Migos | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Background information | |
| Also known as |
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| Origin | Lawrenceville, Georgia, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Works | Migos discography |
| Years active | 2008–2023 |
| Labels | |
| Spinoffs | |
| Past members | |
| Website | migosofficial |
Migos (/miːɡoʊs/MEE-gohs) were[2][3][4] an Americanhip hop group founded inLawrenceville, Georgia, in 2008.[5] The group was composed of rapperQuavo, his nephewTakeoff, and their friendOffset. Quavo is fromAthens, Georgia, while Offset and Takeoff were born and raised in nearbyLawrenceville. As a group, they were managed by Coach K, the former manager ofGucci Mane andJeezy,[6] and frequently collaborated with producersDJ Durel,Murda Beatz,Zaytoven, andBuddah Bless.[7][8] Recognized for their contribution totrap music in the 2010s,Billboard stated that the group "influenced pop culture and the entire English language by bringing their North Atlanta roots to the mainstream".[9]
Migos' 2013 debut single, "Versace" spawned from their third mixtapeY.R.N. (Young Rich Niggas), which was released in June of that year. The song was remixed by Canadian rapperDrake, leading to its entry on theBillboard Hot 100; it was followed by "Fight Night" and "Look at My Dab", which were released in the following two years. Their 2016 single, "Bad and Boujee" (featuringLil Uzi Vert) peaked atop the chart, while their 2017 single, "MotorSport" (withNicki Minaj andCardi B) and 2018 singles, "Stir Fry" and "Walk It Talk It" (featuring Drake) each peaked within the top ten.
Migos signed withQuality Control Music and300 Entertainment to release their debut studio albumYung Rich Nation (2015), which was met with positive critical reception and peaked at number 17 on theBillboard 200. Their second album,Culture (2017), debuted atop the chart[10][11] and was supported by "Bad and Boujee". After departing 300 Entertainment in favor of a joint venture withMotown andCapitol Records in February 2017,[12] the trio saw their furthest commercial success with their third album,Culture II (2018), which became their second to peak the chart and sold an estimated 200,000album-equivalent units in its first week.[13] Their fourth album,Culture III (2021), peaked at number two on theBillboard 200.
In 2016, the group portrayed fictionalized versions of themselves in thefirst season of theDonald Glover comedy-drama television seriesAtlanta. On November 1, 2022, Takeoffwas fatally shot outside of a bowling alley inHouston, effectively causing its two remaining members to disband the following year.[14]
Migos was formed in 2008, byQuavo (born Quavious Keyate Marshall),[15]Takeoff (born Kirshnik Khari Ball),[16] andOffset (born Kiari Kendrell Cephus),[17] and they originally called themselves the Polo Club. The name 'Migos' is a take on 'Three Amigos', as the three members grew up together.[18] Takeoff was Quavo's nephew; despite the general public believing that Offset and Quavo were cousins, Offset later revealed he is not related to either of them and was just a classmate of Quavo.[19] The three of them grew up together in metroAtlanta, 25 minutes northeast ofDowntown inGwinnett County. "I ain't going to sit here like, my neighborhood was hard, and I had to get out there and grind. We made it hard for ourselves. We chose to stay on the streets", Quavo said.[20] The group released their first full-length project, amixtape titledJuug Season, on August 25, 2011. They followed with the mixtapeNo Label on June 1, 2012. Assisted by Tucker Toenjes and Mitchell Thomas.
In 2013, Migos released their breakoutsingle "Versace". The single was produced byZaytoven and peaked at number 99 on the USBillboard Hot 100 chart.[21][22] Later that year, Canadian actorDrake brought the single more recognition when heremixed the song, adding averse, which he would later perform at the 2013iHeartRadio Music Festival.[23] On June 13, Migos released their mixtapeY.R.N. (Young Rich Niggas), which features thelead single "Versace", to critical acclaim. Brandon Soderberg ofSpin gave it 8 out of 10 stars, commenting that it "is a super-cut ofDirty South vibes" and compared the three members toGucci Mane,Soulja Boy, andFuture.[24]
On June 15, 2013, the group performed at rap radio stationHot 107.9's Birthday Bash. In October 2013, the group was featured inXXL's section "Show & Prove".[25] "Versace" was placed in multiple year-end lists of 2013, including number three onXXL's "The 25 Best Songs of 2013",[26] number four onComplex's "The 50 Best Songs of 2013",[27] number five onSPIN's "50 Best Songs of 2013",[28] number 38 onPitchfork's "The Top 100 Tracks of 2013"[29] and number 69 onRolling Stone's "The 100 Best Songs of 2013".[30]Y.R.N. (Young Rich Niggas) was named the 27th-best album of 2013 and sixth-best hip-hop album of 2013 bySPIN.[31][32]
On February 25, 2014, Migos released the sequel to their second mixtape, titledNo Label 2.[33] The tape was downloaded over 100,000 times in the first week of its release and was certified gold on mixtape sharing siteDatPiff.[34]No Label 2 was met with generally positive reviews frommusic critics.Consequence of Sound described it as "the perfect mix of raucous party tunes and triumphant rap anthems for your nextBBQ orblock party"[35] andExclaim! commented that it "is packed with potential hits".[36]Vibe also praised the production on the tape, calling it "extensive and impressive".[37]
On March 14, 2014, it was revealed by Migos' mixtapeY.R.N. 2, that the project had turned out to be a full-fledged album.[38] The trio were aiming to have at least 20 songs on the album.[39] In June 2014, it was revealed that Migos had signed a deal to300 Entertainment, which is distributed byAtlantic Records.[40] In June 2014, their single "Fight Night" was featured onXXL's "25 Best Songs of 2014 so far" list.[41] It peaked at number 69 on theBillboard Hot 100.[42] Following the release of their mixtape,Rich Nigga Timeline, which was released on November 5, 2014,Rolling Stone voted it the 7th-best rap album of 2014.[43]
On February 5, 2015, Migos released the first single from the album, titled "One Time".[44] On March 23, 2015, the group released a music video for the single, as a part of a cross-promotion with the YouTube Music Awards.[45] The single peaked at number 34 on the USHot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. After a slight delay, because of theGeorgia Southern University incident (which led to Offset's incarceration), Migos' debut album,Yung Rich Nation (originally titledY.R.N.: Tha Album), was released on July 31, 2015, featuringguest appearances fromChris Brown andYoung Thug.Yung Rich Nation received generally positive reviews from music critics. In its first week, the album sold 15,000 copies and came in at number 3 on theTop Rap Albums Charts.[46]
During this time, it was revealed that the group had already completed their second studio album. Referring to this album's release, in an interview with DJ Whoo Kid, Takeoff said, "its all about timing". Migos stated that the track "Fantastic", featuringLil Wayne, would be included on the album. In addition, they confirmed they would also like to collaborate with rapperNas.[47] In September 2015, Migos went independent. They left300 Entertainment as they felt that Quality Control Music could manage them alone and this would also increase their revenue stream.[48] Under 300 Entertainment, they made approximately US$30,000–40,000 per show; however, through Quality Control they made upwards of US$60,000.[49]
On September 17, 2015, Migos released a new mixtape titledBack to the Bando.[50] Although fellow member Offset was still incarcerated, Migos continued to release music. The first song off the mixtape, "Look at My Dab", was released on September 6. It was officially released as a single through iTunes on October 30.[51] The song gained worldwide attention, due to Migos and other celebrities, likeOdell Beckham Jr. andCam Newton, doing the signature dance move called "dabbing".[52] On October 22, 2015, Migos and Rich the Kid releasedStreets on Lock 4.[53] Migos were originally supposed to release the collaboration mixtape withYoung Thug titledMigoThuggin in late 2016 but shelved it.[54] Their follow up mixtape to YRN,Young Rich Niggas 2, was released on January 18.[55]
On September 7, 2016,Kanye West announced that he had signed Migos to a management deal with hisGOOD Music imprint,[56] but in January 2017 the group stated that they are not affiliated with West's label.[57] On October 28, 2016, Migos released the first single of their new albumCulture. The single was titled "Bad and Boujee". The song was produced byMetro Boomin and features vocals from fellow American rapperLil Uzi Vert. The music video for the single was released on October 31. The single went on to top theBillboard Hot 100, becoming Migos' first number one single in the US.[58]
Their second album,Culture, was released on January 27, 2017.[59] In April, Migos were featured onKaty Perry's song "Bon Appétit" from her fifth studio album,Witness. On May 30, Migos (branded by Quality Control) released "Too Hotty" which is featured on the compilation album,Quality Control: Control the Streets Vol. 1, released on December 19, 2017. The single was officially released on streaming services on August 24, 2017. The music video was released on August 25.[60][61] On June 16, the Migos (alongsideLil Yachty) were featured on theSteve Aoki song "Night Call". On October 27, Migos officially released "MotorSport", the lead single off their third studio albumCulture II, along withCardi B andNicki Minaj.[62] The second single, "Stir Fry", was released on the official Migos YouTube channel, on December 20, 2017.[63] Produced byPharrell Williams, the song was later used for the 2018 NBA All-Star Weekend.[64]
A promotional single, titled "Supastars", was released on January 22, 2018. It was produced byHonorable C.N.O.T.E., Buddah Bless, and Quavo; it was co-produced byDJ Durel.[65] On January 26, 2018,Culture II was released. The album contains twenty-four tracks, featuring production fromMetro Boomin,Dun Deal,Murda Beatz,Travis Scott,Zaytoven and others.[66] In October 2018, Quavo stated thatCulture III would be released in early 2019.[67] The album was then delayed and rescheduled for release in early 2020. However, the album was pushed back again, due to theCOVID-19 pandemic. Quavo spoke toBillboard in March 2020, and announced the group's decision to hold off on the release ofCulture III, explaining it was largely due to their inability to properly roll out the album once social distancing rules went into effect in most states in the US.[68] While onLil Wayne's Young Money Radio show onApple Music, on May 22, 2020, Migos announced they would change the title fromCulture III to another title. However, this was reverted on May 17, 2021, when the group announced via Instagram thatCulture III would be released June 11 of the same year under its original name.[69]
In 2022, the group was rumored to have broken up after Quavo's ex-girlfriendSaweetie had reportedly slept with Offset. Quavo alluded to the rift in the song "Messy"[70] and in an interview where he insinuated Offset's lack of loyalty.[71] In October 2022, Quavo and Takeoff subsequently released an album without Offset titledOnly Built for Infinity Links.
On November 1, 2022, Takeoff was shot and killed while with Quavo and others at a Houston bowling alley. The shooting occurred around 2:34 a.m. local time at the 810 Billiards and Bowling Houston.[72]
On February 22, 2023, Quavo posted a music video for his song "Greatness". A song written in dedication to Takeoff, it has been frequently interpreted as confirmation that the group has broken up.[73][74]
On June 25, 2023, Quavo and Offset reunited for a tribute performance dedicated to Takeoff at theBET Awards 2023 marking it their final performance as Migos.[75]
On October 5, 2023, in an interview with Hot 97, Offset officially confirmed that Migos had disbanded. He conveyed that contrary to popular belief, that the group's disbandment was not due to issues he may have had with Quavo. The death of Takeoff, who he described as "the glue" and the "real leader", had ended any possibility of the group continuing. He also stated that "it wouldn't be right" to continue the group without him. He stated in the same interview that their tribute performance at theBET Awards was their way of respectfully ending Migos in honor of Takeoff, while also giving them the opportunity to pay their final public tribute.[76]
In 2013, Offset was incarcerated in Georgia's DeKalb County Jail for violating his probation that he had received due to felony convictions for burglary and theft.[20][77]
On April 18, 2015, Migos were scheduled to headlineGeorgia Southern University's spring concert atHanner Fieldhouse inStatesboro, Georgia. The show started at 7:00 pm EDT with local opening acts; however, Migos took the stage nearly an hour and a half past their scheduled 9:00 pm set time. While their performance contract had a stipulated minimum set length of 45 minutes, the group performed for less than 30 minutes before leaving the stage. The University Police Department, the Statesboro Police Department and theBulloch County Sheriff's Office, who were present at the concert as security detail, detected a strong scent of marijuana from the group's vans, and the drivers were questioned by law enforcement. Upon further investigation, the rap trio and 12 members of their entourage were arrested for possession of marijuana and another Schedule II controlled substance, possession of firearms within a school safety zone, possession of firearms during the commission of a crime, and possession of firearms by convicted felons.[78]
While university officials were aware of Migos' reputation, the group was allowed to perform, as they had received the most votes among seven bands and artists up for consideration for the spring concert in a student poll, and student activity fees and ticket sales were used to pay for the concert.[79] According to the performance contract, the group was to be paid $30,000 with their promoter Big House Collective receiving an additional $3,000. University officials had initially sought to put Migos inbreach of contract due to the group's late arrival, shortened performance, and possession of contraband on university property; however, the university ultimately paid half of the agreed-upon fees.[80][81]
On April 20, 2015, Takeoff, Quavo, and six members of their entourage were released on bond by the Bulloch County District Attorney's Office while Offset and six others remained in custody without bond. As a result of their arrests, on April 28, 2015, Migos postponed their Yung Rich Nation Tour until July.[82]
On May 2, 2015, Offset, while in custody, was charged with battery and inciting a riot within a penal facility after attacking another inmate, causing severe injury.[83] In a bond hearing before Bulloch County Superior Court Judge John R. Turner on May 8, 2015, Offset was formally denied bond based on his prior criminal record as well as the jail fight. During the hearing, two members of Migos' entourage were also denied bonds while four others were granted bonds and were barred from returning to Bulloch County as a condition of their release. Also, Judge Turner directed the four who were released not to make contact with anyone involved in the case. Offset's attorney argued that the rap trio wereunfairly profiled by law enforcement and that officers had failed to prove ownership of the firearms and illicit drugs found within the two vans; however, the prosecution responded that law enforcement were present at the concert for the safety of the students and public at-large due to Migos' history of violence. Upon hearing the decision, Offset shouted obscenities as he was escorted out of the courtroom.[84]
After eight months in custody, Offset was released on December 4, 2015, after accepting anAlford plea deal. The plea deal dropped the gun, drug, and gang-related charges in exchange for pleading guilty to inciting a riot within a penal facility; paying a $1,000 fine; serving five years' probation; and banishment fromBulloch,Effingham,Jenkins, andScreven Counties. Takeoff, facing misdemeanor marijuana charges, also accepted a plea deal and was sentenced with 12 months' probation. Quavo pleaded no contest to misdemeanor marijuana charges and received a 12-month suspended sentence.[85]
On March 17, 2016, Offset was arrested for driving with a suspended license in Atlanta but was released the next day without having charges filed against him.[17] Offset has since claimed his license was never suspended and the police detained him without probable cause.[86]
On July 7, 2017, Takeoff was asked to leave a flight fromAtlanta toDes Moines, Iowa, after he refused to move his bag from the floor to an overhead storage bin prior to takeoff.[87]
In 2017, South Florida rapperXXXTentacion claimed the group injured him and pulled a gun on him.[88]
In March 2018, theWashington Avenue Armory inAlbany, New York sued the group for allegedly inciting a riot at the venue in 2015, when six people were stabbed. A concertgoer who suffered facial injuries also sued the band and the venue.[89]
Studio albums
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Bando[90] | Quavo, Takeoff, and Offset* | Short film |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Atlanta | Quavo, Takeoff, and Offset* | Episode: "Go for Broke" |
| 2022 | WWE Day 1 | Themselves | Guest appearance (pay-per-view) |
| Year | Awards | Nominated work | Category | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | BET Hip Hop Awards | Themselves | Rookie of the Year | Nominated | [91] |
| "Fight Night" | Best Club Banger | Nominated | |||
| No Label II | Best Mixtape | Won | |||
| 2015 | BET Awards | Themselves | Best Group | Won | [92] |
| 2017 | Billboard Music Awards | "Bad and Boujee"(featuringLil Uzi Vert) | Top Rap Song | Nominated | [93] |
| Top Rap Collaboration | Won | ||||
| BET Awards | Themselves | Best Group | Won | [94] | |
| "Bad and Boujee"(featuringLil Uzi Vert) | Best Collaboration | Won | |||
| Video of the Year | Won | ||||
| Viewers' Choice Award | Won | ||||
| MTV Video Music Awards | Best Hip Hop Video | Won | [95] | ||
| MTV Europe Music Awards | "Bon Appétit"(withKaty Perry) | Best Video | Won | ||
| 2018 | Grammy Awards | Culture | Best Rap Album | Nominated | |
| "Bad and Boujee"(featuringLil Uzi Vert) | Best Rap Performance | Nominated | |||
| iHeartRadio Music Awards | Themselves | Best Duo/Group of the Year | Won | [96] | |
| "Bad and Boujee"(featuring Lil Uzi Vert) | Hip-Hop Song of the Year | Won | |||
| Themselves | Hip-Hop Artist of the Year | Nominated | |||
| BET Awards | Culture II | Album of the Year | Nominated | [97] | |
| "Walk It Talk It"(featuringDrake) | Video of the Year | Won | |||
| "MotorSport"(withCardi B &Nicki Minaj) | Coca-Cola Viewers' Choice Award | Nominated | |||
| Themselves | Best Duo/Group | Nominated | |||
| Teen Choice Awards | Choice Style Icon | Nominated | |||
| American Music Awards | Themselves | Favorite Duo or Group Pop/Rock | Won | [98] | |
| MTV Europe Music Awards | Themselves | Best Group | Nominated | [99] | |
| Best Hip-Hop | Nominated | ||||
| 2020 | BET Hip Hop Awards | Themselves | Best Group of the Year | Won |
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Artists | |
