QUALITY CONTROL MUSIC SIGNS JOINT VENTURE WITH CAPITOL MUSIC GROUP/MOTOWN RECORDS

20 May 2015 - Press release

Quality Control Music (QCM), the highly successful and influential hip-hop label based in Atlanta, has entered into a new joint venture with Capitol Music Group (CMG), in tandem with its Motown Records label, in which QCM artists will be worked by Motown and other divisions within CMG. The deal was announced today by QCM's CEO, Pierre "Pee" Thomas, the company's COO, Kevin "Coach K" Lee, and CMG's Chairman and CEO Steve Barnett. The deal was brought to CMG and signed by Motown President, Ethiopia Habtemariam, who will oversee the companies' partnership in conjunction with CMG Executive Vice President, Scott Greer.

 The first release under the new agreement will come in the fourth quarter of this year from Atlanta-based rapper OG Maco, who has risen to fame through a series of EPs and mixtapes and his 2014 smash single, "U Guessed It." CMG and Motown teams and affiliations for Quality Control Music artists will be jointly decided on a case-by-case basis between the two companies, with releases being handled through Universal Music Distribution or CMG's Caroline.

     According to Habtemariam, "Quality Control Music has ascended to become one of the most influential independent labels in hip-hop music. Pee and Coach K have developed an exciting brand in Quality Control, and like Motown, the goals are aligned in moving urban culture forward with music and talent that connect around the world. We¹re all on the same page, and are going to make major waves."

     Thomas commented, "We appreciate Steve, Ethiopia, Scott, Michelle and the Motown/Capitol Music Group team for believing in our vision to take Quality Control to the next level. We believe that this partnership will help us expand our brand globally. As the saying goes, 'When you work hard, it pays off.'

     Added Lee, "We're excited about this partnership and believe in Motown and CMG's commitment to Hip-Hop and its role in the company's Urban Music profile. The people there are really good at what they do, and we'll be providing them with great music and artist development to enhance their growth. Teaming together should bring awesome results for everyone."

     Quality Control Music formed in March 2013 by partners Thomas and Lee, who have developed a hand-picked roster of talent from the longtime rap hotbed of Atlanta. The company includes a radio and promotions staff, as well as publishing and management divisions. The company is based in Atlanta on the city's West Side, in a headquarters that encompasses office spaces and recording studios.