Label
EMPIRE
EMPIRE is the San Francisco-based independent music company that proved you do not need a major label to move the culture. Founded by Ghazi Shami in 2010, the company operates as a label, distributor, and publisher with offices in New York, London, Lagos, and Johannesburg, plus recording studios in San Francisco and New York. In January 2025, Shami purchased 1 Montgomery Street in San Francisco for approximately $20 million, a former bank building that cements the company's physical stake in the city where it was built. The roster spans hip-hop, R&B, Latin, Afrobeats, and K-pop, with artists including Shaboozey, Anderson .Paak, and Wizkid among those who have passed through its distribution infrastructure.
EMPIRE's entry into K-pop came through its partnership with Galaxy Corporation to distribute G-Dragon's music internationally. The label handled the global release of the single 'POWER' (October 2024) and the studio album Ubermensch (February 2025) outside Asia. The deal gave G-Dragon an artist-friendly independent distribution model rare in K-pop, where major agencies typically control international rights.
The company's commercial credibility reached a new level with Shaboozey's 'A Bar Song (Tipsy),' which held the top position on the Billboard Hot 100 for 19 consecutive weeks in 2024, setting a record for most weeks at No. 1 in the 2020s. Shaboozey received five Grammy nominations in 2025, including Song of the Year. EMPIRE's track record of launching artists without creative compromise has attracted a caliber of talent that consistently outperforms its independent status.
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G-Dragon performing live in Indonesia, July 2025. G-Dragon signed to EMPIRE in 2024. Photo: CC BY 3.0
Fans Also Ask
What is EMPIRE Distribution?
EMPIRE is an independent American record label, distribution, and publishing company founded in 2010 by Ghazi Shami in San Francisco. It has grown from a digital distribution startup to one of the largest independent music companies globally, with offices in New York, London, Lagos, and Johannesburg.
Which K-pop and international artists work with EMPIRE?
EMPIRE has released or distributed music for G-Dragon (as a distribution partner), Shaboozey, Anderson .Paak, Kendrick Lamar, XXXTentacion, Young Dolph, Key Glock, King Von, Tyga, T-Pain, Snoop Dogg, Cardi B, and African artists like Olamide, Asake, and Fireboy DML.
What makes EMPIRE different from major labels?
EMPIRE offers non-exclusive contracts, monthly royalty payments, and proprietary software that allows artists to track sales and streaming data in real-time. They focus on supporting independent artists and building long-term relationships rather than one-sided deals.
What divisions does EMPIRE have?
EMPIRE operates multiple divisions: EMPIRE Distribution (core business), EMPIRE Records (label services), EMPIRE Publishing (founded 2020), EMPIRE Africa (African market), EMPIRE Latino (Latin market), and EMPIRE Nashville (country music). They also maintain recording studios in San Francisco and New York.
