YG
Since Warren G's “Regulate…G Funk Era” gave Def Jam/Rush Associated Labels a much needed hit in 1994, arriving just as reports of the label's insolvency surfaced, the New York-based powerhouse has largely steered clear of West Coast rap, hewing almost exclusively to East Coast and Southern artists like Jay-Z, Ghostface k**ah and Method Man, as well as Young Jeezy. But as the legendary imprint prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary, the label has returned to the Southland, inking a deal with Compton's Y.G., an artist that has ama**ed a ma**ive following prior to radio or any commercial backing.
Best known for a series of scabrous s**-themed songs with unprintable titles, the 19-year-old has swapped gang life for the recording booth and hasn't looked back, racking up enviable MySpace metrics: over 2 million profile views and multiple songs with over 1 million plays each and a string of sold put performances across the US.
According to Max Gousse, the senior VP of A&R at Island/Def Jam who inked the rapper, the signing stemmed from a newfound emphasis on West Coast artists by label president/CEO L.A. Reid, as well as, of course, Y.G.'s sk**s and stage presence.
Ty Dolla $ign
Tyrone Griffin (born April 13, 1985), better known by his stage name Ty Dolla Sign (stylized as Ty Dolla $ign or Ty$), is an American singer, rapper and producer from Los Angeles, California. He is currently signed to Wiz Khalifa's Taylor Gang Records and Atlantic Records.
The son of a musician from Lakeside, Ty Dolla $ign originally began his career in music by learning the ba** guitar. Since then, he has learned several instruments, from the drums, guitars, and keyboard to the MPC. Earlier in his career, Ty Dolla $ign and his partner Kory signed a record deal with Venus Brown and Buddah Brown Ent. They would release Raw & Bangin Mixtape Vol 2, however that deal fell through, and after that he would meet Los Angeles rapper YG. Ty Dolla $ign's initial claim to fame was through the success of "Toot It and Boot It", a song he both wrote and produced for YG. Both are affiliated with the group Pushaz Ink. In 2011, Ty Dolla $ign released his first single "All Star", featuring Joe Moses with production by Fuego. His song "My Cabana" was ranked in Complex's Best 50 Songs of 2012 list at #23.
Ty Dolla $ign signed to Atlantic Records in 2012. Then he released the Beach House mixtape on October 1, 2012 and followed with the Beach House 2 mixtape on July 1, 2013, which featured guest appearances by Too $hort, Wiz Khalifa, Juicy J, and Kirko Bangz among others. The following day it was revealed he was signed to Wiz Khalifa's Taylor Gang Records. The Beach House mixtape was supported by the single "My Cabana" featuring Young Jeezy and Beach House 2 was supported by the singles "Irie" featuring Wiz Khalifa.