Republic Records

Republic Records is an American record label founded in 1995 by brothers Monte Lipman and Avery Lipman as an independent imprint. In 2000, the label was acquired by Universal Music Group and became part of the Universal/Motown Records Group. In 2006, the label was renamed Universal Republic Records following a corporate reorganization. However, in October 2012, the name Republic Records was revived, reestablishing its independent branding within the Universal Music Group framework.

In its early years, Republic Records signed a number of artists who would go on to achieve significant commercial success. One of the first acts signed was the Bloodhound Gang, followed by Chumbawamba, whose album Tubthumper achieved major international sales. Other successful early signings included 3 Doors Down and Godsmack, both of whom contributed to the label's growing reputation.

With Monte Lipman as chairman and CEO, the label underwent a resurgence following its 2012 rebranding. During this period, Republic expanded its roster by signing notable international artists such as Gotye, Psy, and The Weeknd. The label also ventured into soundtrack production for major film franchises, further broadening its cultural impact.

By the mid-2010s, Republic Records had cemented its position as a leading force in the music industry. In 2013, it matched a record by occupying six of the top ten positions on the Mediabase Top 40 chart. The label consistently dominated Billboard’s charts, topping the Top Label and Hot 100 Label categories for several consecutive years and earning accolades such as "Label of the Year" from multiple media outlets.

Republic’s artist roster includes many of the most prominent figures in modern music. Ariana Grande released multiple acclaimed albums under the label, including Yours Truly, My Everything, Dangerous Woman, Sweetener, and Thank U, Next. The Weeknd issued albums such as Beauty Behind the Madness, Starboy, and Dawn FM through Republic. After completing her previous contract, Taylor Swift began releasing new music with Republic, including the albums Lover, Folklore, Evermore, and Midnights. Other major artists associated with the label include Post Malone, Drake, Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, Lorde, Florence and the Machine, James Blake, Pearl Jam, Kim Petras, and the reunited Jonas Brothers.

Republic has also expanded through strategic international partnerships. In 2020, it partnered with JYP Entertainment to serve as the U.S. distributor for the South Korean girl group Twice. The label also signed (G)I-dle to assist with their American debut. Further collaborations included working with JYP to distribute music by Itzy and Stray Kids, as well as a deal with NBCUniversal Entertainment Japan to release music by Japanese artists such as fripSide.

In addition to its success with traditional artists, Republic Records achieved notable accomplishments in soundtrack releases. In 2018, it collaborated with Sony Pictures to release the soundtrack for Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, which featured the hit song “Sunflower” by Post Malone and Swae Lee. The track reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and broke records for chart longevity.

Key executives have played significant roles in Republic's development. Avery Lipman, who began his music industry career at Arista Records, helped steer the label during its formative years. Monte Lipman oversaw the label's revival and continued growth, including a historic achievement in 2018 when three Republic albums held the top positions on the Billboard 200 simultaneously. A&R executive Rob Stevenson contributed to the success of artists like Gotye, Of Monsters and Men, The Weeknd, and Post Malone. Tyler Arnold, another key figure, helped sign acts including Post Malone, Clairo, and Metro Boomin, and facilitated partnerships with Big Loud and Imperial Records before transitioning to lead Mercury Records.

In 2024, Republic Records became part of Republic Corps, a newly established unit within Universal Music Group that brought Republic together with Island Records and Def Jam under an East Coast division. Monte Lipman was appointed to lead this division from New York City, reinforcing the label’s central role in UMG’s organizational structure.

Over the years, Republic Records has evolved from a small independent label into one of the most powerful entities in the music industry. Its continued chart success, influential artist roster, strategic global partnerships, and innovative business ventures reflect its prominent standing in the world of music and entertainment.

Also appears as "Republic" on some releases.