HERE'S WHY YO GOTTI IS THE INDUSTRY'S HOTTEST RECORD EXECUTIVE RIGHT NOW

The rapper to record executive transition is a trend that has always been extremely popular in Hip Hop. In Jay-Z’s 2005 hit song “Dear Summer”, he let us in on his artist to business man transition plans which is arguably the greatest pipeline we’ve ever seen. Since then Jay-Z is now the owner of a $140 million music empire known as Roc Nation which manages the careers of everyone from Meek Mill to Megan thee Stallion. Rap superstar Lil Wayne during his career, became the head of the YMCMB movement and brought the game talented acts like Drake and Nicki Minaj. It seems like rappers are the true A&Rs and are able to use their unique artist experiences and network of resources to bring in the newest and best talent to music lovers. Most recently, CMG heavyweight Yo Gotti appears to have a distinctive niche for what the music industry needs. With acts like Blac Youngsta, Moneybagg Yo, 42 Dugg and his latest signee EST Gee, Yo Gotti is the newest power player in the exec game.

Yo Gotti began rapping in the 1990s along with his Memphis underground crew. He released his first tape titled "Youngsta on a Come Up" as Lil Yo in 1996. The record soon became a local hit, making Gotti the leader of local underground hip-hop group and one of the brightest rappers in Memphis. Since then Gotti has embarked on major success as he is well-known for his songs like ‘Down in the DM,’ and ‘Rake It Up’ featuring with Nicki Minaj and has over 100 million views.

Although he already had an artist by the name of Snottie Wild, fans are most familiar with Blac Youngsta, the second signee on the CMG label. As a recording artist, Youngsta got his start in 2012 with mixtapes, including the Fast Brick series. “Blac Youngsta’s style is unique and he has the energy to be a great entertainer,” says Yo Gotti about Youngsta. “His hustle and drive reminds me of myself, so I thought he’d be a perfect fit at CMG.” After remaining constant and connecting a few dots, Blac Youngsta landed a meeting with the CMG team and, within a few weeks, a meeting with Gotti himself, which led to an opportunity to tour with his idol for two months while still independent. Following the tour, Gotti decided that Blac Youngsta was ready and signed him immediately. This was fan’s first time really seeing Yo Gotti’s eye and ear for talent as Blac Youngsta has over 50m collective views on Youtube with hits like “Booty”, “Cut Up” and “Hip Hopper” featuring Lil Yatchy.

Moneybagg Yo, a rapper from Memphis, began releasing music in 2012. He signed to Yo Gotti's Collective Music Group in 2016 through which he has his own Bread Gang imprint. From there, Moneybagg started really turning his hustle up, performing at sold out shows and releasing a number of great projects including ‘2 Federal’. His latest album ‘A Gangsta’s Pain’, cracked the peak position and debuted at the top of the Billboard 200.” The album features guest appearances from Pharrell Williams, Future, Lil Durk and others with hits including “Time Today” and “Wockesha”.

A native of Detroit's often-dangerous East Side, 42 Dugg began rapping while incarcerated and took it more seriously when he was let out, releasing his first song, "Mama, i'm sorry" in January 2018. His talent caught the ear of rising star Lil Baby The pair would eventually connect a year later, when Dugg flew to Atlanta to meet Lil Baby and the rest of his team.Just a few months later, Yo Gotti got wind of Dugg's movement through Baby and wanted to become involved with his ascension. Fast forward to March 2020, and Gotti eventually gifts Dugg with a CMG chain in his hometown of Detroit on Meek Mill's Motivation Tour, signifying his allegiance to the Collective Music Group through a joint venture with Lil Baby's 4PF label. 42’s song “We Paid” featuring Lil Baby has racked up 270m views on Youtube. 42 Dugg is a fan favorite with his signature whistle featured in all songs. Solo songs like “Dog Food” have also seen numbers, with over 17m views on Youtube.

CMG latest signee is Lousville, Kentucky rapper EST Gee. Yo Gotti announced that rising Louisville rapper EST Gee has signed to his label CMG Records following the release of the breakthrough project, I Still Don't Feel Nun. "I know a star and hustler when I see one and EST Gee is up next," Gotti said of the signing. "He got what it takes. I Still Don't Feel Nun featured appearances from CMG's own CEO Yo Gotti, Moneybagg Yo and 42 Dugg, as well as fellow Louisville rapper Jack Harlow. EST Gee is even on the radar of Jay-Z, with the two having phone conversations and making plans to connect at the studio. EST Gee’s recent project “Bigger than Life or Death”, did extremely well upon his release and with ties to some of the freshest acts in Hip Hop, EST Gee is easily one of the hottest rappers out now. The project, which featured artists like Pooh Shiesty, Future and Young Thug debuted at #1 on Apple Music.