Collective Music Group (formerly known as Cocaine Muzik Group), is an American record label founded by rapper Yo Gotti. The label's current president is Yo Gotti's cousin, Brandon Mims. The label houses primarily Memphis-based hip hop artists, including Moneybagg Yo, Blac Youngsta, BlocBoy JB, and GloRilla, but is also home to artists including 42 Dugg, EST Gee, and Mozzy, among others.[1]
History
In 2012, Yo Gotti launched his own record label after signing to Epic Records. The label was originally named Cocaine Muzik Group based on the "addictiveness of the music released by the label", but decided to change the name after a phone call with 50 Cent who said "they’re going to be scared of that."[2] The label's first official release was Yo Gotti's sixth studio album I Am. On May 24, 2014, the label released a collective project featuring the whole roster titled Chapter One, including Wave Chapelle, Zed Zilla, and Snootie Wild.[3]
In 2015, CMG signed Memphis rapper Blac Youngsta following the single "Heavy", in which Yo Gotti appeared on the song's remix.[citation needed] In 2016, CMG signed Memphis rapper Moneybagg Yo.[4] In 2018, the label signed Blocboy JB. In 2019, CMG expanded and signed Detroit rapper 42 Dugg in a joint venture deal with Lil Baby's 4PF.[5] The record label also signed Memphis rapper Big Boogie in 2020.[6]
In January 2021, CMG announced the signing of Louisville rapper EST Gee.[7] On June 3, 2021, Yo Gotti signed a distribution deal with CMG and Interscope Records saying, "we share the same vision about winning – we want to break barriers, disrupt the industry and develop the next generation of superstars. I'm thrilled to partner with them as I continue focusing on CMG's expansion."[8]
On February 10, 2022, CMG launched a press conference announcing the signing of Sacramento rapper Mozzy.[9] In April 2022, CMG signed Jacksonville rapper Lil Poppa.[10] In May 2022, the label signed R&B artist Lehla Samia, becoming the first singer and female artist signed to the label.[11] In July 2022, CMG signed Memphis rapper GloRilla, with Yo Gotti saying she "is a natural born star – she has a different sound and approach that's needed in hip-hop right now".[12]
On July 15, 2022, CMG released their second compilation album titled Gangsta Art.[13]
In 2023, CMG released the compilation Gangsta Art 2 featuring appearances from GloRilla, Moneybagg Yo, Fivio Foreign, and Yo Gotti.[14]
