QC's Rise to the Top: An Inside Look At The Record Label's Success

In recent years, one name that has been dominating the music industry is Quality Control Music. Founded in 2013 by Kevin "Coach K" Lee and Pierre "Pee" Thomas, Quality Control Music has quickly become one of the most successful and influential record labels in the world. With a roster that includes some of the biggest names in hip-hop such as Migos, Lil Yachty, City Girls, and Lil Baby, Quality Control Music has had an undeniable impact on the music industry and the culture at large.

Early Beginning

In March 2013, Quality Control was born as the brainchild of Kevin "Coach" Lee who used to manage Young Jeezy and Gucci Mane and Pierre "Pee" Thomas an Atlanta Native. Coach K from Indianapolis, had already made a name for himself in the industry by managing chart-topping artists like Young Jeezy and Gucci Mane. Under his watch, Jeezy scored two No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 and Gucci Mane peaked at No. 2 on Billboard's Rap Albums chart. Meanwhile, Pee was recovering from a dispiriting experience running a small label called Dirty Dolla Entertainment when he began working with Coach.

These two visionaries had a bold plan to create a revolutionary hybrid company that would thrive in the digital age. To make their dream a reality, they brought on a team of experts in radio and promotions and established their own publishing and management ventures. But that was just the beginning. They spent 12 months and $1 million constructing a state-of-the-art, bunker-like headquarters in Atlanta's bustling West Side. The facility boasts not only office space but also four top-of-the-line recording studios, making it a one-stop-shop for any artist looking to take their career to the next level.

Together, Coach and Pee had a plan to take the music industry by storm. They signed a handful of other talented local artists to 360 deals that split revenue from every possible source - touring, merchandise, publishing, licensing, and music sales. They even changed the way they approached music, treating it as a tool to promote their artists' other ventures like tours, merch, endorsements, and licensing deals. It's clear that Quality Control isn't just a record label - it's a game-changing force in the music industry.

The Rise of Quality Control Music

Quality Control Music started with the Atlanta-based rap group Migos, which consisted of members Quavo, Offset, and Takeoff. However, it wasn't long before Quality Control Music expanded its roster and became a full-fledged record label. In 2017, they released the album "Control The Streets, Volume 1," which featured tracks from Migos, Lil Yachty, and other Quality Control Music artists.

The album was a commercial success and helped establish Quality Control Music as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. Since then, the label has released several other successful albums, including Lil Baby's "Harder Than Ever" and "My Turn,"(certified triple platinum) which debuted at No. 3 and No. 1 on the Billboard 200 charts, respectively and Migos' album "Culture" has been certified double platinum by the RIAA, and debuted at No. 1 on the US Billboard 200, earning 131,000 album-equivalent units in its first week (44,000 of which were pure album sales).

One of the reasons for Quality Control Music's success is its ability to identify and sign talented artists. The label has a reputation for discovering and developing young, up-and-coming talent. For example, Lil Baby was relatively unknown before signing with Quality Control Music, but has since become one of the hottest names in hip-hop.

Another factor in the label's success is its focus on building strong relationships with its artists. Kevin "Coach K" Lee and Pierre "Pee" Thomas are known for being hands-on managers who work closely with their artists to help them develop their sound and brand. This approach has helped Quality Control Music artists stand out in a crowded music industry.

The Wealth of Quality Control Music

Quality Control Music's success has not only elevated its artists but also its founders. According to Forbes, Kevin "Coach K" Lee and Pierre "Pee" Thomas have a combined net worth of $300 million as of 2021. This wealth has come from not only record sales but also touring, merchandising, and brand partnerships.

In addition to music, Quality Control Music has also expanded into other areas of entertainment. In 2019, the label announced a partnership with sports agency, Roc Nation Sports, to create a new division called Quality Control Sports. The division focuses on managing and developing the careers of professional athletes, including NFL players and boxers.

Hybe acquisition of Quality Control

Recently, it was announced that Quality Control has sold to Hybe (the parent company of K-pop mega-group BTS) for a reported deal worth approximately $300 million in cash and stock. The company is paying $250 million in cash and issuing $50 million in new stock to QC’s founders. Hybe America is led by executive and talent manager Scooter Braun (manager of Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande and more). Scooter sold his company to Hybe for $1.05 billion in 2021.

Conclusion

The rise of Quality Control Music is a testament to the power of hard work, talent, and strong relationships. Kevin "Coach K" Lee and Pierre "Pee" Thomas have built a record label that not only produces hit music but also elevates the careers of its artists. With a net worth of $300 million, Quality Control Music has become a major player in the music industry and beyond. It will be exciting to see what the label and its founders have in store for the future especially with Hybe.