Megan Thee Stallion signs with Interscope while keeping masters and publishing ownership
Music Business Worldwide reports that Megan Thee Stallion signed a distribution partnership with UMG's Interscope Records. The agreement moves distribution from Warner Music Group to Interscope two and a half years after she signed a similar deal with Warner. Megan keeps complete ownership of her masters and publishing and will continue releasing music through Hot Girl Productions. The partnership covers global distribution and strategic support for upcoming releases. Megan said the deal lets her stay true to her creative vision while increasing global reach.
THE BREAKDOWN
Ownership-retained distribution is now the headline structure for superstar artists with direct audience power. Managers should use this deal as a reference when negotiating label services, global distribution, marketing support, and creative control without handing over masters. Brand partners should recognize that artist-owned companies can approve rights faster and build campaigns around broader businesses, not only album cycles. Agents should also push for clear rules on data access, international marketing spend, and how label support converts into recoupment. The deal reinforces that cultural leverage can buy reach without surrendering core assets.
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