EMPIRE MOVES INTO
UMG'S KINGDOM

Ghazi Shami’s Empire, the San Francisco-based independent music company, is moving its fiefdom to Universal Music Group.

UMG and Empire will work together on select artist projects from UMG’s labels that will benefit from Empire’s unique approach to distribution, digital sales, promotion and marketing.

Its clients include labels and artists, both developing and veteran stars, across hip hop, R&B, Latin, reggae, pop, rock, gospel, and country.

Founded in 2010, and first enjoying success with ScHoolboy Q, Empire has worked with Top Dawg Entertainment, Bad Vibes Forever and other imprints.

Shami, a former engineer who consulted at INgrooves before founding his company, has focused on streaming platforms while working off non-exclusive partnerships.

The company has provided distribution, label services and promotion for singles and albums by such artists as Kendrick Lamar, Anderson .Paak, Migos, XXXTENTACION, Cardi B, Snoop Dogg and others.