Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, and Warner Music Group control approximately 69% of the global music market share. Universal Music Group covers 32% of the industry, more than all independent labels combined (31%). Artists shop music to labels by having great online representation and bios.
U.S. Music Market
The largest U.S. label is Universal Music Group, with $10 billion revenue and 37.5% market share. The U.S. record industry is worth $10.3 billion. Over 109 million albums are sold yearly in the U.S.
Prominent Rap Labels
Interscope, home to Kendrick Lamar and Eminem, is among the best rap labels. BMG Rights Management is the fourth big global label, solely owned by Bertelsmann Music Group. Since Sugar Hill Records released “Rapper’s Delight” in 1979, many labels focused on hip hop have emerged. As hip hop culture dominates pop culture, these rap labels have grown in importance. Top rap labels include Roc-A-Fella Records, Aftermath, Death Row, Good Music and more. Def Jam has had some of the greatest modern artists like Nas, Jay-Z and Kanye. Columbia Records is among the biggest global labels, founded by Alexander Graham Bell. Shady Records was founded by Eminem and Paul Rosenberg in 1999 after the hugely successful release of Eminem’s debut album.
The Big Four
The major record labels, known as the Big Four, are Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, Warner Music Group and EMI.