At HipHopRaisedMeTheBlog.com, we’re diving into the complex relationship between Carl Crawford, the founder and CEO of 1501 Certified Entertainment, and rapper Megan Thee Stallion. After a tumultuous split that led to a significant legal battle, Crawford is sharing his perspective on what went wrong and how he’s moving forward.
For a long time, the narrative around the fallout primarily featured Megan’s side, but now Crawford is stepping into the spotlight to clarify his views. In a candid conversation with Audiomack co-founder Brian Zisook, he reflected on the impact of losing a superstar like Megan, who signed with 1501 in 2018 under a “360 deal.” This type of contract allows the label to take a percentage of various income streams, including merchandise and concerts. Crawford admits that the contract he offered was not the best for artists, saying, “I didn’t fully understand the business at the time.” He recognizes that taking 40 percent of her net profit was a miscalculation stemming from his inexperience.
The fallout from their split has significantly affected Crawford’s public image. “I went from being seen as a hard-working athlete to the villain in music overnight,” he shared, illustrating the swift shift in perception. However, this experience has led him to reevaluate how he runs his label. He now has a dedicated 10-person staff, a significant change from the earlier days when he managed everything alone. “I don’t let anyone control what I’m doing anymore,” he emphasized, highlighting a more hands-on approach.
While the past may have been rocky, Crawford is working to rebuild trust with artists and restore the reputation of 1501. One of his promising new signees is Luh Ceo, a 19-year-old MC from Mississippi, indicating a new direction for the label. Although Crawford’s story may not win over Megan’s dedicated fanbase, known as the Hotties, it shows his commitment to learning from past mistakes and creating a more artist-friendly environment.
Since departing from 1501, Megan Thee Stallion has embraced her independence and currently operates under a distribution deal with Warner Records. As both parties move forward, it remains to be seen how their paths will continue to evolve in the ever-changing landscape of the music industry.
Stay tuned for more updates on Carl Crawford, Megan Thee Stallion, and the ongoing developments at 1501 Certified Entertainment as both sides navigate their futures.
