“You’re gonna create this amazing label called LaFace Records…don’t you fucking sell it.” That would be LA Reid’s advice to his younger self.

LA’s regret is real, but these deals aren’t unusual. M&A is quite common in music. Indie labels and companies continue to sell to the major record labels. The oligopoly power of the biggest companies can make it an inevitable outcome. Plus, the incentive structure can make it a rational move for many founders.

There are plenty of outliers, but the major system is full of companies (and their founders) who started with a successful independent label.

Which ones come to mind?

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