The Migos are calling flag on the play on Quality Control Music, the infamous Atlanta record company ran by Kevin “Coach K” Lee and Pierre “Pee” Thomas. The three-member rap group is claiming that they were robbed of millions of dollars through faulty business deals that was orchestrated by an in-house QCM lawyer.
Offset, Quavo and Takeoff filed a lawsuit against attorney Damien Granderson of Granderson Des Rochers and Davis Shapiro Lewit Grabel & Leven, LLP for excessively billing the trio, cheating them out of millions and failing to disclose that he had a conflict of interest as an attorney of the record label.
The complaint states, “From the commencement of his representation of Migos, Granderson plotted and schemed to betray his clients so he could take care of himself and QCM, regardless of the consequences and ramifications to Migos.”
The Atlanta rap group also believe that the lawyer, who they’ve been working with since 2014, prevented them from making the optimal amount of money by preventing the timely execution of the release of their 2017 album Culture.
Migos claim he “orchestrated a legal dispute with 300 Entertainment in an attempt to facilitate a move to a different record label, Capitol Records,” but the move delayed the album, resulting in a loss of revenue that could’ve been earned on tour and with merchandise sales.
The lawsuit comes as the label is dealing with the loss of their signed artist Lil Marlo who was shot and killed on an Atlanta highway earlier this week.
“Pee” Thomas, CEO of Quality Control Music, released a statement online addressing allegations of unfair business practices.
“It is unfortunate that the same people that we have worked hard for, provided opportunities for, and championed for are now alleging that we have participated in any kind of immoral or unfair business practices or took advantage of them and their careers, especially while we are dealing with the death of an artist on our label that was dear to us. We have always practiced honest business and complete transparency from the beginning when we started Quality Control Music. We built this business on family values, which has been so hard to do when you are dealing with so much pride and ego.
The problem that I have been struggling with in this business as a black man is jealousy, hate, division, and lack of communication. I was a millionaire before I got in the music business and for me to know the sacrifices I have made for the people that I have invested in and put every dollar, blood, sweat, and tears into is nonsense. I will not stand by and let Quality Control Music’s reputation and everything we have built and sacrificed be tarnished by allegations of unfair and unjust business practices. I am a student of this game and I have watched several black record label owners get destroyed by the same things that I am facing right now. This is why the majority of the people in this business end up in financial turmoil and ultimately failing to reach their full potential.
It is hard enough to be fighting and battling with corporations and the powers that be, I am not doing it with those who I consider family. I love my artists and I love my team. Everyone has their own lawyers. I understand in this business that you are not always going to end with the people you started with. I say that to say, I am not forcing anybody to be in business with us that has a problem and cannot communicate and does not want to work as a unit. Everything is negotiable. I wish my whole team more money, more blessings, and continued success. #longlivemarlo”
Migos recently topped the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart with their new single “Need It,” featuring YoungBoy Never Broke Again. The stat places the group head to head in a tie with mega groups Destiny’s Child and Dru Hill for the most Top 10s by a single group. Migos beat out Xscape, TLC, SWV and Boyz II Men for the coveted spot.
In the meantime, Coach K and Pee have been busy pushing their latest hot acts Lil Baby, who is in his fifth week at No. 1 on the Billboard charts.
