Kanye West Record Label: Which Music Company Does He Work With Today?

Kanye West Record Label: Which Music Company Does He Work With Today?

By Marcus Bennett

March 3, 2025 at 04:39 PM

Kanye West is currently not signed to any major record label as of 2024, having gained complete independence after departing from Def Jam Recordings in 2021. This marks a significant shift in his music career, as he now releases music through his own channels.

Previously, Kanye had a long-standing relationship with Def Jam Recordings and Universal Music Group, which began in 2004 with the release of his debut album "The College Dropout." During this period, he released the majority of his most successful albums through these labels.

Here's a chronological breakdown of Kanye's label associations:

• 2004-2021: Def Jam Recordings/Universal Music Group
• 2004-present: GOOD Music (his own record label imprint)
• 2021-present: Independent artist

It's worth noting that while Kanye operates independently now, he still maintains control of GOOD Music, his own record label imprint which he founded in 2004. This label has signed various artists over the years and continues to operate as a platform for music releases.

The decision to go independent came after the completion of his contract with Def Jam Recordings, allowing him complete creative control and ownership over his future musical releases. This move aligns with his frequent advocacy for artist ownership and creative independence in the music industry.

This independent status means that Kanye now has full control over his music distribution, marketing, and release strategy, without the need to conform to traditional label structures or requirements. He can release music directly to streaming platforms and other distribution channels of his choosing.

For fans wondering where to find his new music, Kanye now releases his work through various digital platforms and his own channels, maintaining direct control over his artistic output and business decisions.

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