G Herbo, formerly known as Lil Herb, is an American rapper and songwriter from Chicago, Illinois. He first gained recognition in 2012 for his collaborations with fellow Chicago rapper Lil Bibby. Since then, G Herbo has released numerous mixtapes and albums that have charted on the Billboard 200.
As an established rapper with his own record label Machine Entertainment Group (MEG), G Herbo has signed a few artists over the years. His record label provides a platform for up-and-coming artists, especially those from Chicago’s drill scene. In this article, we’ll take a look at the artists currently signed to G Herbo and his label MEG.
Artists Signed to G Herbo
Here are the main artists who are currently signed to G Herbo’s record label:
Lil Eazzyy
Lil Eazzyy is one of the rising stars signed to G Herbo’s MEG label. Hailing from Chicago, Lil Eazzyy started gaining recognition in 2020 with songs like “Forever” and “Onna Come Up.” In 2021, G Herbo announced that he had signed Lil Eazzyy to his label MEG.
Since signing to G Herbo’s label, Lil Eazzyy has continued to grow his fanbase and release music. His singles “Demon” and “I Can’t Lose” in 2022 have racked up millions of streams. Many fans are excited to see what’s next from the young Chicago drill rapper under G Herbo’s guidance.
Queen Key
Queen Key is a rapper from Chicago who joined G Herbo’s MEG label in 2021. Known for her sexually-explicit lyrics and confident persona, Queen Key adds a unique presence to G Herbo’s label. She has released several mixtapes including “Eat My Pussy Again” and “Eat My Pussy Once.”
After signing with MEG, Queen Key was featured on the compilation album “Swervo Presents: Welcome to MEG.” She has continued to release singles and music videos under G Herbo’s label. Her unapologetic, raunchy lyrics combined with her talent for melody have garnered Queen Key a dedicated fanbase.
Eric McCaine
Rounding out the MEG label roster is Eric McCaine, an R&B singer/songwriter from Chicago. Not much is known about this elusive artist other than his affiliation with G Herbo and musical abilities.
Eric McCaine’s buttery smooth vocals were first introduced through his features on G Herbo’s “Swervo” album in 2020. Since then, fans have been eager to hear more music from Eric as a solo artist. In 2021, he featured on the MEG compilation “Swervo Presents: Welcome to MEG” and released his debut single “Through the Fire.” Keep an eye out for more music from Eric McCaine coming soon.
History of G Herbo’s Record Label
To understand the artists currently signed to him, it’s important to know the history of G Herbo’s record label MEG. Here’s a quick timeline of how the label came to be:
2017 – G Herbo leaves Cinematic Music Group
After starting his career with Cinematic Music Group, G Herbo decided to go independent in 2017. This gave him more control over his music and set the stage for starting his own label.
2018 – Machine Entertainment Group launched
In 2018, G Herbo officially launched his own record label called Machine Entertainment Group, or MEG for short. The label would serve as a platform for G Herbo’s music along with any artists he signed.
2019 – First MEG compilation mixtape
In 2019, G Herbo released the first label compilation mixtape called “Swervo Presents: Welcome to MEG.” This project featured him along with artists signed to MEG at the time including Eric McCaine.
2021 – Lil Eazzyy and Queen Key join MEG
Over the next couple years, G Herbo’s label continued to grow. He signed Chicago natives Lil Eazzyy and Queen Key to MEG in 2021. This expanded the label’s reach and sound.
2022 – Second MEG compilation
In 2022, G Herbo dropped another MEG compilation project titled “Swervo Presents: Bruised Up.” This project highlighted new music from the MEG label’s roster including Lil Eazzyy, Queen Key, and Eric McCaine.
Why Artists Choose to Sign With G Herbo
G Herbo has been strategic in selecting artists to sign to his MEG label. For up-and-coming artists, there are several benefits to joining G Herbo’s imprint:
Guidance From an Established Rapper
As an acclaimed rapper with over a decade in the industry, G Herbo can provide invaluable wisdom to new artists on his label. He’s lived through the trials and tribulations of the music business, so he offers guidance to his signees.
Connections Through G Herbo’s Network
In addition to advice, G Herbo grants access to his network of collaborators, producers, media contacts, and industry professionals. This can significantly help an emerging artist’s career.
Resources of an Existing Label
Joining an established label like MEG comes with more resources for releasing music including distribution, marketing, radio, and social media support. G Herbo’s team helps amplify an artist’s music.
Chicago Representation
Since MEG represents the Chicago drill scene, artists from the city are drawn to the label. For Chicago rappers like Lil Eazzyy, joining G Herbo’s imprint gives them hometown representation.
Fanbase Crossover
Artists can tap into G Herbo’s existing fanbase by signing to MEG. Fans of G Herbo’s music are likely to tune in to the artists he co-signs on his label.
G Herbo’s Influence Over His Label Signees
As the CEO of MEG, G Herbo takes an active role in developing the artists on his label. Here are some of the ways he influences and interacts with the artists signed to him:
Career Guidance
G Herbo provides career guidance by advising artists on things like which singles to release, producers to work with, or features that could help boost their profiles. With his experience, he strategizes next moves.
Musical Collaboration
G Herbo frequently collaborates musically with his MEG signees whether that’s featuring on their tracks or producing songs for them. These musical collaborations introduce artists to a new audience.
Live Performance Opportunities
Artists like Lil Eazzyy and Queen Key have joined G Herbo on tour to both open for him and make guest appearances during his set. The exposure from these shows is invaluable.
Co-Signing Artists
Across social media and interviews, G Herbo consistently co-signs and promotes the artists on his label by sharing their new music or encouraging fans to check them out. A co-sign from Herbo carries weight.
One-on-One Mentorship
According to his artists, G Herbo makes himself available to provide personal advice and guidance on their careers. He mentors his young signees on a variety of topics.
Notable Releases From MEG Artists
Even though it’s a relatively new label, MEG has already yielded some notable releases from its roster of artists. Here are some of the key projects so far:
Lil Eazzyy – Underrated (2022)
After signing with MEG, Lil Eazzyy dropped his mixtape “Underrated” led by the infectious single “Forever.” The project helped elevate him as one of Chicago’s next big stars.
Queen Key – Eat My Pussy Again (2021)
This unapologetically titled mixtape from Queen Key turned heads upon its MEG release in 2021. Her funny, lewd lyrics on songs like “Ratchet” generated buzz.
Swervo Presents: Welcome to MEG (2019)
MEG’s first label compilation project introduced G Herbo’s label roster to the world, featuring Eric McCaine’s smooth vocals.
Swervo Presents: Bruised Up (2022)
The follow-up MEG compilation showed how the label had expanded with appearances from Lil Eazzyy, Queen Key, and Eric McCaine.
G Herbo & Southside – Swervo (2020)
Though not exclusively a MEG release, this acclaimed album from G Herbo had involvement from artists like Eric McCaine and advanced the label’s reach.
The Future of MEG
As a young label, MEG still has plenty of room to grow. Here’s an outlook on what’s ahead:
More Music From Lil Eazzyy & Queen Key
These two rising talents will likely release more singles, mixtapes, or albums through G Herbo’s label. Fans are eager to hear their continued evolution.
Debut Project from Eric McCaine
R&B singer Eric McCaine’s smooth vocals have left listeners wanting more. Many hope he’ll release his first full-length project through MEG soon.
Potential for Roster Expansion
G Herbo may look to grow the MEG roster by signing 1-2 more up-and-coming Chicago artists over the coming years. This would expand the label’s reach.
Continued Spotlighting of Chicago’s Drill Scene
While providing a platform for artists to grow, MEG will maintain its ties to Chicago’s drill scene by promoting emerging talents.
More Label Collaborations & Shows
Collaborations between MEG artists seem likely along with potential label tours or shows featuring the entire roster on stage together.
Conclusion
Through his label Machine Entertainment Group, G Herbo has already made an impact launching the careers of artists like Lil Eazzyy, Queen Key, and Eric McCaine. As MEG continues to expand and develop talent, G Herbo is cementing his influence over the next generation of Chicago hip hop. With his proven ear for music and talent, exciting things surely lie ahead for the artists who are lucky enough to be signed to G Herbo.