300 Entertainment is a Warner Music Group imprint, now operating as part of Atlantic Music Group. It was founded in 2012 by Lyor Cohen, Kevin Liles, Todd Moscowitz, and Roger Gold as an independent-minded label within a major distribution framework. 300 built the careers of Young Thug, Megan Thee Stallion, and Gunna, and focuses on hip-hop, R&B, and pop. It also operates 300 Studios for film and television content.
300 was acquired by WMG and integrated into Atlantic Music Group. Its identity is built on a modern, streaming-first approach to hip-hop artist development. The label has been unusually successful at breaking rap artists in the 2010s and 2020s, with Megan Thee Stallion becoming one of the biggest rappers in the world under its guidance.
How 300 Operates
300 runs dedicated A&R for hip-hop and R&B within Atlantic Music Group's infrastructure. It uses WMG's global distribution but maintains a distinct culture rooted in its founders' Def Jam lineage (Lyor Cohen and Kevin Liles both came from Def Jam). 300 Studios extends the brand into visual content.
Why It Matters for Independent Artists
For hip-hop artists, 300 is one of the most effective modern rap labels. Its track record with Young Thug, Megan Thee Stallion, and Gunna shows it understands streaming-era rap marketing. Its integration into Atlantic Music Group gives it major distribution while preserving a specialist culture.
Drawbacks and Things to Consider
- Master ownership: 300 (via WMG) owns your masters under a standard deal.
- Integration into Atlantic: 300 no longer operates as a fully independent entity. Strategy is now coordinated with Atlantic Music Group.
- No unsolicited demos: You need representation or an A&R relationship.
- Hip-hop focus: Artists outside rap and R&B should look elsewhere in WMG.
Notable Artists and Releases
| Artist | Release | Year | Billboard 200 Peak | First-Week Units |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Young Thug | So Much Fun (album) | 2019 | No. 1 | 131,000 |
| Megan Thee Stallion | Good News (album) | 2020 | No. 2 | 100,500 |
| Gunna | DS4EVER (album) | 2022 | No. 1 | 150,000 |
| Gunna | a Gift and a Curse (album) | 2023 | No. 3 | 85,000 |
| Fetty Wap | Fetty Wap (album) | 2015 | No. 1 | 129,000 |
| Migos | Culture (album, co-released with QC) | 2017 | No. 1 | 131,000 |
| Megan Thee Stallion | "Savage" (single, with Beyonce remix) | 2020 | No. 1 Hot 100 | N/A |
| Fetty Wap | "Trap Queen" (single) | 2014 | No. 2 Hot 100 | N/A |
| Young Thug | "Hot" (single feat. Gunna) | 2019 | No. 31 Hot 100 | N/A |
| Lil Yachty | "Poland" (single) | 2022 | Viral hit | N/A |
Video Highlights
Deal Structures
300 Entertainment operates within Atlantic Music Group and offers several deal types:
- Traditional recording deals: The standard 300 deal is a traditional recording contract where the label (via WMG) owns the masters. Advances, recording budgets, and marketing are funded by the label against future royalties.
- Joint venture imprints: 300 has structured joint venture deals for sublabels, including Young Stoner Life Records (YSL), which operates as an imprint under the 300 umbrella with its own signings (including Gunna and Lil Keed).
- Co-release deals: Some releases are co-released with partner labels. Migos' Culture (2017) was co-released with Quality Control Music, with both labels sharing credit.
- Distribution through Atlantic Music Group: All 300 releases flow through WMG's global distribution network. The label does not offer standalone distribution deals to outside artists.
- No 360 deals as standard: 300's deals are primarily recording-focused. Merchandise, touring, and publishing revenue typically remain with the artist unless separately negotiated.
How Artists Get Signed
- A&R scouting: 300 runs dedicated A&R focused on hip-hop and R&B. A&R reps monitor streaming platforms, social media, and regional scenes (particularly Atlanta) to identify emerging talent.
- Referrals from existing relationships: The most common path to a 300 deal is through an existing relationship. Managers, attorneys, and producers connected to the 300 network refer artists directly to A&R executives.
- No unsolicited demos: 300 does not accept cold demo submissions. Artists need representation (manager, attorney, or producer) to initiate contact.
- Streaming and social media traction: 300 signs artists who have already built measurable traction. Fetty Wap was signed after "Trap Queen" gained viral momentum on SoundCloud. Megan Thee Stallion had built a following through mixtapes and social media before signing.
- Atlantic Music Group coordination: Because 300 operates within Atlantic Music Group, signing decisions may involve coordination with Atlantic's broader A&R team. The label's integration into Atlantic means strategy is aligned with the parent group.
- Lyor Cohen lineage: The founders' Def Jam background means 300's A&R culture is rooted in traditional hip-hop A&R (relationship-based, not data-driven alone). Personal connections and cultural credibility matter as much as streaming numbers.
Similar Labels
- Quality Control Music - Atlanta hip-hop powerhouse, co-released Migos' Culture with 300
- Atlantic Records - 300's parent group within WMG
- Cash Money Records - Major hip-hop imprint with comparable roster model
- Republic Records - Major imprint with streaming-era success
- Def Jam Recordings - Founders' original label home
- Empire Distribution - Independent with hip-hop focus
- Cactus Jack Records - Hip-hop imprint with similar artist development model
Related Resources
- Record Label Contracts Explained - What a 300 deal contains
- How to Get a Record Deal in 2026 - Building traction in hip-hop
- Music Royalty Splits Guide - Split sheets before signing
- Atlantic Records - 300's parent group anchor
- 300 Entertainment Official Site - Roster and news
