Megan Thee Stallion Signs New Distribution Deal with Warner Music Group
Megan Thee Stallion unveils a groundbreaking music strategy, partnering with Warner Music Group while maintaining independence. We discuss it here!
LOS ANGELES - OCT 30: Megan Thee Stallion at the Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Words Premiere at the TCL Chinese Theater IMAX on October 30, 2024 in Los Angeles, CA
Credit: Kathy Hutchins
By: Camille Shanklin
It is official the Texas Hottie Megan thee Stallion has a new music release strategy to partner with Music Warner Group to distribute her music while still remaining an independent artist. With having such a ghastly year one being a long legal battle with 1501 Certified Entertainment. This decision raised questions and concerns with her “hottie” fans. Megan thee Stallion has built such a brand and following on her own, it is surprising to see the “Cobra” artist align herself with another label. Both 1501 certified entertainment and Megan Thee Stallion are delighted to put this chapter behind them and move on.
Fortunately she will be self funding and embarking a new indie artist journey. This legal agreement allows her to continue to work with staff from 300 Entertainment from her previous contract. Warner Music Group will sell and/or market on behalf of Megan thee Stallion music. While she keeps all ownership of her music. Which is a vast power move for any artist in this industry. The Texas artist conveyed in a live in October how she has no desire to sign with a major label. “I’m so excited to be doing something for the first time independent since it was just me and my momma,” she said. “I’m so excited ‘cause it’s really just me this go round.” This deal allows the 28-year-old artist to remain independent and gives more leverage for her to keep her masters, while also still being managed by Roc Nation.
Megan Thee Stallion - Cobra [Official Video]
Only time will tell how this partnership plays out for Megan thee Stallion. As fans and observers, we can only hope that she remains true to herself and continues to deliver the fierce and game changing music that we have come to love. Megan thee Stallion and Renee Rapp collaboration has been announced, Sunday December 10 that they will be working together on a song in the new “Mean Girls” musical film. 2024 sounds like it will be the year of the Stallion.
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:
SHARE TO SOCIAL MEDIA
Bun B's Trill Burgers is Now Open in Houston
Trill Burgers, led by Bun B, celebrates the opening of its brick-and-mortar establishment in Houston's Montrose neighborhood. We discuss it here!
Bun B's Trill Burgers is Now Open in Houston
By: Adonis Armstrong
Trill Burgers achieved a significant milestone on Wednesday June 7th with the grand opening of its brick-and-mortar location in Houston's Montrose neighborhood. In an Instagram video, Bun B expressed his excitement and reflected on this dope accomplishment.
“We’ve been working a long time for the opportunity to be able to serve you guys,” Trill OG stated. “Took a lot of hard work, a lot of planning. Most importantly, a lot of support from people like you in order for us to get where we are right now. It’s been a dream for us and it’s actually coming true. We are now actually ready to serve you guys food on a daily basis.”
Bun B's Trill Burgers has experienced significant growth since its establishment during the COVID-19 pandemic. The fast food business has gained nationwide popularity through its presence at various events like Coachella, Rolling Loud, Rock The Bells, and even Houston's City Hall, attracting a crowd of 2,000 people. Notably, the burger joint received praise and recognition, including the prestigious title of "Best Burger In America" at the Ultimate Burger Spot contest held in New York City's Times Square by "Good Morning America."
Apart from Bun B, the team behind Trill Burgers includes Creative Director Andy Nguyen, Chief Marketing Officer Nick Scurfield, Chief Operating Officer Mike Pham, and Executive Chef Fernando Valladares. The official website provides a comprehensive breakdown of the distinctive qualities that set their food apart from the competition. “We quickly gained notoriety for our mouthwatering smashburgers, made with two 44 Farms Texas beef patties, caramelized onions, pickles and our patented Trill Sauce on a potato roll bun,” the message stated.
Trill Burgers offers vegan options, so if you're in Houston, stop by and support Trill OG. I know I'll definitely make a stop to grab a vegan burger with no onions whenever I'm in Houston.
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:
SHARE TO SOCIAL MEDIA
Erica Banks Gets The Last Laugh With The "Buss It" Challenge
What started as a song, from a generally unknown artist, turned into a social media hit. Erica Banks garnered national exposure with the “Buss It” challenge going viral around the world.
By: Prince Hakeem
In today’s music landscape, there is a plethora of different artists, genres, sounds, and aesthetics. The competition is more fierce and audiences have attention spans which seem to be growing shorter and shorter. In addition to the multiple ways music is distributed and shared via the internet and social media, rising above the clutter can be challenging for new acts looking to break out. That is why whenever an artist catches a record exhibit organic reach and free promotion, it’s best they ride that wave as long as they can. For Texas rapper Erica Banks, that’s exactly what happened.
Erica Banks - Buss It [Official Music Video]
Hailing from Dallas, Texas, 22-year-old rapper Erica Banks is currently enjoying some breakout attention thanks to a viral challenge which uses a record of hers as the musical backdrop. Thanks to social media platform Tik Tok, Banks is quickly shedding her unknown, yet local, rapper image and is turning into a possible rising star to look out for this year.
The “Buss It Challenge” is the latest dance trend on Tik Tok to go viral. Much like the “Don't Rush” Challenge and “Savage” Challenge, this latest social media craze has cultivated a lot of attention for the artist whose record is featured as the anthem. The Buss It Challenge uses Banks’ song, “Buss It” and is a creative way for users to show off their transformative “glow-up” skills. With some make-up, minimal editing skills, and seemingly Meg thee Stallion-esque knees, the challenge is fun and easy to pull off.
Released in June 2020, “Buss It” uses a looped sample of Nelly’s “Hot in Here” record as it’s sonic foundation. It also makes for a catchy chorus as well. The record never really caught on after it’s initial release. However, thanks to a woman named Erika Davila, “Buss It” found new life almost immediately.
Davila was the first one to create and do the challenge. She posted a video of herself doing the drop-down-to-twerking process back on January 1. Featuring Banks’ “Buss It” as the soundtrack, the #BussItChallenge was soon born, becoming a viral sensation within the first few weeks of 2021. The hashtag has been trending on Twitter for several days, with celebrities including Gabrielle Union and DaniLeigh getting in on the fun.
Okay Gab with the good knees! pic.twitter.com/u4YgaySorJ
— TheShadeRoom (@TheShadeRoom) January 12, 2021
What started as a song, from a generally unknown artist, going nowhere has turned into a social media hit. It’s garnered Erica Banks elevating exposure and a break out introduction to larger audiences. The challenge, more importantly, is a clear testament to the power of social media. The Buss It Challenge gave the record a completely new vibe and image seemingly overnight. Banks also attested to this, revealing that it wasn't all love when it came to “Buss It”.
Just a couple days ago Banks took to IG and clapped back at the several haters and nay sayers who’ve dismissed her and the record. “It’s funny to see some of y’all who was talking sh*t months ago dropping that #BussItChallenge. Y’all had a change of heart huh,” she wrote. From constantly compared as being a diet Meg thee Stallion to accusations of biting her flow and style, Erica Banks now has an opportunity to separate herself and prove she’s her own artist.
Social media has become the biggest promotion tool for artists who may not have the machine behind them. It’s time to take as serious note of that. In Banks’ case, she’s definitely garnered a more focused visibility among general hip-hop fans. And now thanks to Tik Tok, she ended up having the last laugh. Mission accomplished.
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:
SHARE TO SOCIAL MEDIA
Lona Talks The Release Of His Album "Heart Of The Summer"
Texas rapper Lona, dropped his new album titled “Heart Of The Summer”, featuring 20 tracks!
“I was inspired by a lot from heartbreak to personal adversity, the climate of the world, triumph, defeat; just a host of emotions and experiences to be honest.”
By: Omar Cook
“I’m appreciative of all the love and support. i poured my heart into this so it means a lot to know people are not only listening but connecting with the music.”
Texas rapper Lona, dropped his new album titled “Heart Of The Summer”! Lona did not hold back on this project as he delivered 20 tracks on the album with features from other rising artists including Nayome, Kennyraccs, and LAW.
“The title was a metaphor my cousin used to describe my spirit in a conversation at a low point in my life. It stuck with me as I was working through it and eventually it became the title for this project. I was inspired by a lot from heartbreak to personal adversity, the climate of the world, triumph, defeat; just a host of emotions and experiences to be honest.”
This project features a lighter tone in music opposed to his previous projects which is probably just what people need with the current state of the world.
“I wanted to open up more of myself to people, one of my closest cousins pointed out my music could be really dark and moody but I’m not always that way so I made it a point to do more upbeat records this time around to show the side of me people don’t always see. I hoped to create a bright summer soundtrack for people to live to while at the same time sharing some inner thoughts I’d maybe hinted at but not really spoken on and also share things people may not have known about me.”
The pandemic slowed up life for a lot of people but it is still a great time for artists releasing music as artists have had time to be creative and put together dope projects.
“The pandemic definitely affected me in a lot of ways, cause for one I was homeless during the majority of it and the year which was a battle of its own. Which is something that really drove me during the creation of this project. It also stopped me from being able to do all the features in person which would’ve been cool. Just trying to navigate when to put it out also, it’s been so many things going on in the world, I never want to come across tone deaf so I was sitting on it for awhile because of all the social injustice and covid-19.”
The album features a number of dope tracks especially a collab with Nayome titled “Right Back Down”.
“My favorite track if i had to pick one right now today would be ‘Been About’ or ‘Southside Hooligan’. I’m also really proud of the intro and outro so it changes a lot lol.”
Even with the recent release of this album, Lona is already preparing for more!
Expect more music, I’m already working on 2 projects for next year. Visuals too, I have some shot already so I’m just waiting for the right time to start letting them go. Also merch and something special I’m cooking up for them so there’s a lot coming.
This is definitely a must listen to project as it is almost guaranteed to give you good vibes as well as lyrics that are relevant and relatable.
I think this one is brighter in the tone of the music and I feel like it came together more organically. with 346 i had a story/concept in mind that I tried to stick to but this time around I just made songs and then picked what fit the best.
Listen to the album below!
Lona - Long Winter
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:
SHARE TO SOCIAL MEDIA
Nayome Talks Her New EP "Personal" And Drops New Video For "Show Me"
Texas singer Nayome dropped her new EP titled Personal! This is her 2nd full project after dropping her 1st EP Recovered+ in 2018.
“My intention was to let people know that it’s ok to be vulnerable, whether it’s after being hurt or if you’re in love.”
“My intention was to let people know that it’s ok to be vulnerable, whether it’s after being hurt or if you’re in love. I think personal experiences really shift our navigation around love. I just wanted to share my experience and hope that people resonated with that.”
By: Omar Cook
Texas singer Nayome dropped her new EP titled Personal! This is her 2nd full project after dropping her 1st EP Recovered+ in 2018, and it is definitely full of good vibes.
“The inspiration came on it’s own. When I start an EP or a project, I don’t really think about a name, I just think about the intention behind the songs I wanted to do and I definitely wanted these songs to be a little bit more personal. I wanted to open up and be more vulnerable with my song selections. As you hear on “Wrong Me” and “Show Me”, I feel like these are very vulnerable tracks and they aligned perfectly with my personal life. So once I was done with all 5 songs, it was definitely in an intention on being personal which come to find out was a perfect EP name.”
This project features very relatable tracks pertaining to dating and relationships. One song that stands out is the very 1st track on the EP titled “Show Me” which Nayome also dropped a dope new visual for.
Nayome - Show Me (Official Music Video)
“It’s hard for me to pick my favorite track because I truly love all of the songs on there. I’ll have to say the female collaboration with Eimaral Sol is my favorite. It was an empowering feeling that I got whenever I heard that track the first time through and I was like wait a minute, I think we really did that on the track! It was empowering to have my first female feature and Eimaral Sol came through and really did her thing and we came up with our little mantra ‘can’t run, can’t hide, karmas coming and she’s on our side. So that’s the one that I think most people are gravitating towards and I gravitate towards but it’s going to have to be between that one and show me.”
Nayome featured some other Texas talent with collaborations from Deezie Brown and Eimaral Sol. The production on the EP is top notch giving out the perfect vibes for a late night drive. The switch up in delivery from slow R&B on “F*****g With You” to Nayome delivering rap lyrics on “I Wasn’t Done” takes the project to the next level. Nayome is definitely coming into her own as an artist and you can hear the growth from the 1st EP to this one.
“You can expect some different sounds on this project. I collaborated with my boy Deezie Brown and he really came through on the productions. I would say there’s a lot of productions on this project that is amazingly dope all local to Austin, TX. I had collaborated with Nick Cooper, Sam Houston and Deezie Brown but Deezie executive produced. One thing I told him is I don’t want this to sound like anything out there so when you listen to the first track, I feel like I finally found my sound. it sounds like me, and I’m just so proud of like the products that we have on the project. So just be looking out for some great production, great messages, and great vibes. It fits every vibe, cleaning in your kitchen, out with the bae, or right after a break up.”
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:
SHARE TO SOCIAL MEDIA
Liron Dayo and TZO Talk "The Pink Room" EP Release
Texas rap duo Liron Dayo and TZO dropped a hot new EP titled The Pink Room! We talked with the duo in an exclusive interview, check it out here!
By: Omar Cook
Texas rap duo Liron Dayo and TZO dropped a hot new EP titled The Pink Room! The duo put together a smooth 6 track project that is a must listen! We talked with the duo in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
Question: What was your inspiration for the title of this project?
Liron Dayo: Honestly, its pretty basic. "The Pink Room" was inspired by "The Pink Room" lol. It was kind of a running joke. TZO had been seeing this girl who's room was actually pink. He sent a picture of the room to our group chat one day, and from then on, whenever he was slow to reply, we would joke that he was in the "pink room." The whole project is themed around random encounters with women. It's lighthearted, and a bit of an homage to that special place we're always trying to get to.
TZO: Yeah what Dayo said lol it was just a light joke and a light moment and it just hit us that the concept could be way bigger than an inside joke!
Question: What do you want people to know about your music and this project?
Liron Dayo: We really want people to know how fucking dope we are. Seriously. Bars for days, a ton of creativity, and talent. As for the project itself, its just fun. We want people to listen to it, and smile...maybe encourage a little recreational activity with a willing partner, lol.
TZO: I know for sure I want people to be able to vibe to the music and also learn something from it, DTx’s story telling us something I pride us on as a duo, we both know what to say and how to say it to make it fit. We make stories into dope songs.
Question: What do you feel is a song that people MUST listen to on this project?
Liron Dayo: I thought "Admission" would be THE song...but people seem to love "Beat." Honestly, whichever one they vibe with the most, I love all my babies.
TZO: I think if you play any track on there you need to listen to it all, it’s a beautiful coherent body of work that we put some elbow grease into lol so if you’re gonna listen to one, listen to them all!
Question: How did you generate ideas for the songs on this EP?
Liron Dayo: Life experience. My process is really simple, I hear a beat, and the hook comes to me. If not, then my cadence comes to me, and I figure out what I wanna talk about later.
TZO: Honestly Dayo took the lead on the beat selection on this project, of course I had a say but I also knew he was better at creating this type of vibe we were going for with this project. The topics were easy, we both know about pleasing women and all the situations that come with a happy/unhappy partner. Once the topics come the rest just flows!
Question: What is your ultimate goal with your music?
Liron Dayo: Ultimately, I want my music to lend me a platform to do big things. On a more basic level, I think we both simply want our music to make people feel good, and occasionally make them think a little too.
Question: What separates this project from your past projects?
Liron Dayo: Just the natural progression that comes with doing something over and over again. This is the 2nd mixtape we've done together, and you can hear the growth.
TZO: This project is full of vibes maybe not everyone knew we were capable of creating but I think we wanted to be bigger and better on this one and we’re gonna get bigger and better with every project we do from here on out. More DTx coming very soon.
Download the project here!
Meet Camille Shanklin, Media Correspondent for 247 Live Culture!