How TDE Became the Current Most Powerful Label in Hip-Hop

Independent record labels have been the lifeblood of hip-hop over the last five decades, and no other rap label is currently pushing the line like Top Dawg Entertainment.

Established in 2004 by Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith, the imprint started with humble beginnings but quickly found its footing in the Los Angeles rap scene by signing rising talent like Jay Rock (2005), Kendrick Lamar (2005), Ab-Soul (2007) and ScHoolboy Q (2009). Each of the rappers’ debut albums saw modest success. But in 2012, the label scored its first top 10 Billboard 200 album, when Kendrick Lamar’s good kid, m.A.A.d city debuted at No. 2. Then, in 2013, the label stepped into the R&B realm by scooping up then little-known R&B star SZA.

The label’s eye for talent has turned into a track record for success. In total, TDE has put out seven No .1 albums and a total of 17 top-20 projects. Kendrick Lamar, though he parted ways with the label in 2022, turned into an international superstar under the tutelage of TDE and still has a close bond with his former labelmates and team.

More recently, TDE’s successes have been playing out on major stages. K-Dot recently won five Grammy Awards and performed a record-breaking set at the 2025 Super Bowl with SZA in February. And there’s the whole matter of vanquishing hip-hop’s golden child, Drake, in 2024.

This past February, former XXL Freshman Doechii, who signed to TDE in 2022, won Best Rap Album at the 2025 Grammy Awards. Her star continues to rise, as she also earned Outstanding New Artist at the 2025 NAACP Image Awards, recently performed alongside Ms. Lauryn Hill and was honored as the Billboard Woman of the Year for 2025.

SZA has become a force to be reckoned with. Her triple-platinum sophomore album SOS debuted at No. 1 in 2022. The album recently tied Michael Jackson’s Thriller as the longest-running top 10 album by a Black artist in the history of the Billboard 200 chart.

She also costars alongside KeKe Palmer in the new film One of Them Days, which opened at No. 1 at the box office, raking in over 11 million in its opening week. SZA and Kendrick will be embarking on the Grand National Tour later this year.

TDE has continued to build its roster while its flagship members to continue to thrive and draw critical acclaim under the guidance of Top and TDE president Terrance “Punch” Henderson. The team now includes Isiah Rashad, Lance Skiiiwalker, SiR, Zacari, Ray Vaughn and Alemeda.

The label’s rise to prominence has not been without flaw, allegedly. In December of 2024, TDE execs, including Anthony “Moosa” Tiffith and Brandon Tiffith, were accused in a lawsuit of sexual misconduct. Filed by two former female employees, the suit includes claims of sexual battery, sexual assault, sexual harassment and unpaid wages, and possibly points to deeper issues that have not been reported previously. TDE’s legal team has denied the claims, calling it a “clear example of a shakedown.” However, the case has yet to be seen in court.

It remains to be seen whether the allegations put a permanent stain on the label, which has had an otherwise sterling outward reputation of king-making and community service.

The house that Top built is showing no signs of slowing down. Taking cues from labels before them, like Suave House, No Limit, Cash Money and Death Row, TDE has mastered the art of talent acquisition and brand building.

Other indie outfits like Quality Control Music, CMG and others have tapped into a similar mold. But TDE is currently stomping with the big dogs.