4 Independent Music Artists Who Refused To Sign With Labels

Back then, getting signed to a major record label was a sign that an artist had finally made it into the music industry—a promise of hit songs, albums, fame, success, money, and awards. 

While many artists choose the path of promised success, some independent artists opt for independence, rejecting major labels to maintain control over their music, creativity, and careers.

Here are 5 beloved artists who did just that. 

Macklemore

In 2012, Macklemore and Ray Lewis released the album, The Heist, which went platinum, won four Grammys, and had two singles from the album, “Thrift Shop” and “Can’t Hold Us,” reach number one on Billboard without being signed to a major label.

Receiving little label interest, Macklemore and Lewis realized they would have to continue working independently after meeting with two label companies.

“I’ve always wanted to own my music. I don’t want to give it away. I don’t want to be a puppet. No dollar amount to me is worth that,” said Macklemore in a podcast with Guy Raz on The Great Creators. 

With the help of the Alternative Distribution Alliance (ADA), a subsidiary of Warner Music Group, ADA got Macklemore and Lewis’ records in stores, iTunes, and radio stations, becoming one of the most successful independent artists and an example for more to succeed.

Chance the Rapper

Chance the Rapper is arguably one of the biggest independent artists known for his creative freedom, retaining ownership, and philanthropic efforts.

At the 59th Grammy Awards, Chance made history as streaming-only albums were considered for the first time for awards. 

Chance became the first artist to win a Grammy for his mixtape Coloring Book without selling a single physical copy, earning him three awards without a label supporting him.

“I never try to tell the story that I wasn’t looking for a deal,” said Chance in a recent interview with radio host Big Boy.

“It just got too expensive to keep having lawyers look over contracts,” he added. “They were predatory contracts, not because of me, but because of the system.”

Through tours with artists like Mac Miller, Chance learned how to monetize his success and discovered where his power as an artist truly lies. 

Nipsey Hussle

The late Nipsey Hussle was an acclaimed rapper whose music inspired and motivated listeners to work hard, be self-sufficient, and pursue entrepreneurial success. Additionally, he used his efforts to support his community and advocate for social change before he was murdered in 2019.

Hussle believed in the value of artist ownership and self-sufficiency, founding his own independent record label, All Money In Records, in 2010 after leaving Epic Records.

“The labels aren’t letting us live,” Hussle said in an article with The Guardian. “They’re not letting artists own anything!”

Three years later, Hussle launched the Proud 2 Pay campaign, encouraging conversation about artistic value, freedom, and community by selling 1,000 copies of his mixtape Crenshaw for $100. 

Jorja Smith

Jorja Smith is an acclaimed artist known for her soulful voice and fusion of R&B, jazz, and soul, having collaborated with artists such as Drake and Kendrick Lamar on the soundtrack for the movie The Black Panther.

In 2018, Smith released her debut album, Lost and Found, through her own label FAMM and became the first independent artist to win BRIT Critics’ Choice Awards.

“With a label, pressure is added,” Smith stated in an article with The Guardian.

“Being independent you don’t feel a lot of pressure. A lot of people say I’ve been putting out music slowly. But I like how I’ve done things,” Smith added.

Since her win in 2018, Smith has released her second album, Falling or Flying, in 2023, collaborated with Childish Gambino, and created popular songs like “Little Things X Gypsy Woman”.