Migos

Migos
Migos in 2014 (from left to right, Quavo, Offset, Takeoff)
Background information
Origin	Gwinnett County, Georgia, United States
Genres	Hip hop, trap
Years active	2009–present
Labels	YRN The Label (Young Rich Nation) Quality Control Atlantic
Associated acts	Gucci Mane Rich Homie Quan Young Thug Rich The Kid Peewee Longway Zaytoven Skippa Da Flippa Soulja Boy Jose Guapo
Website	migosonline.com
Members	Quavo Offset Takeoff

Migos is a hip hop trio based in Atlanta, Georgia.^[1] The group consists of Quavo (born Quavious Marshall), Takeoff (born Kirshnik Ball) and Offset (born Kiari Cephus). Quavo is Takeoff's uncle and Offset is Quavo's cousin.^[2] The group are best known for their singles, including "Versace" (released in 2013), "Fight Night" (released in 2014) and "One Time" (released in 2015).

They are managed by Coach K, the former manager of Young Jeezy and Gucci Mane,^[3] and are frequently collaborating with producer Zaytoven.^[4]

History

2013: Rise to fame and Young Rich Niggas

In 2013, their single "Versace", which was produced by Zaytoven, went viral^[5] by peaking at number 99 on the US Billboard Hot 100.^[6] It also inspired a fellow rapper Drake, to join the official remix on this song, would later perform the song at the 2013 iHeartRadio Music Festival.^[7] On June 13, Migos released their mixtape Y.R.N. (Young Rich Niggas), to critical acclaim. Brandon Soderberg of Spin gave it 8 out of 10 stars, commenting that it "is a super-cut of Dirty South vibes" and compared the three members to Gucci Mane, Soulja Boy and Future.^[8] On June 15, 2013, the group performed at rap radio station Hot 107.9's Birthday Bash. In October 2013, the group were featured in XXL's section Show & Prove.^[9]

"Versace" was placed in multiple year-end lists of 2013, including number 3 on XXL's The 25 Best Songs of 2013,^[10] number 4 on Complex's The 50 Best Songs of 2013,^[11] number 5 on SPIN's 50 Best Songs of 2013,^[12] number 38 on Pitchfork's The Top 100 Tracks of 2013^[13] and number 69 on Rolling Stone's The 100 Best Songs of 2013.^[14] Y.R.N. (Young Rich Niggas) was named the 27th best album of 2013 and sixth best hip-hop album of 2013 by SPIN.^[15][16]

2014–present: Mixtapes and Yung Rich Nation

On February 25, 2014, Migos released their new mixtape, titled No Label 2. The tape was downloaded over 100,000 times in the first week of its release and was certified gold on popular mixtape site DatPiff.^[17] No Label 2 was met with generally positive reviews from music critics. Consequence of Sound described it as "the perfect mix of raucous party tunes and triumphant rap anthems for your next BBQ or block party"^[18] and Exclaim! commented that it "is packed with potential hits."^[19] Vibe also praised the production on the tape, calling it "extensive and impressive".^[20]

On March 14, 2014, it was revealed by Migos' mixtape Y.R.N. 2, that this project has turned out to be a full-fledged album. Leah Ambler also will contribute to the production. The trio are looking to put it up for amount of 20 songs on their effort.^[21] In June 2014, it was then revealed, that Migos has signed a deal to 300 Entertainment, which is distributed by Atlantic Records.^[22] In June 2014, their single "Fight Night" was featured on XXL's 25 Best Songs of 2014 so far list.^[23] It has peaked at number 69 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it the group's most successful single to date. Following the release of their mixtape, Rich Nigga Timeline, which was released on November 5, 2014. Rolling Stone voted the 7th Best Rap Album of 2014.

On February 5, 2015, Migos released the first single from the album, entitled "One Time". On March 23, 2015, the group released a music video for the single, as a part of a cross-promotion with the YouTube Music Awards. The single peaked at number 34 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. After a slight delay, because of the Georgia Southern University incident (which led to Offset's incarceration), Migos' debut album Yung Rich Nation (originally titled Y.R.N.: Tha Album), was released on July 31, 2015, featuring some guest appearances from Chris Brown and Young Thug. Yung Rich Nation received generally positive reviews from music critics. In its first week, the album sold 15,000 copies and came in at number 3 on the Top Rap Albums Charts.^[24]

Migos has said that the group had already completed their second studio album. Referring to this album's release, in an interview with DJ Whoo Kid, Takeoff said, "its all about timing". The track "Fantastic", featuring Lil Wayne, will be included on the album. They would also like to collaborate with rapper Nas.^[25]

On September 17, Migos Released a new mixtape titled, Back to the Bando. Although fellow member Offset is still incarcerated, Migos continues to release music at a rapid pace. The first song off the mixtape, "Look at My Dab", was released on September 6. It was officially released as a single through iTunes on October 30.^[26] The song has gain world wide attention ever since Migos and other known people such Odell Beckham Jr. and Cam Newton have been doing the signature dance move called "dabbing".

On October 22, Migos and Rich the Kid released Streets on Lock 4. Migos will next released a highly anticipated collaboration mixtape with Young Thug entitled "MigoThuggin" on December 25th.^[27] Migos will be going on their "Dab Tour" which wiil feature fellow label mate Skippa da Flippa. Their follow up mixtape to YRN sequal, "Young Rich Niggas 2" was released on January 18th.

Georgia Southern University concert incident

On April 18, 2015, Migos were scheduled to headline Georgia Southern University's 2015 Spring concert at Hanner Fieldhouse. The show started at 7 P.M. with local opening acts; however, the group took the stage nearly an hour and a half later than their scheduled 9 P.M. set time. Although their performance contract stipulated a minimum 45 minute set length, the group performed for less than 30 minutes before leaving the stage. The University Police Department, the Statesboro Police Department and the Bulloch County Sheriff's Office, who were present at the concert as security detail, detected a strong scent of marijuana from the group's vans, and the drivers were questioned by law enforcement. Upon further investigation, the rap trio and 12 members of their entourage were arrested for possession of marijuana, possession of firearms within a school safety zone, possession of firearms during the commission of a crime, and possession of firearms by convicted felons.^[28][29]

On April 20, 2015, Takeoff, Quavo, and six members of their entourage were released on bond by the Bulloch County District Attorney's Office while Offset and six others remained in custody without bond. While university officials were aware of Migos' reputation, the group was allowed to perform as the student body had voted to have the group perform among 7 acts that were up for consideration, and student fees and ticket sales were used to pay for the concert.^[30] According to the performance contract, the group were to be paid $30,000 with their promoter Big House Collective receiving an additional $3,000. University officials initially sought to put Migos in breach of contract due to the group's late arrival, shortened performance, and possession of contraband on university property; however, the university ultimately paid half of the agreed upon fees.^[31][32] As a result of their arrests, on April 28, 2015, Migos announced they would postpone their "Yung Rich Nation" tour until July.^[33]

On May 2, 2015, Offset received additional charges of battery and inciting a riot within a penal facility after attacking another inmate, causing severe injury.^[34] In a bond hearing before Bulloch County Superior Court Judge John R. Turner on May 8, 2015, Offset was formally denied bond based on his prior criminal history as well as the then-recent jail fight. During the hearing, two members of Migos' entourage were also denied bonds while four others were granted bonds and were barred from returning to Bulloch County as a condition of their release. Also, Judge Turner directed the four who were released not to make contact with anyone involved in the case. Offset's attorney argued that the rap trio were unfairly profiled by law enforcement and that officers had failed to prove ownership of the firearms and illicit drugs found within the two vans; however, the prosecution responded that law enforcement were present at the concert for the safety of the Georgia Southern and Statesboro communities due to Migos' violent reputation. Upon hearing the decision, Offset shouted obscenities as he was escorted out of the courtroom.^[35]

After eight months in custody, Offset was released on December 4, 2015 after accepting a plea deal. The plea deal dropped the gun, drug, and gang related charges in exchange for pleading guilty to inciting a riot within a penal facility, paying a $1,000 fine, serving five years probation, and banishment from Bulloch, Effingham, Jenkins and Screven Counties. Takeoff, facing misdemeanor marijuana charges, also accepted a plea deal and was sentenced with 12 months probation. Quavo pleaded no contest to misdemeanor marijuana charges and received a 12 month sentence, which was suspended based on payment of fines.^[36]

Discography

• Yung Rich Nation (2015)

Awards and nominations

References

External links

• Official website