Scooter Braun Drama: Artists Who Have Left Him Behind

Scooter Braun has been the subject of recent headlines pertaining to his high-profile clients. Throughout the past few days, rumors have circulated about Braun parting ways with some of his biggest artists. The famous manager, executive, and entrepreneur has been involved in the careers of Kanye West, David Guetta, Martin Garrix, and many more. In addition to his SB Projects company, which handles the management of notable artists, Braun founded Schoolboy Records. He is also involved with TQ Ventures, Mythos Studios, RBMG Records, and the eSports team 100 Thieves. 

Further, Braun founded the holding company Ithaca Ventures, which South Korean entertainment company Hybe Corporation acquired. Following the acquisition, Braun became the CEO of Hybe’s American branch. Aside from recent news, his most publicized business deal occurred in 2019 when Ithaca Ventures acquired Big Machine Records, giving him ownership of Taylor Swift’s master recordings. The purchase led to a highly publicized dispute between the two, and their debacle continues to loom over the latest stories about Braun.

Scooter Braun parting ways with some of his most prominent artists has led to mass speculation over possible causes. As of today, there is little information from official sources about why artists are leaving Braun’s management. Some speculate discrepancies between Braun and his clients, while other sources report that he is allegedly leaving management altogether. His latest tweet from two days ago reads, “Breaking news… I’m no longer managing myself.” Aside from that tweet, very few of these reports are official. Here are some artists who have left Scooter Braun behind, including those who still have yet to confirm their status with their manager.

Justin Bieber

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US businessman Scooter Braun (L) and Canadian singer Justin Bieber arrive for YouTube Originals’ “Justin Bieber: Seasons” premiere at the Regency Bruin Theatre in Los Angeles on January 27, 2020. (Photo by LISA O’CONNOR / AFP) (Photo by LISA O’CONNOR/AFP via Getty Images)

One of Scooter Braun’s career-defining moves as a manager was discovering a 13-year-old Justin Bieber. Since 2008, the two remained closely connected throughout their careers as Braun helped Bieber reach superstar status at a young age. Puck News initially reported that Justin Bieber was seeking new management and had not spoken to Braun in months. Despite the report, Bieber is reportedly still under contract with his longtime manager, and neither party has issued statements regarding their status. Some news outlets claim Bieber has left Braun’s management, while others have refuted those statements.

Demi Lovato

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BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 22: Demi Lovato performs onstage during the OBB Premiere Event for YouTube Originals Docuseries “Demi Lovato: Dancing With The Devil” at The Beverly Hilton on March 22, 2021 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images for OBB Media)

After four years of management, Demi Lovato has parted ways with Scooter Braun and SB Projects. According to Billboard, the “amicable” split was a mutual decision. Lovato initially signed with Braun in 2019, and he managed her through the releases of her most recent albums, 2021’s Dancing With the Devil… the Art of Starting Over, and 2022’s Holy Fvck. Her departure from Scooter Braun’s management was the first to be in this recent string of reported splits with his other clients.

Ariana Grande

scooter braun ariana grande
LAS VEGAS, NV – SEPTEMBER 24: Recording artist Ariana Grande performs onstage at the 2016 iHeartRadio Music Festival at T-Mobile Arena on September 24, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Ariana Grande’s supposed split from Scooter Braun’s management was reported the same day news outlets were made aware of Demi Lovato’s departure. There are conflicting reports on whether Ariana Grande is actually leaving her manager. Billboard cited sources that were certain of the split, while Variety’s unnamed sources refuted those claims. Braun has managed Ariana Grande’s entire music career, starting with her debut album Yours Truly. The singer has been actively promoting the album’s 10th anniversary with the help of SB Projects. The company’s social media posts coincided with the news of her departure. Although neither Braun nor Grande has commented, People claims that the pop star left SB Projects on “friendly terms.”

Idina Menzel

scooter braun idina menzel
NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 11: Idina Menzel performs onstage during the CNN Heroes Gala 2016 at the American Museum of Natural History on December 11, 2016 in New York City. 26362_011 (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Turner)

In addition to news surrounding splits from Justin Bieber, Demi Lovato, and Ariana Grande, Scooter Braun had other clients leave his management this year. Broadway star and film actress Idina Menzel parted ways with her former manager in January. She initially signed with SB Projects in 2019. Although her decision to walk away from Braun is unrelated to the most recent developments, many of his biggest clients have parted ways with him this year alone.

J Balvin

j balvin scooter braun
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 27: J Balvin performs on NBC’s “Today” at Rockefeller Plaza on August 27, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)

Much like Idina Menzel, J Balvin signed with Scooter Braun in 2019 and also parted ways with him earlier this year. In May, the Latin superstar ended his deal with Braun and is now managed by Roc Nation. His exit from SB Projects has only added to the latest drama in the Scooter Braun saga. J Balvin and Menzel were the first to walk away this year. Balvin’s departure points to a pattern where Braun sees many of his biggest clients consecutively part ways with his historical management empire in a short time.

Overall, many of the artists who have allegedly left Scooter Braun as a manager still have yet to comment. However, it appears that the businessman and executive is keeping himself busy. He seems to be focusing on his role as CEO of Hybe America. One possibility is that Braun is turning his attention towards K-Pop as BTS is Hybe’s biggest artist. Another theory is that he continues growing his repertoire with other artists and companies. Hybe recently signed Ozuna and acquired Quality Control Music, the label known for artists like Migos and City Girls. While Scooter Braun has parted ways with many of his high-profile clients, he still has a roster full of notable names like Zac Brown Band, Quavo, YG, The Kid Laroi, and more.

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How Scooter Braun Built His Empire

Establishing himself as a giant in the music industry, Scooter Braun is an executive and talent manager. During his meteoric rise to the top, Scooter has managed the careers of top artists like Kanye West, Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, and more.

Just as he’s known for his business acumen and eye for talent, he’s also known for controversy, including his dispute with Taylor Swift over her masters. Over the past few years, many of his artists have dropped him, putting his career in a precarious place. Many are wondering if the empire he spent years build is at risk of toppling.

Early Life Of Scooter Braun

Scooter Braun
Scooter Braun and Kanye West (Photo by Ben Rose/WireImage)

Scooter Braun was born Scott Samuel Braun on June 18, 1981 in New York City. While attending Emory University in Atlanta, Scooter threw lavish parties that attracted high-profile guests. Eventually, he caught the eye of Jermaine Dupri, founder of So So Def, who asked Scooter to join the marketing team of the label. Scooter agreed and dropped out of college. By 19, Scooter Braun officially got his entrance into the industry. Shortly after, he would become head of marketing at the label.

Read More: Scooter Braun: Sources Say Music Exec Is “Imploding,” Unsavoury Revelations Expected To Come

Scooter Braun Discovers Justin Bieber

Scooter Braun
US businessman Scooter Braun (L) and Canadian singer Justin Bieber arrive for YouTube Originals’ “Justin Bieber: Seasons” premiere at the Regency Bruin Theatre in Los Angeles on January 27, 2020. (Photo by LISA O’CONNOR / AFP) (Photo by LISA O’CONNOR/AFP via Getty Images)

In 2007, Scooter discovered a young Justin Bieber’s cover videos on YouTube. Knowing that Justin would be a hit, Scooter helped sign him to Usher’s Raymond Braun Media Group (RBMG) in a joint label venture with Island Def Jam in 2008. In quick succession, Scooter Braun became Justin’s road manager, where he helped steer Justin’s career into superstardom.

Read More: Kaliii’s Bikini Babe Thirst Traps Catch Ice Spice & Rubi Rose’s Attention After Scooter Braun Management Deal

Expanding His Empire

Scooter Braun
PHOENIX, AZ – FEBRUARY 03: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Scooter Braun (L) and Ariana Grande walk backstage during the “Dangerous Woman” Tour Opener at Talking Stick Resort Arena on February 3, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Live Nation)

During this same period, Scooter started SB Projects, a multi-faceted entertainment company involved in film and TV projects. But, not wanting to be a one-hit wonder, Scooter picked up the pace scouting new talent. He told The New Yorker, “I decided, I’m not just gonna break one new act, I’m going to break two more.” 

Scooter then signed Carly Rae Jepsen to his SchoolBoy Records and began managing the British boy band, The Wanted. By 2012, all three of his acts reached the top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. Other artists saw what Scooter was doing and wanted in. In 2013, Scooter signed Ariana Grande to his label, and by 2016, Scooter was her main manager.

Read More: Scooter Braun Speaks On $300M Quality Control Deal With Coach K & P: Video

Marriage And Blockbuster Deals

Scooter Braun
BURBANK, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 13: Yael Cohen Braun (L) and Scooter Braun attend FCancer’s 1st Annual Barbara Berlanti Heroes Gala at Warner Bros. Studios on October 13, 2018 in Burbank, California. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)

Although he was busy expanding his empire, Scooter still found time for love. He started dating Canadian health activist Yael Cohen in 2013. The two tied the knot the following year and went on to have two sons and a daughter.

As his family grew, Scooter continued to hustle. His SB Projects brokered world-class deals, including Justin Bieber’s Calvin Klein endorsement. Scooter was also responsible for Kanye West’s blockbuster partnership with Adidas. Through all of this, he added Quavo, J Balvin, and Demi Lovato to the roster of artists he represented. Everything seemed to be looking up for Scooter Braun.

Read More: The Kid Laroi Calls Out Scooter Braun While Teasing “Thousand Miles” Single

Scooter Braun Vs. Taylor Swift

Scooter Braun
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 21: Scooter Braun speaks onstage during the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce 2019 State of The Entertainment Industry Conference held at Lowes Hollywood Hotel on November 21, 2019 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Michael Tran/Getty Images)

In 2019, Scooter’s company, Ithaca Holdings, purchased Taylor Swift’s former label, Big Machine Label Group. As a result, Scooter Braun owned the masters of Taylor Swift’s first six albums. Despite Taylor wanting her rights back and calling him a “bully,” Scooter wouldn’t budge. As a result, the public mostly sided with Taylor and believed Scooter was dodging Taylor and being shady.

However, Scooter Braun let it be known that he was trying to reach out to Taylor. He said he had attempted to contact her and her lawyers for six months, but she refused to talk. Taylor dug in and said Scooter was trying to force her to sign a non-disclosure that would forever silence her. She claimed Scooter was so unfair that he wouldn’t even quote her team a price to buy back her masters.

Tired of being dragged, in 2020, Scooter sold Taylor’s masters for $300 million to a private equity firm called, Shamrock. Scooter told Variety that he was upset over the whole feud with Taylor and continued to stress that he left the door open for communication. He added, “The thing that struck me the worst is the word ‘bully.’ I’m firmly against anyone ever being bullied. I always try to lead with appreciation and understanding.”

Read More: Asher Roth Used To Babysit Justin Bieber, Lived In Same Building As Scooter Braun

More Acquisitions and Changes

Scooter Braun
LAS VEGAS, NV – JANUARY 07: Founder of SB Projects Scooter Braun speaks during a keynote at CES 2016 at the Las Vegas Convention Center on January 7, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. CES, the world’s largest annual consumer technology trade show, runs through January 9 and features 3,600 exhibitors showing off their latest products and services to more than 150,000 attendees. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

The South Korean company HYBE acquired Ithaca Holdings in 2021 in a deal valued at more than $1 billion. Two years later, as the CEO of HYBE America, Scooter led the charge in purchasing one of Atlanta’s top labels, Quality Control, in a $320 million deal.

A few months after HYBE’s acquisition of Ithaca Holdings, Scooter and his wife separated, with him filing for divorce in July 2021. As his home life was falling apart, Scooter Braun’s musical empire began to break.

Read More: Quavo Inks Management Deal With Scooter Braun’s SB Projects

Accusations & Mass Exodus

Word began to spread around the industry that Scooter Braun was a bit grimy, especially to protect his cash cow, Justin Bieber. Rapper Lil Twist who was once good friends with Justin told Business Insider that Scooter would spread negative stories about him to protect Justin’s reputation. He claimed he was used as a scapegoat and even took a marijuana possession charge for Biebs. Other sources said Scooter would routinely do anything to cover for Justin’s bad behavior, specifically his drug use.

By 2023, Demi Lovato had left Scooter Braun and Ariana Grande was reportedly looking to make her exit. Idina Menzel who had worked with Scooter since 2019 also parted ways. Despite the mass exodus, Scooter joked on X, “Breaking news… I’m no longer managing myself.”

While Scooter may have been all laughs, things got serious when rumors surfaced that Justin Bieber was leaving Scooter. News spread that Scooter and Justin hadn’t spoken in months. There was also word that Justin was so unhappy that he was looking for new management. However, those reports got squashed as quickly as they started. Hours later, Entertainment Tonight reported, “Justin and Scooter are still working together. Justin is not taking meetings to look for new management.”

Read More: Pharrell On Taylor Swift & Scooter Braun: “There’s A System In Place That’s Just All Wrong”

What’s Next For Scooter Braun?

With so much turmoil surrounding him, Variety is reporting that Scooter will step away from day-to-day artist management and focus more on his HYBE America CEO duties. One source said, “He’s imploding. It’s a different world since the pandemic. You just can’t be an asshole like that anymore.” Only time will tell how Scooter Braun comes out of all of this.

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Lil Baby, City Girls & Other QC Artists’ Fate Uncertain After Scooter Braun’s Departure

Scooter Braun

Scooter Braun, the talent manager behind artists like Quavo, Black Eyed Peas, and YG, has been experiencing a large volume of departures from his management team. The abrupt shift raises questions about the fate of Quality Control artists such as Lil Baby and City Girls. The situation has become a murky affair of off-the-record confirmations […]

The post Lil Baby, City Girls & Other QC Artists’ Fate Uncertain After Scooter Braun’s Departure appeared first on SOHH.com.

‘Kendall Roy Parts Ways With Scooter Braun’: The Jokes Are Flying After Multiple Artists Parted Ways With Manager/Taylor Swift-Nemesis Scooter Braun

What’s going on with Scooter Braun? Over the last few days the big time music manager has been losing clients left and right. Reportedly gone from his rolodex are Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, and Idina Menzel. Rumors had it Justin Bieber was vamoosing, too, but both parties have shot that one down (for now). Braun has claimed it’s really just him cutting back on the day-to-day of managing so he can spend more time as CEO of HYBE America. Others have suggested there’s a reason he’s switching jobs. Whatever the case, it’s inspired some hilarious memes on that joint previously called Twitter.

The fun seemed to begin after reports of Menzel’s departure dropped.

Soon people were joking that fictional musicians, from movies and TV, were joining the mass exodus from Braun’s services.

Other characters, however, weren’t leaving but joining Braun’s team.

Some chose real people who were fictionally teaming with Braun.

Some thought outside the box, choosing inanimate objects.

Amidst all the news, Taylor Swift — whose back catalog was infamously bought and sold off by Braun, prompting her to re-record them all — came up.

Everyone was having a good time, and then Braun himself had to get in on the joke.

But it was a good run for a good meme.

Scooter Braun: Sources Say Music Exec Is “Imploding,” Unsavoury Revelations Expected To Come

The headlines surrounding Scooter Braun’s name over the past few days have been nothing short of confusing. It was initially reported that he and longtime client Justin Bieber will be parting ways, leaving many music lovers shocked. However, shortly after that gossip hit the internet, sources confirmed that the pair plan to resume working together in the future. While that provided a sigh of relief to some, Variety dropped a report on Tuesday (August 22) with sources claiming that Braun will be walking away from the world of artist management.

Aside from the Bieber rumour, Demi Lovato has also amicably parted ways with SB Projects, and word has it that Ariana Grande is looking elsewhere too. This would mark the second time that she and Braun have gone their separate ways, though sources close to the industry exec are strenuously denying that update. It’s become increasingly hard to get any straight answers regarding the situation, though Variety‘s insiders are saying that Scooter will be focusing more on his role as the CEO of HYBE America, and less on the day-to-day management of artists.

Read More: Justin Bieber & Scooter Braun Management Deal Will Continue, Sources Confirm

Is Scooter Braun’s Career as We Know It Over?

“People are spreading rumours based on what they know, but they are off. Scooter’s team at SB Projects are still handling both Justin and Ariana as they work through what this new structure looks like,” one person told the outlet. However, there are still some insisting that this is the end of an era for Braun. “He’s imploding,” another source stated. “It’s a different world since the pandemic. You just can’t be an asshole like that anymore.”

While word of Scooter Braun’s alleged implosion continues to circulate through the headlines, it’s worth noting that it was only a few months ago that he struck up a $300M deal with Quality Control heads Coach K, and P. At the time, the executive seemed confident in the future of HYBE, as well as his other endeavours. Read more about that at the link below, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.

Read More: Scooter Braun Speaks On $300M Quality Control Deal With Coach K & P: Video

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Why Are Artists Leaving Scooter Braun?

Over the past few days, there have been reports that some of Scooter Braun’s biggest clients are seeking new management: Billboard reported yesterday that Ariana Grande and Demi Lovato have left Braun. That followed reports that Justin Bieber, who Braun famously started representing after seeing him on YouTube, was also splitting with Braun, although representatives for both parties declined the rumors.

Regardless, there’s something going on here, so what is it?

Variety has a new report that seems to offer some answers. What appears to be happening is that Braun is actually taking a step back from hands-on, day-to-day artist management so he can put more energy into being CEO of HYBE America.

A source told the publication, “All of Scooter Braun’s clients are under contract and negotiations have been going on for several months as Scooter steps into his larger role as HYBE America CEO. People are spreading rumors based on what they know, but they are off. Scooter’s team at SB Projects are still handling both Justin and Ariana as they work through what this new structure looks like.”

Meanwhile, Variety also cites sources with conflicting perspectives. One said, “He’s imploding. It’s a different world since the pandemic. You just can’t be an asshole like that anymore.” Another noted, “He’s getting out of management — he has been for years. That’s the real story.”

Braun himself cryptically addressed the situation today (August 22), tweeting, “Breaking news… I’m no longer managing myself.” That is so far the only public comment Braun has offered about the rumors.

Justin Bieber & Scooter Braun Management Deal Will Continue, Sources Confirm

In the music industry today, it’s rare to see artists find managers that they’re able to work with as they evolve for more than a few years. Of course, there are exceptions like Justin Bieber and Scooter Braun. They’ve been together since the Canadian was just a young boy from Stratford, Ontario sharing singing videos in his living room. Due to his many health struggles, Bieber has taken some time out of the spotlight as of late. On Friday (August 18), reports began circulating via Puck that he and Braun haven’t spoken in several months.

According to the original gossip tip, the “Baby” hitmaker has been shopping around for new management options. Rumour has it that lawyers are even involved. However, just hours after that news hit the net, Entertainment Tonight shared an exclusive report stating that Braun and his client have no bad blood between them. “Justin and Scooter are still working together. Justin is not taking meetings to look for new management. The two recently worked on something together,” multiple people have told the outlet.

Read More: Justin Bieber Cancels Remaining Justice World Tour Dates

Justin Bieber Not Seeking Out New Manager

It’s unclear exactly what they’re cooking up, but the last time we heard from the vocalist was early on in 2023. At the time, he joined Future to bring back everyone’s favourite R&Bieber vibes on Don Toliver’s Love Sick album. Their joint effort is called “Private Landing,” and has left fans hoping we’ll hear the 29-year-old revisit his Journals era. Months before that, he and the Cactus Jack artist connected on another hit single, “Honest.”

While there have been questions raised about the status of his relationship with one of his longest-standing clients, Scooter Braun’s talent roster definitely isn’t hurting. Apart from having both The Kid LAROI and Ariana Grande under his wing, the industry executive also recently signed rising rap diva Kaliii. Read more about that at the link below, and check back later for more music/pop culture news updates.

Read More: Kaliii’s Bikini Babe Thirst Traps Catch Ice Spice & Rubi Rose’s Attention After Scooter Braun Management Deal

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Asher Roth Used To Babysit Justin Bieber, Lived In Same Building As Scooter Braun

When Justin Bieber first got scouted by music executive Scooter Braun, he moved down from Canada to Atlanta with his mom. As his mom worked, the then 13-year-old was dropped off at Asher Roth’s house. While babysitting him, the rapper would teach the rising star skills that would become valuable in his musical career. Roth lived in the same building as Braun, who ultimately took the two emerging artists under his wings, thus building their careers today.

At the time that Roth started babysitting the “Sorry” singer, he was working on The Greenhouse Effect. The rapper noted in a 2010 interview with VladTV how Bieber’s mom was worried, supposedly based on the mixtape’s content. However, little Bieber remained with the upcoming artist and learned “everything he knows” from him, according to Roth. The “I Love College” rapper reflected on young Biebs influence on the youth, noting how “at the end of the day, the kids is really what it’s all about.”

Roth And Bieber Were Taken In By Braun

In a recent interview with Idea Generation, Braun reflected on that time period in his career. He recounts the balancing act of managing young artists early on, “I had this kid living in a townhouse illegally, and this guy living in like this broken down house two minutes away from that, and Asher was babysitting Justin sometimes, and like, it was wild back those days. But I fully believed in these guys, and I risked everything.” Ultimately, Braun’s recruitment of both Bieber and Roth resulted in their successful careers today.

Both artists remain signed to Braun’s label, School Boy. Roth released a collaboration album last year with Heather Grey titled Why’s It So Grey Out?, which includes features from Kota the Friend, Lord Apex, and Like. Bieber, on the other hand, recently joined talents with Don Toliver for their song “Private Landing.” Additionally, Biebs made a big win this year by selling his music catalog to Hipgnosis Songs Capital for $200 million. Needless to say, that’s a big jump from his early days of being babysat in Atlanta by Roth. For more news on hip-hop and pop culture, be sure to check out HNHH.

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Scooter Braun Speaks On $300M Quality Control Deal With Coach K & P: Video

On Thursday (February 9), Scooter Braun’s Hybe America entered an astounding $300M deal with Quality Control. Now, the executive’s company owns the southern label’s sports, music, television, and film branches. It may seem unexpected to some, but the New York native has a long-standing relationship with Coach K and P. This ultimately seems to have sealed the deal.

In wake of the huge merger, Braun and his new partners sat down with MSNBC to speak on their journey working together. “I brought my company into Hybe about two years ago,” Braun explains to Ari Melber in the interview. “And teamed up with the incredible entrepreneur whose responsible for BTS and so many other incredible groups out of Asia.”

Scooter Braun attends the Justin Bieber: Our World event at The Edge at Hudson Yards on September 14, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Amazon Studios)

“We decided to put our companies together and become one world company. What was very important to me was bringing opportunities from our platform to other entrepreneurs in the space.” The 41-year-old goes on to note that he and Coach K go back 20 years. He and P have also been friends for nearly a decade.

“I’ve admired them throughout my career. To have this opportunity to come together as one company is really a full circle moment,” Braun tells Melber. The former noted that this new deal will allow Quality Control to move into the global space like never before. P also shared his thoughts on the merger, specifically giving insight into why Atlanta’s hip-hop scene continues to blow up worldwide.

“It’s just cultural, you know what I mean? [This deal] is going to give our artists the reach to expand culturally across the globe.” The host then asked the duo how they managed to build QC from the group up to the level it’s reached today. “Brick by brick,” Coach K confirmed, noting that he and his collaborator had a huge vision for themselves from the start

The CEO explains to Melber, “We took it upon ourselves to move into different territories. We knew when streaming came – we started before streaming really hit – but when streaming came, it was like, with the push of a button, your music was in every territory. Now it was on us to go into these territories and make these other relationships so that our business could grow globally.”

Watch Scooter Braun, Coach K, and P’s full interview with MSNBC above. Afterward, let us know what your thoughts on the Hybe America x Quality Control merger are in the comments.

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South Korea’s HYBE Expands Its American Music Empire By Buying Quality Control, Home To Lil Baby And Others

Over the past few years, HYBE Corporation has become one of the biggest forces in music. The South Korean company owns Big Hit Music (home to artists like BTS and TOMORROW x TOGETHER), Big Machine Label Group (Tim McGraw, formerly Taylor Swift), and now, thanks to a new deal, Quality Control.

In a deal announced yesterday (February 8), HYBE subsidiary HYBE America bought QC (whose artists include Lil Baby, Lil Yachty, City Girls, and Migos) in a purchase “valued at $320 million in stock and cash,” as Variety reports.

HYBE America CEO Scooter Braun said of the deal:

“I am so proud and honored to have [Quality Control CEO Pierre ‘P’ Thomas and COO Kevin ‘Coach K’ Lee] join [HYBE chairman Bang Si-Hyuk] and I as our partners. QC is one of the most significant independent labels in the world, working with incredible artists who are, and remain to be, the voices of culture. I’ll never forget riding around Atlanta over 20 years ago with Coach discussing our dreams and ambitions and how we said, ‘If they let us in the game, we are never going to give it back.’ Now, all these years later, we are joining forces to make these dreams a reality.”

He also noted, “It’s important to me and my team that P and Coach continue to have the freedom, and now our global resources, to continue to do what they do best; facilitate and nurture great art and culture.”