From Jermaine Dupri’s So So Def records to Gucci Mane’s 1017 Brick Squad, Atlanta has frequently played host to stacked rosters of artists making waves in the rap world. One of the most recent and prominent labels to show up in the city is Quality Control Music. The Indie label hit the scene in 2013 as the creation of Kevin “Coach K” Lee and Pierre “Pee” Thomas.
From Jermaine Dupri’s So So Def records to Gucci Mane’s 1017 Brick Squad, Atlanta has frequently played host to stacked rosters of artists making waves in the rap world. One of the most recent and prominent labels to show up in the city is Quality Control Music. The Indie label hit the scene in 2013 as the creation of Kevin “Coach K” Lee and Pierre “Pee” Thomas.
Coach K relocated from Indiana in 1996 to help run a music label with Atlanta Hawks player Alan Henderson. Since, he has gone on to manage ATL rap legends Young Jeezy and Gucci Mane. Pee, who was coming off a stint running a beleaguered small rap label, began having chats with Coach K about starting something new.
During the time of their talks, Coach K was already managing the buzzing trio, Migos, who were gaining attention for their viral hit “Bando.” Pee chose to trust in Coach K’s abilities to find and manage talent and agreed to sign the trap rap group shortly after meeting them for the first time.
When the Migos first signed to Quality Control Music they moved into Coach K’s studio and began making music at a rapid fire rate. After the group dropped their debut single, “Versace,” things really kicked into gear. The single was already heating up the airwaves when billboard chart-killer, Drake, provided a guest verse for the remix.
The Quality Control Music lineup also includes Skippa Da Flippa, Johnny Cinco, Rich the Kid, OG Maco and Lil Yachty (the most recent addition). Adjusting to the new digital age of music, the Atlanta-based label helps it’s artists become stars through mixtape releases, digital singles, merch and heavy tour schedules.
Quality Control Music seems poised to be a mainstay in the Atlanta music scene with a team of talented in-house producers, the combined expertise of Coach K and Pee, and a proven ability to find new talent.
