Quality Control

Biography

Quality Control Music is an American hip-hop record label and management company founded in Atlanta, Georgia, in March 2013 by Kevin "Coach K" Lee and Pierre "P" Thomas. Lee, a former manager for prominent Atlanta artists like Gucci Mane and Jeezy, and Thomas, an entrepreneur, invested $1 million to establish the label, which included a headquarters with recording studios in West Atlanta. The label quickly became influential in the hip-hop scene, known for discovering and developing new talent.

History and Rise to Prominence

Quality Control's first major success came with the signing of the Atlanta-based trio Migos in 2013. The group's single "Versace" became a viral hit, significantly raising the label's profile. Following this, the label signed other notable artists who would become major figures in contemporary rap, including Lil Yachty, Lil Baby, and City Girls. The label operates on a principle of artist development, often finding artists online and using internet-based analytics to market them effectively. In 2015, Quality Control entered a joint venture with Capitol Music Group and Motown, expanding its distribution and reach. By February 2023, the label's parent company, QC Media Holdings, was acquired by Hybe America for a reported $300 million, though Lee and Thomas retained control of the label.

Notable Artists and Releases

Quality Control's roster has been home to some of the most successful artists in modern hip-hop. The label's artists are often featured on compilation albums that showcase the collective talent of the label.

Key Artists:

• Migos
• Lil Baby
• Lil Yachty
• City Girls
• Cardi B (management)

Compilation Albums:

The label has released compilation albums, most notably the "Control the Streets" series. "Quality Control: Control the Streets, Vol. 1" was released in 2017, followed by "Quality Control: Control the Streets, Vol. 2" in 2019. These albums feature collaborations between the label's artists and have produced charting singles.

Beyond Music

In 2019, the founders expanded the Quality Control brand by establishing Quality Control Sports, a sports management agency representing athletes in professional basketball, football, and baseball. This move diversified the company's portfolio beyond the music industry. The company has also ventured into film.