Quality Control CEO Pierre “Pee” Thomas has responded to a new lawsuit from Migos against their former lawyer, Damien Granderson – as he also represents the blockbuster record label.
In a statement on Wednesday (July 15), Pee expressed his disappointment that the Atlanta trio decided to sue Granderson over allegedly excessive fees and conflicts of interest, and insinuating the label has taken an unfair portion of their profits. While denying any wrongdoing, Pee noted the inconvenient timing following the recent death of QC artist Marlo.
“It is unfortunate that the same people that we have worked hard for, provided opportunities for, and championed for are now alleging that we have participated in any kind of immoral or unfair business practices or took advantage of them in their careers, especially while we are dealing with the death of an artist on our label that was dear to us,” he began. “We have always practiced honest business and complete transparency from the beginning when we started Quality Control Music.”
He continued on, saying a deal could be worked out but he has no problems letting Migos go their own way either.
“It is hard enough to be fighting and battling with corporations and the power that be, I am not doing it with those who I consider family,” he wrote. “I love my artists and I love my team. Everyone has their own lawyers. I understand in this business that you are not always going to end with the people you started with. I say that to say, I am not forcing anybody to be in business with us that has a problem and cannot communicate and does not want to work as a unit. Everything is negotiable. I wish my whole team more money, more blessings, and continued success. #longlivemarlo”
View this post on InstagramIt is unfortunate that the same people that we have worked hard for,provided opportunities for, and championed for are now alleging that we have participated in any kind of immoral or unfair business practices or took advantage of them and their careers, especially while we are dealing with the death of an artist on our label that was dear to us. We have always practiced honest business and complete transparency from the beginning when we started Quality Control Music. We built this business on family values, which has been so hard to do when you are dealing with so much pride and ego. The problem that I have been struggling with in this business as black man is jealousy, hate, division, and lack of communication. I was a millionaire before I got in the music business and for me to know the sacrifices I have made for the people that I have invested in and put every dollar, blood, sweat, and tears into is nonsense. I will not stand by and let Quality Control Music’s reputation and everything we have built and sacrificed be tarnished by allegations of unfair and unjust business practices. I am a student of this game and I have watched several black record label owner’s get destroyed by the same things that I am facing right now. This is why majority of the people in this business end up in financial turmoil and ultimately failing to reach their full potential. It is hard enough to be fighting and battling with corporations and the powers that be, I am not doing it with those who I consider family. I love my artists and I love my team. Everyone has their own lawyers. I understand in this business that you are not always going to end with the people you started with. I say that to say, I am not forcing anybody to be in business with us that has a problem and cannot communicate and does not want to work as a unit. Everything is negotiable. I wish my whole team more money, more blessings, and continued success. #longlivemarlo??
In their suit, Migos accused Granderson of being more favorable to Quality Control and negotiating deals that weren’t in their best interests. They also allege Granderson negotiated a 2018 amendment with Capitol Records that extended the agreement between Migos and Quality Control, which prevented the group “from ever being free of paying excessive compensation to QCM, from ever being signed to any other record label, and from ever obtaining negotiating leverage to secure reasonable terms in connection with the distribution of its musical recordings.”
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Migos are seeking restitution and punitive damages beyond “millions of dollars,” as well as a five percent contingent fee agreement to be ruled invalid.