffs in https://t.co/aF2yiyTHol arena after winning 3 #Grammys during telecast (Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance for “Scientists & Engineers,” Best Rap Album for Michael) “Free Mike” someone shouts as he walks past. pic.twitter.com/4epfmzqMt8

— Chris Gardner (@chrissgardner) February 5, 2024

Details about the arrest remain scant, with Gardner unable to ascertain the charges at the time. An unnamed official revealed to Gardner that the charges were classified as "a misdemeanor" and clarified that the incident was unrelated to the events within the arena during the Grammy ceremony.

Killer Mike secured a triple victory at the Grammys, winning Best Rap Album for "Mike," Best Rap Song, and Best Rap Performance for his single "Scientists & Engineers," featuring André 3000, Future and Eryn Allen Kane. The collaborative track also earned accolades for the featured artists.

Entering the televised segment of the Grammy Awards, Killer Mike shared the spotlight for the second-most wins of the night with Boygenius, each claiming victories in rock and alternative categories. Phoebe Bridgers led with four trophies, including an individual award separate from her group Boygenius.

Previously, Killer Mike had won a single Grammy in 2003 as a featured artist on OutKast's "The Whole World." Tonight's wins marked a career milestone for the rapper, surpassing his previous solitary achievement. In 2018, he was nominated as part of the group Run the Jewels but did not secure a win.