The History Of G.O.O.D Music

G.O.O.D. Music, an acronym for “Getting Out Our Dreams”, is an American independent record label founded by rapper Kanye West in 20041. The label was established in conjunction with Sony BMG, shortly after the release of Kanye West’s critically acclaimed debut album, "The College Dropout"21.

The initial artists of the label were Ohio singer John Legend and fellow Chicago rapper Common, along with Kanye West himself1. The label has since courted some of the best rappers, producers, and singers in music to create a creative force in the industry. The trio of Legend, Common, and 'Ye were the inaugural members, while GLC, Consequence, and Mos Def soon followed2.

G.O.O.D. Music has been instrumental in shaping the landscape of music for over eight years, epitomizing Kanye’s vision and aesthetics. The label has released two number-one US Billboard Hot 100 singles, “All of Me” by John Legend, and “Panda” by Desiigner; as well as nine number-one US Billboard 200 albums1.

In 2015, Pusha T was appointed the president of the label by West, while record executive Steven Victor was appointed COO1. However, in late 2022, Pusha T stepped down from the position as he was no longer on speaking terms with West1.

The label’s success is a testament to its core values of working with family, staying true to their respective dreams, and standing behind their product2. As Kanye West raps in the single “New God Flow”, "Who running sh** today? G.O.O.D. Music!".