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While Yo Gotti himself might not be the most acclaimed artist, he seems to have settled in as head of one of the hottest, most quality labels in trap music: Collective Music Group. Previously named Cocaine Muzik Group, Gotti’s business acumen and status grew as he also became a phenomenal talent scout. Based out of Memphis, CMG has also reached dope artists from across the country, forming a body of work rivaled perhaps only by Gucci Mane’s new 1017. Here we will discuss some of CMG’s most notable artists.
Moneybagg Yo
A Memphis native himself, Moneybagg Yo has suddenly emerged as one of the biggest stars in all of hiphop. After years of grinding and even a collab album with Youngboy NBA, he has refined his sound and gotten bigger placements. Albums like 43va Heartless and A Gangsta’s Pain are simply full of bangers, dope collabs, and that signature Memphis flow. He’s not a super complex artist, but Moneybagg Yo is everywhere right now and is a cornerstone of CMG.
Listen to A Gangsta’s Pain on Spotify
EST Gee
Meanwhile, Louisville via Cincinnati rapper EST Gee has blown up through raw talent. With a distinctly Southern voice, he has also adopted a rapid Detroit flow that lets his lyricism shine. Relative to the scene, EST Gee is actually a beast on the mic and his verses are always full of clever, mean bars and solid rhymes. His discography is very consistent, but The Bigger Than Life or Death series stands out as some of the best trap releases is recent years. He also dropped a fun collab album with fellow CMG signee 42 Dugg this year entitled Last Ones Left.
Check out our review of Last Ones Left
Listen to Bigger Than Life or Death on Spotify
42 Dugg
Anybody who’s into trap music today should know 42 Dugg by now; Ever since featuring on Lil Baby’s “We Paid” in 2020, he’s been on a hot streak and ascended to superstardom. He’s also unique to CMG as he is from Detroit, embodying the city’s signature flow and energy. Dugg also has some great melodic cuts. All of this culminated in him dropping Free Dem Boyz last year, an epic, star studded album which truly defines his scene. While he might remain caught up in legal troubles, Dugg has lots of material and is an essential listen.
Check out our guide to the Detroit trap scene
Listen to Free Dem Boyz on Spotify
Mozzy
Mozzy is another unique signing for CMG, as he’s from all the way out in Cali. Already a mainstay in LA gangster rap, he’s amassed a huge discography riddled with gems and has a unique style despite staying true to the scene’s routes. Mozzy’s music can range anywhere from tough west coast trap to plenty of slower introspective cuts. His 2018 album Gangland Landlord is full of great features (YG, Too $hort, Ty Dolla $ign, Iamsu!) and crossover appeal, but his recent approach has been to keep things on a smaller scale. Overall, Mozzy is a great street rapper for anybody who wants some Cali flavor and an important signing for CMG.
Blac Youngsta
Blac Youngsta is certainly a polarizing artist (best by many known for a certain onstage incident), but has been a big name in Memphis rap for awhile and an obvious get for Yo Gotti. His flow is very high energy, often shouted as he keeps up with the beat. It might be tough for some to get into but he has his moments, especially on features (for example, Migos’ “Slide On Em”). Blac Youngsta is an artist you’ll be hearing from a lot if you’re a fan of CMG, especially given his collab album with Moneybagg Yo Code Red, and he is simply Memphis through and through.