Biography

Migos is an American hip hop trio formed in 2009, from Lawrenceville, Georgia. The trio is composed of three rappers, known by their stage names Quavo, Offset and Takeoff. Migos released their commercial debut single "Versace", in 2013, taken from their mixtape Y.R.N. (Young Rich Niggas). They went on to release several singles, such as "Fight Night" (2014), "Look at My Dab" (2015) and the chart topping hit "Bad and Boujee" (2016).

The trio released its debut album Yung Rich Nation, in 2015, through Quality Control Music and 300 Entertainment. Its second album, Culture, was released in January 2017 and debuted atop the Billboard 200 chart. Migos are managed by Coach K, the former manager of prominent Atlanta-based rappers Gucci Mane and Young Jeezy, and frequently collaborate with producers DJ Durel, Murda Beatz and Zaytoven.

History

2009–12: Formation and early releases

Migos was formed in 2009, by Quavo (born Quavious Keyate Marshall), Takeoff (born Kirshnik Khari Ball) and Offset (born Kiari Kendrell Cephus), originally known as Polo Club & from Lawrenceville, Georgia. The three members are directly related and were raised together; Quavo is Takeoff's uncle, and Offset is Quavo's cousin. The group released their first full-length project, a mixtape titled Juug Season, on August 25, 2011. They followed with the mixtape No Label, on June 1, 2012.

2013: Breakthrough and Young Rich Niggas

In 2013, Migos released their breakout single "Versace". The single was produced by Zaytoven and peaked at number 99 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Later that year, Canadian rapper Drake brought the single more recognition when he remixed the song, adding a verse, which he would later perform at the 2013 iHeartRadio Music Festival. On June 13, Migos released their mixtape Y.R.N. (Young Rich Niggas), which features the lead single "Versace", to critical acclaim. Brandon Soderberg of Spin gave it 8 out of 10 stars, commenting that it "is a super-cut of Dirty South vibes" and compared the three members to Gucci Mane, Soulja Boy and Future. On June 15, 2013, the group performed at rap radio station Hot 107.9's Birthday Bash. In October 2013, the group was featured in XXL's section Show & Prove. "Versace" was placed in multiple year-end lists of 2013, including number three on XXL's "The 25 Best Songs of 2013", number four on Complex's "The 50 Best Songs of 2013", number five on SPIN's "50 Best Songs of 2013,"number 38 on Pitchfork's "The Top 100 Tracks of 2013" and number 69 on Rolling Stone's "The 100 Best Songs of 2013." Y.R.N. (Young Rich Niggas) was named the 27th best album of 2013 and sixth best hip-hop album of 2013 by SPIN.

2014–15: Mixtapes and Yung Rich Nation

On February 25, 2014, Migos released the sequel to their second mixtape, titling it No Label 2. The tape was downloaded over 100,000 times in the first week of its release and was certified gold on popular mixtape sharing site DatPiff. No Label 2 was met with generally positive reviews from music critics. Consequence of Sound described it as "the perfect mix of raucous party tunes and triumphant rap anthems for your next BBQ or block party" and Exclaim! commented that it "is packed with potential hits." Vibe also praised the production on the tape, calling it "extensive and impressive".

On March 14, 2014, it was revealed by Migos' mixtape Y.R.N. 2, that this project has turned out to be a full-fledged album. The trio are looking to put it up for amount of 20 songs on their effort. In June 2014, it was then revealed, that Migos has signed a deal to 300 Entertainment, which is distributed by Atlantic Records. In June 2014, their single "Fight Night" was featured on XXL's 25 Best Songs of 2014 so far list. It has peaked at number 69 on the Billboard Hot 100. 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.

On February 5, 2015, Migos released the first single from the album, entitled "One Time". 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. The single peaked at number 34 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. After a slight delay, because of the Georgia Southern Universityincident (which led to Offset's incarceration), Migos' debut album Yung Rich Nation (originally titled Y.R.N.: Tha Album), was released on July 31, 2015, featuring some guest appearances from Chris Brown and Young 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 the Top Rap Albums Charts.

Migos has said 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". The track "Fantastic", featuring Lil Wayne, will be included on the album. They would also like to collaborate with rapper Nas.

In September 2015, Migos went independent. They left 300 Entertainment as they felt that Quality Control Music could manage them alone and this would also increase revenue stream. Under 300 Entertainment, they made approximately USD $30–40K per show, however through Quality Control they made upwards of $USD 60K.

On September 17, Migos released a new mixtape titled, Back to the Bando. Although fellow member Offset was still incarcerated, Migos continued to release music at a rapid pace. 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. The song has gained worldwide attention ever since Migos and other known people such Odell Beckham Jr. and Cam Newton have been doing the signature dance move called "dabbing".

On October 22, Migos and Rich the Kid released Streets on Lock 4. Migos was originally supposed to release the highly anticipated collaboration mixtape with Young Thug entitled MigoThuggin in late 2016 but shelved. Migos will be going on their Dab Tour which wiil feature fellow label mate Skippa da Flippa. Their follow up mixtape to YRN sequel, Young Rich Niggas 2 was released on January 18.

2016–present: Culture

On September 7, 2016, Kanye West announced that he had signed Migos to a management deal with his GOOD Music imprint, but in January 2017 the group stated that they are not affiliated with West's label.

On October 28, 2016, Migos released the first single, titled "Bad and Boujee", from their upcoming second studio album. The song was produced by Metro Boomin and features vocals from fellow American rapper Lil Uzi Vert. The music video for the single was released on October 31. The single went on to top the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Migos' first number one single in the US. Their second album, Culture, was released on January 27, 2017. In April 2017, Migos was featured in Katy Perry's single "Bon Appétit" from her fifth studio album, Witness.

Legal issues

2015: Georgia Southern University concert incident

On April 18, 2015, Migos were scheduled to headline Georgia Southern University's 2015 Spring concert at Hanner Fieldhouse. The show started at 7:00 pm with local opening acts; however, the group took the stage nearly an hour and a half later than their scheduled 9:00 pm set time. Although their performance contract stipulated a minimum 45 minute set length, the group performed for less than 30 minutes before leaving the stage. The University Police Department, the Statesboro Police Department and the Bulloch 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 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.

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. While university officials were aware of Migos' reputation, the group was allowed to perform as the student body had voted to have the group perform among 7 acts that were up for consideration, and student fees and ticket sales were used to pay for the concert. According to the performance contract, the group were to be paid $30,000 with their promoter Big House Collective receiving an additional $3,000. University officials initially sought to put Migos in breach 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. As a result of their arrests, on April 28, 2015, Migos announced they would postpone their Yung Rich Nation Tour until July.

On May 2, 2015, Offset, while in custody, received additional charges of battery and inciting a riot within a penal facility after attacking another inmate, causing severe injury. 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 then-recent 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 were unfairly 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.

After eight months in custody, Offset was released on December 4, 2015 after accepting an Alford 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 from Bulloch, Effingham, Jenkins and ScrevenCounties. 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 sentence, which was suspended based on payment of fines.

2016: Continued legal issues

On March 17, 2016, Offset was arrested for driving with a suspended license but was released the next day without having charges filed. Offset has since claimed his license was never suspended and the police detained him without probable cause.

Discography

• Yung Rich Nation (2015)
• Culture (2017)

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