Gucci Mane has shocked the music industry by announcing that he has dropped nearly all the artists signed to his 1017 Records label. In an Instagram video posted on October 19, 2024, the rapper revealed that only two artists—Pooh Shiesty and Foogiano—would remain on the label. This decision comes as a result of financial evaluations that led Gucci to reexamine his business strategy.
“I just seen my statement and my profits and losses with all my artists,” Gucci Mane said in the video.
“It’s a whole bunch of shake-up and a whole s**t show in the industry right now. As a businessman, I think I’m going to have to release almost all my artists, except Pooh Shiesty and Foogiano.”
Founded in 2007 as 1017 Brick Squad, the label has been home to several prominent names in hip-hop, such as WakaFlocka Flame and OJ Da Juiceman. In 2020, the label was rebranded as 1017 Records, attracting a new generation of talent. Artists such as Big Scarr, Hotboy Wes, Hoodrich Pablo Juan, and Enchanting were among those signed in the rebranding phase. However, the label has faced numerous challenges since then.
Two major tragedies have rocked 1017 Records in recent years. Big Scarr, a rising star under the label, tragically passed away, followed by the death of Enchanting, another promising artist. These losses left a significant impact on the label’s roster and future plans. Further complications arose when Foogiano, one of the label’s top artists, was sentenced to five years in prison in 2021 for tampering with his ankle monitor. Pooh Shiesty, another key artist, was sentenced to five years in prison for a gun-related conviction in 2022.
Gucci Mane emphasized that his decision to let go of the other artists was not taken lightly. “This is a decision I didn’t want to make,” he stated. “I could keep all of them under the contract, but I said f**k it. Let’s just make the unselfish decision and let them take their talents elsewhere. I already reached out to them and to their lawyers and let them know they’re free to take their talents elsewhere.”
In his video, Gucci also made it clear that despite releasing most of his roster, he is still actively searching for new talent to build the future of 1017 Records alongside Pooh Shiesty and Foogiano. His message to his former artists was positive, wishing them well in their future endeavors.
Pooh Shiesty and Foogiano have been two of the most successful acts under the 1017 label. Despite their legal challenges, they continue to generate revenue for the label and maintain a loyal fan base. Gucci’s decision to keep them shows his confidence in their potential to remain significant players in the music industry.
The news of the artist purge has left fans and industry insiders speculating about what’s next for the iconic Atlanta rapper’s label. Gucci Mane, known for his sharp business acumen and ear for talent, appears to be taking a more focused approach in the face of industry challenges and internal struggles at the label.
Gucci Mane’s 1017 Records has always been more than just a label—it’s a part of the rapper’s personal identity. The label’s name honors October 17, the date he married his wife, KeyshiaKa’oir. The couple recently celebrated their seventh wedding anniversary, with Gucci posting a heartfelt tribute to his wife on social media. “1017 isn’t just about a label, it’s always been about family,” Gucci wrote in his celebratory post. He thanked Keyshia for standing by him through thick and thin, a sentiment that reflects the personal importance of the brand.
As Gucci Mane looks to the future of 1017 Records, fans are eager to see how the label will evolve. With Pooh Shiesty and Foogiano as the remaining pillars of the roster, there is speculation about who Gucci will sign next to rejuvenate the label. His history of discovering and nurturing talent suggests that he has plans to keep 1017 relevant in an ever-changing industry.
For now, the focus is on navigating the challenges of the music industry while continuing to develop the careers of his two remaining artists. It is clear that Gucci Mane is determined to steer 1017 Records through these tough times and continue building its legacy.
