EMPIRE

EMPIRE began in 2010 as a digital distribution company built around a practical concern for independent artists: getting clear information about sales, airplay and royalties. Its founder, San Francisco native Ghazi Shami, came from music and technology backgrounds and developed proprietary software that let artists and managers track that activity more easily. The company paid royalties monthly, offering digital income to many artists who hadn't previously received it, and found early support within the Bay Area artist community.

Shami, also known as Ghazi, launched the EMPIRE label in 2014. From its San Francisco base, the independent company expanded into records, distribution and publishing, while maintaining recording studios in San Francisco and New York. It also operates offices in New York, London, Lagos and Johannesburg. Empire Publishing followed in 2020, and the company later introduced Empire Africa, Empire Latino and Empire Nashville divisions.

Hip-hop and rap were central to EMPIRE's early distribution work, and the label's releases have included music made in partnership with artists and artist-led labels. Its roster and release history span established names and newer voices, including Kendrick Lamar, Anderson .Paak, Cardi B, Snoop Dogg, T-Pain, Fat Joe, Tyga, Young Dolph, Key Glock, King Von, Tink, Yung Bleu, DRAM and D Smoke. EMPIRE has also worked with artists across international markets, among them Olamide, Asake, Fireboy DML, Black Sherif, Emtee and G-Dragon, as well as Bebe Rexha, Shaboozey and XXXTentacion.

The label's contemporary artist connections include Larry June, Pouya, Ümi, Rio Da Yung Og, Acidgvrl, xôx, Gutterboysouz and kaysnoto. Across its label, distribution and publishing operations, EMPIRE's history is tied to artist partnerships and to the independent infrastructure Shami initially built for rap artists in the Bay Area.