Who Owns Epic Records? Ownership Breakdown

Epic Records is one of the most iconic music labels in the world. Known for launching and managing the careers of some of the biggest artists in history, it continues to influence the global music industry. In this article, we’ll explore who owns Epic Records, its company profile, leadership, financials, and more.

Epic Records Company Profile

Epic Records is one of the flagship labels under Sony Music Entertainment, and remains one of the most influential music labels in the world in 2025. Known for shaping the careers of pop and hip-hop superstars, it continues to thrive in the streaming era with a strong artist lineup and viral global hits. The label operates out of New York City, maintaining its presence across North America, Europe, and emerging markets in Asia.

Its artist roster today includes a mix of established and new acts, such as Future, Travis Scott, Camila Cabello, 21 Savage, Giveon, Zara Larsson, and DDG. Epic Records is well-integrated into TikTok music trends, Spotify playlists, and global music marketing campaigns, making it a key player in youth-focused music consumption.

Company Details

• Name: Epic Records
• Type: Subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment
• Founded: 1953
• Headquarters: New York City, USA
• CEO: Sylvia Rhone (since 2019)
• Parent Company: Sony Music Entertainment (subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation)
• Genres: Pop, Hip-Hop, R&B, Rock
• Artists (2025): Travis Scott, Future, 21 Savage, Camila Cabello, DDG, Zara Larsson, Givēon

Epic Records operates as a full-service label, handling artist development, A&R, production, marketing, digital strategy, and global distribution.

Founders of Epic Records

Epic Records was founded in 1953 by CBS (Columbia Broadcasting System) as a boutique label for jazz, classical, and experimental genres. The key executives involved in its early days included:

• Maxwell “Mac” Weiss, an industry veteran who shaped the label’s operations
• Mitch Miller, who had influence at Columbia and helped push artists into mainstream radio

Although not founded by an individual entrepreneur like many modern labels, Epic was formed as a strategic expansion within CBS’s growing music division.

Major Milestones of Epic Records

1953 – Founded by CBS as a jazz and classical label.

1960s–70s – Expanded into pop and rock, signing acts like The Dave Clark Five and Sly & The Family Stone.

1975 – Epic signed Michael Jackson, leading to one of the most successful artist-label partnerships in history. Albums like Off the Wall (1979), Thriller (1982), and Bad (1987) broke global sales records.

1988 – Became part of Sony when Sony acquired CBS Records, renaming it Sony Music Entertainment.

1990s – Continued success with artists like Pearl Jam, Oasis, and Celine Dion. Epic solidified its status in pop and adult contemporary music.

2004–2010 – Saw a downturn and internal restructuring. Several artists were moved to or from other Sony labels.

2011–2017 – Under L.A. Reid as CEO, Epic was revitalized. Signed Meghan Trainor, Fifth Harmony, Future, and Travis Scott.

2019 – Sylvia Rhone became Chairwoman & CEO, the first Black woman to head a major music label. Focused on digital-first talent, social media virality, and long-term artist development.

2020–2025 – Epic Records adapted to streaming trends and TikTok music. Saw massive global success with artists like Travis Scott and Camila Cabello. Collaborated heavily with Sony’s visual entertainment divisions for cross-platform exposure.

Who Owns Epic Records?

Epic Records is fully owned by Sony Music Entertainment, one of the largest recorded music companies in the world. As a record label, Epic operates under Sony Music’s portfolio of global labels and follows the corporate structure laid out by its parent group. It is not an independent company and does not have its own stock listing or board of directors.

Epic Records does not have external shareholders or private ownership. All ownership decisions, executive appointments, and strategic direction come from Sony Music Entertainment’s upper management and, ultimately, Sony Group Corporation.

Parent Company: Sony Music Entertainment

Sony Music Entertainment (SME) is the immediate parent company of Epic Records. It is headquartered in New York City and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation, a Japanese multinational conglomerate based in Tokyo.

Sony Music is one of the “Big Three” major music companies globally, alongside Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group. Its structure includes multiple prominent labels such as:

• Epic Records
• Columbia Records
• RCA Records
• Arista Records
• Legacy Recordings
• Sony Music Latin.

Sony Music provides financial support, digital infrastructure, A&R coordination, global marketing, and international distribution for Epic Records and its artists.

Epic functions independently in terms of branding and artist relations but aligns with Sony Music’s strategic and revenue goals.

Sony Group Corporation

Sony Group Corporation is the ultimate owner of Epic Records through its subsidiary Sony Music Entertainment. It is a publicly traded company listed on both the Tokyo Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange.

Major institutional shareholders of Sony Group include:

• The Master Trust Bank of Japan
• Custody Bank of Japan
• BlackRock Inc.
• Norges Bank Investment Management.

These shareholders own equity in Sony Group Corporation, which gives them indirect exposure to the profits generated by Sony Music and its labels, like Epic Records.

CBS Records Acquisition by Sony (1988)

The most important transition came in 1988, when Sony Corporation acquired CBS Records, the original parent of Epic Records. Here’s how the transition unfolded:

• In 1988, Sony Corporation of Japan acquired CBS Records for approximately $2 billion.
• This acquisition included Columbia Records, Epic Records, and several other music assets.
• In 1991, CBS Records was renamed Sony Music Entertainment, marking the full integration into Sony’s global operations.

After the acquisition, Epic Records continued operating as one of the flagship labels under the Sony Music umbrella. It retained its brand identity, artist roster, and executive leadership but was now funded and managed under Sony’s corporate structure.

This acquisition helped Sony become a dominant player in the entertainment industry by unifying film, electronics, gaming, and music under one multinational banner.

Leadership and Operational Control

Epic Records is managed independently in terms of talent acquisition, label operations, and creative direction. However, the budget, strategic priorities, and high-level decisions are approved by Sony Music executives.

The current CEO of Sony Music Entertainment is Rob Stringer, who oversees all Sony-owned music labels, including Epic Records.

Epic’s CEO, Sylvia Rhone, manages the label’s day-to-day operations and reports to the top leadership at Sony Music Entertainment.

Who is the CEO of Epic Records?

Sylvia Rhone currently serves as Chairwoman and CEO of Epic Records, a position she took in April 2019. She previously served as President of Epic beginning in 2014, before being elevated to the top leadership role. Rhone’s career spans more than four decades in the music industry. She began at Buddha Records in 1974 and held senior roles at ABC Records, Ariola, Atlantic, Elektra, and Universal Motown before arriving at Sony Music.

Rhone succeeded L.A. Reid, who served as chairman and CEO of Epic until his departure in May 2017.

Before Reid, several executives held leadership roles, including Dave Glew, Polly Anthony, and earlier presidents and chairs during the CBS and Sony eras. However, since her promotion in 2019, Rhone has firmly held the top role at Epic.

Key Milestones in Her Journey

In 1990, she became the first African American woman to lead a major record company when she was named CEO/President of EastWest Records America at Atlantic Records.

In 1994, she was appointed Chairwoman and CEO of the Elektra Entertainment Group, overseeing major artists across genres and building Elektra into a powerhouse roster for a full decade.

In 2004, she took on leading roles at Universal—President of Motown Records and Executive Vice President at Universal Records—helping boost the label with artists like Lil Wayne, Erykah Badu, Akon, and India.Arie.

Leadership at Epic Records

Since becoming CEO, Sylvia has guided Epic through a period of sustained artist success and cultural impact. Under her leadership, the label placed three artists simultaneously in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 Albums chart twice.

She oversaw standout projects such as Travis Scott’s Astroworld, which topped the Billboard 200 in 2018 and remained in the top ten for 29 consecutive weeks. She also steered Camila Cabello’s debut album Camila to #1 and 21 Savage’s albums to multiple chart-topping positions. Her tenure includes recognition for mega hits from Future, DJ Khaled, French Montana, Meghan Trainor, French Montana, and more.

Decision‑Making and Oversight

Sylvia Rhone leads Epic Records’ day‑to‑day operations, A&R strategy, marketing, and roster development. She reports directly to Sony Music Entertainment’s leadership, including CEO Rob Stringer. Her executive team includes key roles in A&R (e.g., Ezekiel Lewis, EVP since 2020), promotion, legal, and digital streaming strategy. While she has autonomy in building and nurturing Epic’s roster, major budget allocations and strategic initiatives are aligned with the broader objectives at Sony Music.

Influence and Significance

Sylvia Rhone is widely regarded as a pioneering figure in the music industry. She was the first Black woman to ever head a major label within a Fortune 500 company—first at Elektra and later at Epic—breaking barriers and reshaping executive diversity.

She is regularly featured in executive power rankings by Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, and others. She earned the City of Hope Spirit of Life Award in 2019 and an honorary doctorate from Berklee College of Music that same year.

Leadership Style and Philosophy

Rhone emphasizes cultural responsibility and creative curation. At Epic, she has prioritized thoughtful artist development and preservation of urban and pop culture integrity, stating that maintaining quality is essential in an era of rapid commercial exploitation and streaming-driven trends.

She has fostered a diverse and inclusive staff, and famously said supporting women and Black culture globally is part of Epic’s mission.

Epic Records Key Releases

Below is a list of the major and most popular releases by Epic Records:

Michael Jackson – Thriller (1982)

Although released decades ago, Thriller remains the most iconic and profitable release in Epic Records’ history. It is still the best-selling album of all time, with over 70 million copies sold globally. It featured groundbreaking singles like “Beat It,” “Billie Jean,” and “Thriller.” The album not only revolutionized pop music but also elevated Epic’s global profile. Its legacy continues to generate streaming, licensing, and reissue revenue even in 2025.

Travis Scott – Astroworld (2018)

A modern classic, Astroworld marked Travis Scott’s full mainstream breakthrough and was distributed by Epic in partnership with Cactus Jack Records. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and spawned multiple hit singles, including “Sicko Mode,” which went multi-platinum and became a cultural phenomenon. The album solidified Epic’s stronghold in modern hip-hop and streaming culture. Its influence on live touring and merchandise strategies is still referenced in label strategies today.

Camila Cabello – Camila (2018) and Romance (2019)

Camila Cabello’s debut solo album Camila marked a critical moment for Epic Records in the pop space. It featured the smash hit “Havana,” which topped charts in over 20 countries and was certified multi-platinum. Her second album, Romance, continued that momentum with singles like “Señorita” and “My Oh My.” Epic was instrumental in positioning Camila as a global pop act through robust digital campaigns and visual storytelling.

Future – DS2 (2015) and High Off Life (2020)

Future’s DS2 was one of the most important trap albums of the decade and marked Epic’s dominance in the Atlanta rap scene. The album included hits like “Where Ya At” and “Stick Talk,” cementing Future as a streaming powerhouse. In 2020, High Off Life debuted at No. 1, powered by the hit “Life Is Good” featuring Drake. Epic’s ongoing partnership with Future through the Freebandz imprint has been a long-term revenue driver.

21 Savage – Savage Mode II (2020) and Her Loss (with Drake, 2022)

Epic Records distributed 21 Savage’s joint album with Metro Boomin, Savage Mode II, which featured the viral hit “Runnin” and the critically acclaimed “Mr. Right Now.” Later, his 2022 collaborative album Her Loss with Drake, though primarily a Republic Records release, had significant input from Epic due to its co-release arrangement. 21 Savage’s consistent charting success and fanbase expansion are a testament to Epic’s effective promotion in the digital age.

Meghan Trainor – Title (2015)

While her later releases shifted to other labels, Title was Meghan Trainor’s debut under Epic and included the viral, chart-topping hit “All About That Bass.” The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 for eight weeks and was one of the first major pop hits of the streaming era. It helped position Epic as a player in the evolving digital pop space during the mid-2010s.

DDG – It’s Not Me It’s You (2022)

DDG’s rise as a YouTuber-turned-rapper was supported heavily by Epic through his Zooted Music partnership. The album It’s Not Me It’s You featured successful singles like “9 Lives” and “Elon Musk.” Epic leveraged DDG’s digital clout to craft one of the most effective crossover campaigns between online creators and the mainstream music industry. His releases continue to gain traction into 2025.

Zara Larsson – Poster Girl (2021) and New Releases (2023–2025)

Swedish pop artist Zara Larsson released Poster Girl under Epic’s international division. The album saw strong performance across European markets and TikTok virality, with singles like “Ruin My Life” and “Talk About Love.” Her more recent music from 2023 to 2025 has further positioned her as one of Epic’s key international assets.

Mariah Carey – The Emancipation of Mimi (2005, Catalog Management)

Although released before the current streaming era, this album marked a massive commercial comeback for Mariah Carey and is managed by Epic’s legacy catalog team. “We Belong Together” became one of the most successful singles of the 2000s. The label continues to repackage, remaster, and market her classic works, especially during anniversaries and seasonal periods.

Epic Records Annual Revenue and Net Worth

Epic Records, as part of Sony Music Entertainment, is embedded within a highly profitable global music operation. In 2025, Epic Records generated over $770 million in revenue. As of July 2025, its net worth is around $800 million.

Epic Records Revenue

Epic Records has grown steadily over the past decade, driven by the explosion of digital streaming platforms, global artist popularity, and stronger integration with digital marketing and short-form content platforms like TikTok. While the label does not disclose separate financials, industry analysts and market share estimates suggest Epic’s annual revenue in 2025 is approximately $770 million.

This revenue comes from multiple sources:

• Streaming royalties (Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, etc.)
• Physical and digital sales (vinyl, CDs, digital downloads)
• Sync licensing (film, commercials, games)
• Tour and merchandise revenue sharing for some contracted artists.

Epic’s biggest streaming performers—such as Travis Scott, Future, Camila Cabello, and 21 Savage—are responsible for the lion’s share of these earnings.

In 2025, Epic’s streaming revenue alone is estimated to make up over 65% of total income, with physical and licensing revenue contributing the rest. The label’s strong grip on youth-driven genres like hip-hop and pop has helped it outperform many mid-tier labels in both revenue growth and cultural relevance.

Epic Records Net Worth

As of July 2025, Epic Records’ estimated net worth stands at approximately $800 million. This figure reflects the value of its:

• Music catalog and master recording rights
• Active artist contracts
• Publishing rights partnerships
• Licensing agreements
• Brand value and market presence
• Projected future earnings.

Epic’s catalog includes iconic past releases from Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, Pearl Jam, and others—some of the highest-selling albums in music history. These evergreen assets significantly enhance the label’s net worth, especially in licensing and sync opportunities.

The rise in digital streaming has increased the long-term value of Epic’s intellectual property. Catalog music now represents nearly 50% of all music streaming in the U.S., making legacy content a stable income source for the label.

Here is the estimated historical revenue and net worth of Epic Records over the last 10 years (2015–2025):

Historical Growth Trajectory

Over the last 10 years, Epic Records has seen consistent revenue and value growth:

• In 2015, Epic’s revenue was roughly $320 million, with an estimated net worth of $400 million.
• By 2020, the label had crossed $580 million in annual revenue, due in part to breakout albums by Future and Travis Scott.
• The continued growth of global streaming platforms, especially in Latin America, Asia, and Africa, has helped Epic’s international exposure and income.
• In 2025, with strong digital presence, exclusive artist partnerships, and sync deals, Epic’s valuation now sits near $800 million, representing 100% growth in net worth over the decade.

Financial Outlook

Epic Records is expected to continue growing in 2026 and beyond, driven by:

• More investment in TikTok-native artists
• Global expansion through Sony Music’s regional infrastructure
• AI-enhanced A&R tools to identify trending talent
• New licensing formats including VR concerts and short-form video syncs.

Brands Owned by Epic Records

Here’s a list of the major brands owned by Epic Records as of 2025:

Freebandz

Freebandz is a record label founded by rapper Future in 2011 and is distributed and managed by Epic Records. Over the years, Freebandz has evolved into one of Epic’s most successful imprint partnerships. It manages and promotes several artists in the trap and Southern hip-hop scene, including Doe Boy, Young Scooter, and Lil Double 0. Epic Records handles the distribution, marketing, and streaming strategy for all Freebandz releases. This partnership has been vital in cementing Epic’s dominance in the hip-hop genre.

JV with Travis Scott (Cactus Jack Distribution Partnership)

While Cactus Jack Records is owned by Travis Scott, Epic Records has a long-standing distribution and promotional partnership with the label for specific projects. Though not a full acquisition, Epic operates select projects and albums released under Cactus Jack, giving it partial operational involvement. Epic assists in rollout strategies, DSP placement, radio promotion, and global licensing for Travis Scott’s major releases. This partnership allows Epic to benefit from Scott’s massive fanbase and brand influence.

21 Savage Partnership Label (Slaughter Gang / EP Distribution)

Slaughter Gang, the label founded by 21 Savage, has an exclusive distribution arrangement with Epic Records. While the label is independently owned, Epic is the official distribution partner and plays a hands-on role in the development and release of projects under this imprint. Through this partnership, Epic has co-released several successful albums and singles with Savage and his associated artists. In 2025, Slaughter Gang continues to operate closely under Epic’s digital marketing and global distribution teams.

DDG’s Zooted Music Partnership

Zooted Music is an independent music company co-founded by YouTuber-turned-rapper DDG. In 2023, Zooted entered into a partnership with Epic Records to distribute DDG’s music and expand his digital music reach. While Zooted itself manages talent and content creation, Epic handles streaming distribution, label services, and performance royalties. This partnership reflects Epic’s strategic focus on internet-native artists and hybrid entertainment talent.

Camila Cabello’s JV Projects

Epic Records manages exclusive joint ventures with Camila Cabello’s production and creative teams, involving her music, branded content, and visual projects. These ventures give Epic access to not only music revenue but also licensing and brand integration deals. As of 2025, Epic has a partial stake in content developed around Camila Cabello’s music and associated brand assets, including music videos, short-form series, and commercial partnerships.

Epic Records UK (Operational Division)

Epic Records UK is the label’s operational wing for British and European artists. While it falls under the broader Sony Music UK structure, Epic US maintains operational alignment with the division, especially for global acts. Artists like Zara Larsson have releases that are co-managed by both divisions, giving Epic more control over global coordination. Epic UK often shares resources, creative teams, and tour planning with its U.S. counterpart, forming a connected brand strategy.

Epic Film & Sync Licensing Group

Epic Records operates an internal film and sync licensing department, which secures placements of its artists’ music in TV shows, movies, games, and commercials. Though not a separate company, this division functions like a creative agency under the Epic umbrella. It negotiates deals with film studios, ad agencies, and streaming platforms. The department has grown significantly since 2020 due to the rising importance of catalog monetization.

Legacy Artist IP Management Unit

Epic Records has a dedicated team that manages and monetizes the legacy intellectual property of major former artists like Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, and Sade. This unit handles remastering, re-releases, anniversary editions, and licensing of archival material. While Epic does not own all IP rights exclusively (especially in Michael Jackson’s case), it holds long-term master rights and release authority for much of the catalog under contract.

Content Partnerships with Creators and Short-Form Video Agencies

In 2025, Epic Records has minor stakeholding partnerships with several short-form content production studios and creator networks that help promote new music through viral campaigns. These are not full companies owned by Epic, but they fall within its operational reach via shared revenue and content marketing deals. These partnerships allow Epic to aggressively push new singles into the TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts ecosystems with high engagement rates.

Final Thoughts

Epic Records remains a major force in the music industry. Its ownership by Sony Music Entertainment ensures financial strength, global distribution, and high-quality production. Over the decades, it has consistently adapted to changing musical landscapes while shaping pop culture.

Understanding who owns Epic Records gives deeper insight into how the music industry operates behind the scenes. The label’s legacy and future are backed by powerful leadership, legendary artists, and one of the strongest music groups in the world.

FAQs

Who founded Epic Records?

Epic Records was founded in 1953 by Columbia Records, which was itself part of CBS (Columbia Broadcasting System). Initially, the label focused on jazz, classical, and pop music. Over time, it expanded into rock, R&B, and hip-hop. The creation of Epic was part of Columbia’s strategy to diversify its musical offerings and market segments. Today, Epic is a significant part of Sony Music Entertainment.

Who is DDG signed to?

As of 2025, DDG is signed to Epic Records through his own imprint Zooted Music, which operates as a joint venture. This partnership gives him creative control while leveraging Epic’s distribution, marketing, and streaming infrastructure. The collaboration has helped DDG transition from a digital content creator to a mainstream hip-hop artist with growing chart success.

Is Epic Records a Japanese company?

No, Epic Records is not a Japanese company. It is an American record label headquartered in Los Angeles, California. However, it is a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment, which is owned by Sony Group Corporation, a Japanese multinational conglomerate. Despite its Japanese parent company, Epic Records operates as a distinctly American label with global reach.

Who has been a member of Epic Records?

Many notable artists have been signed to Epic Records over the years. These include Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, Future, Travis Scott, Camila Cabello, 21 Savage, Zara Larsson, Meghan Trainor, and DDG, among others. Some were signed directly under Epic, while others worked through joint ventures or imprints associated with the label. The label has managed a wide variety of genres including pop, R&B, trap, hip-hop, and rock. Some artists have since moved on to other labels, while others remain key figures in Epic’s current 2025 lineup.

Who is Epic Records owned by?

Epic Records is owned by Sony Music Entertainment, which is a part of Sony Group Corporation.

Is Epic Records a part of Sony?

Yes, Epic Records is a major label under Sony Music Entertainment, fully owned by Sony Group Corporation.

What artists are signed to Epic Records?

Artists like Travis Scott, Future, Camila Cabello, and 21 Savage are currently signed to Epic Records.

Who is the CEO of Epic Records?

Sylvia Rhone is the current Chairwoman and CEO of Epic Records.

When was Epic Records founded?

Epic Records was founded in 1953 as a subsidiary of Columbia Records.