Image via Complex Original
With the release of Cruel Summer, G.O.O.D Music has finally given the world a single project that fully showcases every aspect of the highly multifaceted label. Kanye West and company are one of the most recognizable and respected crews of the moment, but G.O.O.D. has been helping shape the landscape of music for eight years.
G.O.O.D. Music epitomizes Kanye’s vision and aesthetics. Working with family, staying true to their respective dreams, and standing behind their product remain the core values of the crew. Their efforts have paid off tremendously. Kanye sums it up best on Cruel Summer single “New God Flow” when he raps, "Who running shit today? G.O.O.D. Music!"
From original members Common and John Legend’s induction, to the G.O.O.D. Fridays takeover and their hit singles from this year, we're chronicling every noteworthy event in G.O.O.D. Music since it’s inception. Who's been down from the beginning? How did Mr. West court the current roster of superstars? How did Cruel Summer come together? Find out all of that and more in The Complete History of G.O.O.D Music...
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G.O.O.D. Music is Founded by Kanye West
Date: 2004
Kanye West founded G.O.O.D Music in the Fall of 2004 in conjunction with Sony/BMG shortly after releasing his critically acclaimed debut The College Dropout. Ye’s ambition and hard work have always been a driving force behind his success as he progressed from producer to rapper to label head. Never one to shy away from challenges, Kanye has since courted some of the best rappers, producers and singers in music to create a creative force in the industry.
The name G.O.O.D. Music stands for “Getting Out Our Dreams,” but now, after eight strong years in the game, G.O.O.D. has become synonymous with innovation and achievement. The trio of Legend, Common and 'Ye were the inaugural members while GLC, Consequence and Mos Def soon followed. Legend said in this cover story, "I think that the three of us complement each other really well. With me as the singer and musician, Kanye as the singsongy rapper/producer with the overtly pop sensibility, and Common as, like, the old wise man."
Common elaborated on their relationship, saying, "Not only do I love Kanye creatively and as a brother, but we doing business with a vision." It was clear from Common's comments that this vision meant sacrificing for success. "I will be forever loyal to Kanye because I was in between labels when we started Be, and he produced the whole thing before he ever got a check."
Kanye West Drops The College Dropout
Date: 2/10/2004
Founding members of the G.O.O.D. Music family, GLC, Consequence and John Legend all appear on Kanye’s debut album, The College Dropout. While the relationships between Kanye and some original members have changed since ’04, it’s now clear to see that he was courting his crew and creating a family before the world knew he could even spit.
Common and John Legend Make Cameos in "Slow Jamz" Video
Date: Spring 2004
Remember when Jamie Foxx was the soundtrack to a smooth Friday night? In the “Slow Jamz” video featuring and produced by Kanye, Common shows up to play some poker, John Legend floats around, and it looks like Cons is motorboating a chick in the background of the party.
"G.O.O.D. Music put your hands up" -Mase on "Welcome Back (Remix)"
Date: Fall 2004
Ma$e’s appearance on Cruel Summer was heralded by this mash up of G.O.O.D.‘s boss and Harlem’s finest. For once ‘Ye doesn’t have to talk that talk, but lets Ma$e shout out G.O.O.D.
John Legend's Get Lifted Becomes First G.O.O.D. Music Release
Date: 12/28/2004
John Legend’s debut, Get Lifted, demonstrates that the R&B singer is a force in the industry. The first album to come out via G.O.O.D. Music moves over 3 million units worldwide, and Legend racks up six nominations at the 2006 Grammy Awards, winning Best New Artist, Best R&B Album, and Best Male R&B Vocal performance. Get Lifted also serves to prove that Kanye, who executive produced Legend’s debut, was not just trying to cake up off some signees but was committed to creating undeniably great material.
Kid Cudi Meets Kanye For The First time
Date: 2004
In an interview with MTV, Kid Cudi tells an incredible story about running into Kayne at Virgin Music Store while shopping for CDs back in 2004. Introducing himself as Scott, Cudi admires Kanye’s icey Jesus piece, talks about not being able to afford CDs, and inquired about getting signed. Kanye said to keep working and four years later Cudi began working with his idol after his music impressed Mr. West.
Consequence Signs To G.O.O.D. Music
Date: 2005
Yes, back in 2005 people were actually talking about Cons. Through a deal with Columbia, Consequence signs with G.O.O.D. Music, after years of association with Kanye West. The deal produced some good tracks, one album and a couple funny music videos, but ultimately the relationship goes sour. Since that time, Cons has vanished into irrelevance and 'Ye, well, we know how 'Ye’s doing.
Kanye West's Freshmen Adjustment Mixtape Trilogy
Date: 2005
Ever since Kanye was strapped with Polos and a backpack, his crew has jumped on most any tapes West put out. Some tracks on The Freshman Adjustment triology made it onto West’s and other crew members’ albums, emphasizing the potential for greatness within the G.O.O.D. Music matrix.
Common Drops Be
Date: 5/24/2005
Com Sense’s sixth album was his first to be released on G.O.O.D. Music. Be was touted as a return to form for Common, as he transitioned from beats by legendary producer J Dilla to West’s sample-heavy soul sounds. With too many dope tracks to name, G.O.O.D. was puting out straight crack.
“For you and yours, G.O.O.D. Music forever” -Common on "Real People"
Date: 5/24/2005
On Common's G.O.O.D. Music debut, Be, he name drops the label over a smooth Kanye-produced cut.
"You know G.O.O.D. Music in the building, you know the Roc in the building" -Kanye on Game's "Dreams (Remix)"
Date: Summer 2005
Kanye spit on Game’s “Dreams” remix, holding down his then new team and his original family, Roc-a-Fella Records.
John Legend Appears in "Gold Digger" Video
Date: Summer 2005
In the visual for the track that put West’s face in households across America, Cons and John Legend get played by some upwardly mobile ladies. Kanye proved that G.O.O.D. Music was a family by having his signees all over his albums, in his videos, and at his shows. In his smash hit “Gold Digger,” Kanye could have hogged the video time but instead he stayed putting on and getting looks for his associates.
Kanye West Drops Late Registration
Date: 8/30/2005
Yeezy not only avoided the sophomore slump with Late Registration, he also began to put together his Grammy Family with Cons, GLC, and Common all contributing strong bars. Registration won Rap Album of the Year and got an Album of the Year nod as well at the Grammy Awards.
Big Sean Meets Kanye For The First time
Date: Summer 2005
These stories are always wild. Big Sean told WSHH about meeting ‘Ye in the D back when he was in high school while Kanye was promoting his second album. A telemarketer at the time, Sean had to borrow money just to get to the radio station where Kanye was promoting. The G.O.O.D Music soldier recalls rapping to Kanye for 10 minutes, catching his attention, and the rest is history. Remember, you’re only a struggle rapper if you don’t become famous. Every star started off broke, hungry and promoting themselves.
John Legend Drops Once Again
Date: 10/24/2006
Once Again, John Legend’s second album held down the fort for G.O.O.D. Music in the fall of 2006. Already acknowledged as pioneers of the rap game, G.O.O.D. took over the R&B charts with Legend winning another Grammy for the song “Heaven.”
Consequence Drops Don't Quit Your Day Job!
Date: 3/6/2007
The album Don’t Quit Your Day Job! helped dub G.O.O.D. Music the Grammy Family. It was not as commercially successful as other label releases but it embodied the movement of the time, with strong tracks and in-house features. Cons should have taken his own advice and not quit his job as G.O.O.D.’s golden child.
"Dog, I can't keep saying G.O.O.D. Music the latest, greatest" -Kanye West on "Grammy Family"
Date: 3/7/2007
The classic posse cut remains undeniably dope as Kanye, John Legend and Cons proudly rep the set's achievements. John Legend and his team were well accustomed to Grammy night by ’09, while Cons sounds elated to be rolling in the limo to the biggest night in music.
Big Sean Signs To G.O.O.D. Music
Date: May 2007
Two years after rapping to Mr. West at a radio station in Detroit, Big Sean made it. Kanye brought Sean along on the road while recording Graduation and said he wasn’t even looking for acts to sign. The deal ushered in a new style and began Sean’s journey to become a pillar of the team.
Kanye West's Can't Tell Me Nothing Mixtape
Date: 5/27/2007
Before Cruel Summer there was Can’t Tell Me Nothing. Chock-full of bangers, the mixtape gave ‘Ye plenty of space to spit crazy bars while letting his signees get some shine too. The legendary mixtape was hosted by Mr. West and Plain Pat and demonstrated their undeniable eye for talent with tracks from Big Sean, Common, Cons and Tony Williams.
Common Drops Finding Forever
Date: 6/31/2007
Keeping the Kon / Com collaboration going, the follow up to Be debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Despite being recorded mostly while Common was shooting various films, the album was nominated for Rap Album of the Year at the Grammys, eventually losing to Mr. West himself.
Kanye West Drops Graduation
Date: 9/11/2007
‘Ye’s double platinum third release, Graduation showcased John Legend’s skills once again. Legend lent vocals and helped compose tracks for the album while Mos Def hopped on “Drunk and Hot Girls.”
Big Sean Drops Finally Famous Vol. 1
Date: Fall 2007
Although just a mixtape, Finally Famous Vol. 1 proved the new G.O.O.D. signee could really spit.
Teyana Taylor Meets Kanye For The First Time
Date: Spring 2008
It’s a fact that one way to get Mr. West’s attention is to be rocking fly shit. Teyana Taylor said she met Kanye on The Glow in the Dark tour and he dug her outfits. They talked, became friends and then co-workers. Ms. Taylor’s threads took her from hanging around the tour to laying down vocals on MBDTF and Cruel Summer.
Mr. Hudson Signs To G.O.O.D. Music
Date: Summer 2008
Kanye's began seriously growing in '08. G.O.O.D. Music added another crooner, Mr. Hudson. Kanye brought the UK native’s former band, Mr. Hudson and the Library, as an opening act for the European leg of his Glow in the Dark Tour and had worked on tracks with Hudson before the announcement. It’s Kanye’s well known initiation process: meet, take you on tour, do some tracks, sign you to a deal, then make hits.
Kid Cudi Drops A Kid Named Cudi
Date: 7/17/2008
How do you get signed by Kanye West? You craft a mixtape as good as a A Kid Named Cudi. Four years after Cudi bumped into 'Ye while buying CDs, “Day N Night” became a smash hit and launched his career into stardom. The mixtape ushered in the Cudi sound he remains so popular for and proved his place among the ranks of G.O.O.D.
Common Drops Universal Mind Control
Date: 10/9/2008
One of the most anticipated albums of 2010, Universal Mind Control proved that the G.O.O.D. O.G. remained as innovative as ever with an EDM-inspired released. In 2010 some were not ready for the sound that dominates airwaves today, yet G.O.O.D. remained ahead of the curve.
John Legend Drops Evolver
Date: 10/28/2008
Another release, another winner. John Legend’s undeniable talent has helped carry G.O.O.D. Music since its inception. While Kanye was experimenting with Auto-Tune and singing, Legend held it down. Critically and commercially successful, Evolver’s Gold status proved once again that consistency wins.
Kid Cudi Signs To G.O.O.D. Music
Date: Fall 2008
After it became official, Kanye put the Cleveland native straight to work as ‘Ye crafted 808s And Heartbreak. It’s hard to pick any standout member of the current G.O.O.D. Music crew, but Cudi leads the new school as his label leads the industry.
Crooks and Castles x G.O.O.D. T-shirt Collaboration
Date: October 2008
From Grammys to platinum plaques to sold-out tours, G.O.O.D. Music has done it all. They even collaborated with the L.A. streetwear brand, Crooks and Castles. The familiar G.O.O.D. cherub turned gutter when Crooks dropped the highly sought-after shirt. The shirt had a dope design and crazy colorways making it more than just a promotional Tee. Rocking it to a show today would still turn heads.
Kanye West Drops 808s & Heartbreak
Date: 11/24/2008
Although Kanye’s own albums aren’t released through G.O.O.D. Music, he still uses them to big-up his signees. The experimental sound of 808s had the world buzzing in the fall of ’08 and Kanye tossed Mr. Hudson and Cudi alley-oops into the limelight with features on the album. They both killed their features, foreshadowing future successes on the label’s roster.
Kanye West Drops G.O.O.D. Music Reference On "Wheely Shit"
Date: Spring 2009
On a leaked verse titled “Wheely Shit,” Kanye reps the Chi and G.O.O.D. Music, then tells Big Sean to call his homies, foreshadowing that this verse would grow to become “Glenwood.”
Kanye West, Kid Cudi, and Common Perform at "Beyond The Sound" Show
Date: 3/21/2009
This concert was live. Cudi couldn’t stop smiling as he ripped the stage. Common got rowdy like he was 18 again and Kanye was being Kanye in a fresh denim cutoff. Cudi, the newest addition, looked as confident as ever going up against legendary team member Common. This family really knows how to throw a show.
Big Sean Drops His Second Mixtape
Date: 4/16/2009
Often forgotten about in between Vols. 1 and 3, UKNOWBIGSEAN saw Big Sean perfecting his craft and learning from the stable of spitters around him. With the track "Supa Dupa" he copyrighted his own dynamic punchline flow that has since been used by everyone from Drake to Kanye.
Kanye and Pusha T Collaborate on "Kinda Like a Big Deal"
Date: 4/20/2009
Jumping on a track with the Clipse can be daunting for any rapper—but not for Kanye West. Here ‘Ye dropped one of the best verses of ’09 and cemented a connection with Pusha that has blossomed into one of the most murderous tag teams in recent memory. The video had Kanye and the Clipse looking like old friends. Hey Push, we all think it’s good that ‘Ye got a blow dealer.
Malik Yusef Drops G.O.O.D. Morning, G.O.O.D. Night
Date: 5/2/2009
Talk about repping your set. Malik Yusef’s G.O.O.D. Music debut, G.O.O.D. Morning, G.O.O.D. Night, saw the spoken-word artist showcasing the whole roster. Yusef went on to reap the rewards of loyalty, appearing on the Cruel Summer track "Sin City."
"G.O.O.D. Music, bitch" -Big Sean on "Glenwood"
Date: 6/5/2009
The final version of the track formerly known as "Wheely Shit" had Sean talking that talk alongside his boss.
Kanye Comes Out at John Legend's NYC concert
Date: 8/14/2009
Being down with G.O.O.D. Music means Kanye West will go to bat for you. ‘Ye showed up at John Legend’s Madison Square Garden show in ’09 and helped rock the crowd with his longtime homie.
Kid Cudi Drops Man On The Moon
Date: 9/15/2009
Kid Cudi’s debut album, Man on the Moon: The End of Day boasted narration by his labelmate Common and a feature by his boss Kanye West. Two legends on your first tape? That's just a little bit of pressure, but Cudi held his own, snagging three Grammy nods, a gold plaque, and the respect of the whole G.O.O.D. family.
Mr. Hudson Drops G.O.O.D. Debut, Straight No Chaser
Date: 10/19/2009
Our first extended look at Mr. Hudson's contributions to the G.O.O.D. roster, Straight No Chaser demonstrated the label's evolution of sound. A true pop record, Hudson's debut gave us “Supernova” featuring Kanye West, which hit No. 2 on the UK charts.
The Rosewood Movement
Date: Summer 2010
Kanye’s love affair with the fashion world has been well documented. The Rosewood Movement was conceived by his love for Dior suits and renewed emphasis on etiquette following his notorious VMA incident with Taylor Swift that cappeda tough personal year. The whole team wore classic suits nearly everywhere they went, a practice of sartorial solidarity that's still visible in G.O.O.D.’s monochromatic attire. Proving it was deeping than clothes, ‘Ye went on a redemption circuit of shows, appearances and interviews during which he preached positivity—all while staying true to his uniform.
G.O.O.D. Music Cypher at the BET Awards
Date: 6/27/2010
The G.O.O.D. Music cypher on the BET Hip-Hop Awards had DJ Premier spinning as ‘Ye, Big Sean, Common, and new affiliate CyHi da Prynce, dressed up in proper Rosewood attire to destroy the beat with too many quotables. In this classic moment, G.O.O.D. staked their claim as the not-fucking-around crew.
"They say G.O.O.D. Music like the new Miami Heat" -Big Sean on "See Me Now"
Date: 8/11/2010
This G.O.O.D. Friday track finds Sean rapping alongside his boss, Charlie Wilson and Beyonce. Inspired by this studio full of star power, Sean compared his team to the Heat, who had recently added Lebron and Chris Bosh.
CyHi Da Prynce Signs To G.O.O.D. Music
Date: 8/12/2010
Georgia rapper CyHi Da Prynce signed with G.O.O.D. in August of 2010, adding yet another talented lyricist to Kanye's hand-picked crew. The talent-rich roster started to flesh out when CyHi began showing up on tracks dropping crazy metaphors.
Kanye and John Legend Play Secret NYC Show
Date: 8/13/2010
Fall of 2010 found Kanye in full rock-star mode. Longtime friend John Legend and Mr. West threw a private show at the Box in NYC with a strict dress code and a crazy guest list. Kanye gave a classic Kanye rant during “Say You Will” in which he articulated his frustration with woman who would not live up to promises about sexual encounters (for serious), and even brought out a drum machine to remix some of his classic tracks live onstage. 'Ye began using these private and/or unexpected shows to test out new music from his team.
“Can you say G.O.O.D. music?” -Big Sean on "Whatever You Want"
Date: 8/16/2010
Big Sean stays repping G.O.O.D. whenever he gets in the booth. This was just as apparent two years ago as it is now.
G.O.O.D. Fridays Series Begins
Date: 8/20/2010
G.O.O.D. Fridays made the world stop spinning at the end of every work week as we waited for Kanye to tweet a new link. The thirst for “So Appalled” or “Christian Dior Denim Flow” has not been matched. Pioneering the now commonplace practice of simple cover art and free releases—featuring unexpected guests like Justin Bieber and Beyonce—Kanye and the whole G.O.O.D. Music crew made the fall of 2010 a very special time on the internet and in the streets. If the party you went to Friday night wasn’t playing “Take One For The Team,” it was wack. G.O.O.D. Fridays epitomized the pursuit of greatness by ‘Ye and crew—all while forcing the music industry to rethink its entire organization.
Big Sean Releases His Third Mixtape
Date: 8/31/2010
Finally Famous Vol. 3 turned Big Sean into more than just Kanye West’s protégée. Mr. Supa Dupa had some skills and made sure the world knew. The twenty-track tape explained his rise to fame and earned him a whole new following of fans.
John Legend and The Roots Release Wake Up!
Date: 9/21/2010
John Legend continued to challenge his own creativity with Wake Up!, a collabo album with the Roots that primarily consisted of covers of soul songs from the '60s and '70s. Critically lauded but commercially slept on, the album took Legend into a different zone as The Roots backing tracks inspired him to push his vocal talents. G.O.O.D. Music’s logo on Wake Up! underscored their relentless commitment to innovation.
“Did I mention G.O.O.D. Music, yeah, forever we hot” -Kanye West on "G.O.O.D. Friday"
Date: 9/10/2010
Eight years is forever in today's industry, so yeah Kanye's right about that.
Kanye Brings Out Pusha T to Perform "Runaway" at the VMAs
Date: 9/12/2010
The hype around Kanye’s return to the VMAs had been built up to wild levels. As the stage turned all white and ‘Ye stood at an MPC in his all red everything, it was evident that he was not playing around. As the opening keys to “Runaway” played, Ye introduced the crowd to the first single from MBDTF. Pusha T’s unexpected entrance gave him the look of his life, sauntering onstage in his salmon-colored suit.
Mos Def Signs To G.O.O.D. Music
Date: 9/27/2010
Mos Def has been down with Kanye since they both hopped on Talib Kweli's "Get By" remix in '03, byt he officially signed with G.O.O.D. in Sept of 2010. Kanye’s label had traditionally signed up-and-coming acts, but with the signing of Mos Def they began snatching the best of the best.
"Ima take one for the team, G.O.O.D. Music" -Kanye West on "Take One For the Team"
Date: 10/15/2010
Although the song never made it onto an album, this G.O.O.D. Friday release was still important for the message it conveyed. When every member of the crew—even the captain—is willing to take one for the team, that's family. G.O.O.D. family.
Kanye and G.O.O.D. Music Get a Spread in XXL
Date: October 2010
Kanye has graced his fair share of magazine covers, but the XXL spread on the Rosewood Movement was different. Displaying a united front for the world to see, G.O.O.D. Music was transformed from a family of successful musicians to an army of poised professionals.
Consequence Releases "Man Purses," Ends His Run With G.O.O.D. Music
Date: 10/1/2010
He spits “my crew aint been the same since Amber Rose and Taylor Swift," insinuating that ‘Ye’s new moves had him left out in the cold. He really just came off bitter about still not finding success on a large scale.
"It's G.O.O.D. Music and G-Unit" -Kanye West on Lloyd Banks' "Start It Up"
Date: 10/6/2010
Even though the status of G-Unit was a bit uncertain at the time, Kanye brought the two legendary cliques together on Banks' "Start It Up."
Pusha T Signs To G.O.O.D. Music
Date: November 2010
When former Clipse member Pusha came clean about his G.O.O.D. situation, the Kanye, Push connection began to hit its stride. The crew’s attack dog, known for handling any shots thrown G.O.O.D.'s way, added another dimension to an already multifaceted label. Push continues to take his game to another level, urged on by Kanye and all the healthy completion within the G.O.O.D. rap camp.
"And I run G.O.O.D. music, Usain Bolt'n" -Big Sean on "I Don't Think They Want It"
Date: 11/1/2010
Sean had been on the label for a minute, but it only took him three years of G.O.O.D. training to dub himself the Usain Bolt of the clique. He addressed his rise to prominence on this track. Another rising star for the label.
Kid Cudi Drops Man on the Moon II
Date: 11/9/2010
Man on the Moon II saw Cudi airing out his demons as he pushed the boundaries of his psychedelic sound. He embodied the alter ego of “Mr. Rager” and held back neither his emotion nor his opinions. Both critically and commercially successful, MOTM2 made Cudi a superstar and solidified his status as a general within the G.O.O.D. Music fort.
Kanye West Drops My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Date: 11/22/2010
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy’s release showcased the depth of the G.O.O.D. roster—from the OGs to the newest signees. Four of the thirteen tracks on the album were originally released during G.O.O.D. Fridays in a similar fashion to the pre-Cruel Summer releases. The always-evolving mind of Kanye West implemented a Hawaii-based rap camp where G.O.O.D. Music members, future members and associates minds would come together and contribute to the recording process. The album ended up near the top of almost every year-end list while pushing the G.O.O.D. roster's exposure to new heights.
Teyana Taylor, Pusha T, John Legend, and CyHi Appear at Kanye's Surprise Bowery Ballroom Show
Date: 11/23/2010
Kanye pulled out all the stops for his surprise show at New York’s Bowery Ballroom. Pusha, CyHi, John Legend and Teyana Taylor all showed up to support the boss while Kanye brought out one of his dopest outfits as well as one of the craziest rants of his career.
Kanye Reveals Hawaiian "Rap Camp" for Complex Cover Story
Date: 11/30/2010
Back in the day, when Kanye did indeed “do press,” he invited Complex EIC Noah Callahan-Bever to his Hawaiian rap camp, where NCB witnessed the recording process of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy and the label’s growth for an exclusive cover story.
Pusha T Drops Hit-Boy Produced Track, "My God"
Date: 2/12/2011
Pusha and Hit-Boy linked up for a grimacing example of the G.O.O.D.’s musical prominence.
“Two times if you love G.O.O.D. Music” -Big Sean on "My Last"
Date: 3/1/2011
Would Big Sean forget to shout out his crew on the first single off his debut album? No way.
Pusha T Drops Fear of God EP
Date: 3/21/2011
Fear of God transitions Pusha from past to present with features from Ab-Liva and Kanye West.
G.O.O.D. Music Showcase at SXSW
Date: 3/23/2011
The G.O.O.D. crew heads down to Austin and shuts down SXSW with another classic set.
Q-Tip Signs To G.O.O.D. Music
Date: 4/11/2011
Kanye has never played fair but signing Q-Tip to G.O.O.D. made him seem like the bully of the game.
Hit-Boy Signs To G.O.O.D. Music
Date: April 2011
‘Ye signs Hit-Boy, adding one of the hottest young producers in the game to the hottest label in the game. It only makes sense, but at the same time it doesn't really seem fair.
Kanye Features on Big Sean's "Marvin & Chardonnay"
Date: 6/12/2011
Big Sean gets Kanye to drop a verse on his Finally Famous single. He also accompanies Sean when he goes on BET's 106 & Park. Teamwork boiii.
Big Sean Brings Pusha T and Kanye Out During NYC Show
Date: 6/22/2011
Both MCs showed up for the youngin’s free Finally Famous show in NYC.
D'banj and Don Jazzy Sign To G.O.O.D. Music
Date: June 2011
Always looking to increase the diversity of his house, Kanye signs Nigerian artists D’Banj and Don Jazzy.
G.O.O.D. Music Signs Distribution Deal With Def Jam
Date: June 2011
After seven years without a home, G.O.O.D. gets an outlet to release music on a massive scale.
Consequence Disses Pusha T, G.O.O.D. Music
Date: 7/11/2011
Your old crew keeps making music without you, so you diss the new members? Get Cons all the way up out of here.
Kanye West and Jay-Z Drop Watch The Throne
Date: 8/8/2011
Q-Tip and Hit-Boy lace Kanye with some heat for Watch The Throne while Mr. Hudson adds grandiose vocals to the emotional “Why I Love You.” Family helping family.
G.O.O.D. Music Performs at Heineken "Red Star Access" Show
Date: 9/13/2011
Kanye loves showcasing his crew and you would too if said crew included Pusha, Cudi, Big Sean, Mr. Hudson and CyHi.
Pusha T Drops Fear of God II: Let Us Pray
Date: 11/8/2011
Pusha’s project drops, reminding us how good the team really is. Kanye is featured on "Amen."
Kid Cudi and Pusha T Share A Scene on How To Make It In America
Date: 11/13/2011
Our favorite cancelled show, How to Make it in America, cast Pusha T as a drug dealer who robs Kid Cudi’s dog-walking stoner character. It made for some G.O.O.D. television.
2 Chainz Brings Out Kanye and Big Sean at SXSW
Date: 3/15/2012
SXSW never disappoints especially when 2 Chainz brings out surprise guests Kanye West and Big Sean to share the stage. The scheming had begun. It was clear that 2 Chainz was somehow down with G.O.O.D. Music.
G.O.O.D. Music Drops "Mercy"
Date: 4/6/2012
The first single from Cruel Summer was our pick for hottest song of the summer.
Kanye Appears Alongside 2 Chainz on 106 & Park
Date: 4/9/2012
When 2 Chainz visit 106 & Park with ‘Ye, we were ready for a Yeezy rant. Instead, Chainz talked away while Kanye stood dead silent, letting Chainz have his shine. I guess just his presence really is a present
G.O.O.D. Music Drops "I Don't Like (Remix)"
Date: 5/1/2012
When Pusha, Big Sean, and Kanye hop on a track it’s usually fire. The remix to Chief Keef’s banger is no different. The song took 'Ye back to his Chicago roots, and even though the song's original producer, Young Chop, was opposed to the changes at first, we eventually conceded that the remix was hot.
Cruel Summer Movie Premieres at Cannes
Date: 5/23/2012
Cruel Summer, the movie, premieres at Cannes with Kid Cudi as the star. It required a 7-screen experience to watch.
YMCMB and G.O.O.D. Music's "Cold War" Heats Up
Date: 5/25/2012
The shots have been flying since, but Lil Wayne's "Ghoulish" diss towards Pusha T brought tensions to a head. From Tunechi’s “Fuk Pusha T” tweet to Pusha’s punishing subliminals on tracks like "New God Flow," the drama quietly continues. Both groups won this summer, but the real winners were rap fans, who remain endlessly entertained by the entire ordeal.
Kanye, 2 Chainz, and Pusha T Perform at BET Awards
Date: 6/1/2012
BET Awards shows are always a G.O.O.D. place to make a big statement. The Dior Homme clad crew who ripped the BET Hip-Hop Awards cypher in ’10, dressed up in all white at this year's BET Awards and put a giant Lamborghini on stage for G.O.O.D. measure. Oh, and Yeezy premiered his "New God Flow."
G.O.O.D. Music Drops "New God Flow"
Date: 6/2/2012
The G.O.O.D. Music golden child and the self-proclaimed God of rap came together on the appropriately titled “New God Flow.” Classic bars abound on this Hit-Boy production. Push discusses joining G.O.O.D. and the lifestyle of the family saying he “came aboard for more than just to rhyme with him.” Kanye channels gospel services with his G.O.O.D. chants at the end of the original version.
G.O.O.D. Music Performs "Mercy" at Summer Jam
Date: 6/4/2012
Chainz, Pusha, and Big Sean held it down without Kanye and left the Hot 97 Summer Jam stage in shambles.
John Legend and Pusha T Drop "Tonight" Remix
Date: 7/6/2012
Only from G.O.O.D. Music could we get such an unlikely connection that actually works. Ordinary people, grindin'.
Kanye and Pusha T Perform "New God Flow" in New Jersey
Date: 7/7/2012
Fans at Revel in Atlantic City were treated to a very rare "New God Flow" performance. Hopefully Ghostface will jump on stage and join them for the full version sometime soon.
G.O.O.D. Music Covers Complex
Date: 7/23/2012
The house that Kanye built, sat down to talk with Complex editor-in-chief Noah Callahan-Bever and discuss their new world order.
G.O.O.D. Music Performs Surprise Set at "Made In America" Festival
Date: 9/1/2012
When Kanye’s Big Brother calls, the whole crew comes running. Their surprise set at Jay’s Made In America Festival in Philly was a highlight of the summer.
Big Sean Drops Detroit
Date: 9/5/2012
Despite the arduous Cruel Summer recording process, Big Sean was able to put out his own tape, Detroit, before summer slid out the door. Although Sean has released a trio of mixtapes since being signed to G.O.O.D., his most recent effort, with original production, sounds closer to a proper release. Hit-Boy and Common assist their G.O.O.D. Music brother while Sean demonstrates serious growth. In '07 the Detroit native began basic training at Kanye's rap boot camp, but after his latest project crashed Datpiff, Detroit looks like one the best albums—forget mixtapes—of 2012. Though he admits he was once insecure around the likes of Kanye and Cudi, Sean's star power has become undeniable.
G.O.O.D. Music Drops "Clique"
Date: 9/6/2012
Hit-Boy laced Big Sean and the Throne with some heat for the trio to talk their respective shit. Sean's ad-libs have never been better; he actually holds his own against Jay and Kanye. These three haven't missed in a long time. “They don’t do it like my clique.” Perfectly said.
G.O.O.D. Music Drops Cruel Summer
Date: 9/18/2012
Cruel Summer’s release culminates months of work within the G.O.O.D. Music camp. Kanye’s presence can definitely be felt, yet the project allows the whole crew—veterans and newcomers alike—to shine. From Common and John Legend, to Cudi, Sean and Pusha, even D’Banj, Teyana Taylor, CyHi, and Malik Yusef, all of their Cruel Summer contributions made a mark in the halls of hip-hop history. Affiliates loom on nearly every track, leaving us wondering who will officially join G.O.O.D. Music next?
Cruel Summer Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard's Rap Chart
Date: 9/26/2012
Promotional appearances on Hot 97 and 106 & Park and a stream of hot singles paid off. G.O.O.D. Music's debut album as a collective topped Billboard's hip-hop/R&B album chart with 205,000 copies sold in its first week of release.