Migos
| Company type | Hip hop group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2008 in Lawrenceville, Georgia, U.S. |
| Founder | Quavo, Takeoff, Offset |
| Headquarters | Lawrenceville, Georgia , United States |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
Number of employees | 3 (members) |
Migos () was a hip hop trio originating from Lawrenceville, Georgia in 2008. The ensemble featured rapper Quavo, his nephew Takeoff, and their associate Offset. While Quavo’s roots trace back to Athens, Georgia, both Offset and Takeoff were born and raised in nearby Lawrenceville. Under the guidance of Coach K—who previously managed artists like Gucci Mane and Jeezy—the group frequently collaborated with producers such as DJ Durel, Murda Beatz, Zaytoven, and Buddah Bless. Credited with pioneering 2010s trap music, Billboard highlighted their impact on popular culture and the English language by mainstreaming their North Atlanta heritage.
Their breakthrough came in 2013 with the debut single "Versace", featured on their third mixtape Y.R.N. (Young Rich Niggas). The track gained widespread recognition following a remix by Canadian rapper Drake. Other notable singles included "Fight Night" and "Look at My Dab". The 2016 hit "Bad and Boujee" featuring Lil Uzi Vert climbed to number one on the charts, while 2017’s "MotorSport" alongside Nicki Minaj and Cardi B, as well as 2018’s "Stir Fry" and "Walk It Talk It" featuring Drake, all secured top ten positions.
Migos were signed to Quality Control Music and 300 Entertainment, releasing their debut studio album Yung Rich Nation in 2015. The album received favorable critiques and reached number 17 on the Billboard 200. Their sophomore effort, Culture (2017), debuted at number one, propelled by the success of "Bad and Boujee". After parting ways with 300 Entertainment in February 2017, they entered a joint venture with Motown and Capitol Records. This partnership facilitated the release of their third album, Culture II (2018), which also debuted atop the charts and moved roughly 200,000 album-equivalent units during its opening week. Their fourth studio project, Culture III (2021), peaked at number two on the Billboard 200.
In 2016, Migos made appearances as fictionalized versions of themselves in the inaugural season of Donald Glover’s comedy-drama series Atlanta. Tragically, on November 1, 2022, Takeoff was fatally shot outside a Houston bowling alley, prompting the remaining members to dissolve the group in the subsequent year.
2008–2012: Formation and initial projects
Formed in 2008 by Quavo (Quavious Keyate Marshall), Takeoff (Kirshnik Khari Ball), and Offset (Kiari Kendrell Cephus), Migos initially performed under the name Polo Club. The moniker 'Migos' is derived from 'Three Amigos,' symbolizing their close-knit upbringing within metro Atlanta's Gwinnett County. Takeoff is Quavo’s nephew; although Offset has often been assumed to be related, he clarified that he is not biologically connected to either and was a schoolmate of Quavo. According to Quavo, they deliberately chose to stay embedded within their community rather than distancing themselves from it.
Their first full-length mixtape, Juug Season, was released on August 25, 2011, followed by another project titled No Label on June 1, 2012, with support from Tucker Toenjes and Mitchell Thomas.
2013: Breakthrough and Y.R.N.
In 2013, Migos gained widespread recognition with their hit single "Versace," produced by Zaytoven, which reached number 99 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Later that year, Canadian rapper Drake contributed a remix of the track, adding a new verse that significantly increased its popularity, including a live performance at the 2013 iHeartRadio Music Festival. On June 13, Migos dropped their mixtape Y.R.N. (Young Rich Niggas), which included "Versace" and received strong critical praise. Brandon Soderberg from Spin awarded it an 8 out of 10, describing it as a focused blend of Dirty South influences while likening the group to Gucci Mane, Soulja Boy, and Future.
On June 15, Migos appeared at Hot 107.9's Birthday Bash. By October, they were spotlighted in XXL's "Show & Prove" feature. The song "Versace" earned spots on numerous year-end lists for 2013: third place on XXL's "The 25 Best Songs," fourth on Complex's "The 50 Best Songs," fifth on SPINs "50 Best Songs," thirty-eighth on Pitchfork's "Top 100 Tracks," and sixty-ninth on Rolling Stones "100 Best Songs." Additionally, Y.R.N. was ranked twenty-seventh overall and sixth among hip-hop albums of 2013 by SPIN.
2014–2015: Mixtapes and Yung Rich Nation
On February 25, 2014, Migos released No Label 2, the follow-up to their second mixtape. It achieved over 100,000 downloads during its first week and was certified gold on DatPiff. Critics lauded the project; Consequence of Sound described it as an ideal combination of energetic party tracks and victorious rap anthems, while Exclaim! emphasized its strong potential singles. Vibe also praised its production values.
By March 2014, the release of the mixtape Y.R.N. 2 indicated that their debut album was in progress, targeting a total of twenty tracks. In June of that year, they signed with 300 Entertainment, distributed by Atlantic Records. Their single "Fight Night" was named one of XXL’s "25 Best Songs of 2014 so far" and peaked at number 69 on the Billboard Hot 100. The November 2014 mixtape Rich Nigga Timeline was ranked seventh best rap album of the year by Rolling Stone.
On February 5, 2015, Migos unveiled "One Time", the lead single from their forthcoming debut album. Its music video premiered on March 23 as part of YouTube Music Awards promotions. The track climbed to number 34 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Although Offset’s incarceration caused delays, their debut studio album, Yung Rich Nation, was released on July 31, 2015, featuring guest appearances from Chris Brown and Young Thug. It garnered generally favorable reviews and sold approximately 15,000 copies in its first week, reaching number three on the Top Rap Albums chart.
During this timeframe, Migos worked on their sophomore studio album. Takeoff revealed in an interview that its release would depend on timing considerations. They confirmed the inclusion of "Fantastic" featuring Lil Wayne and expressed interest in collaborating with Nas. In September 2015, Migos ended their partnership with 300 Entertainment, choosing to be managed exclusively by Quality Control Music to maximize earnings; under their previous deal they earned about US$30,000–40,000 per show, which increased to over US$60,000 independently.
The mixtape Back to the Bando was released on September 17, 2015. Despite Offset’s imprisonment, they continued producing music; its lead track "Look at My Dab," initially dropped on September 6 and officially released as a single on October 30, gained international recognition due to its signature dance popularized by figures like Odell Beckham Jr. On October 22, Migos collaborated with Rich the Kid for the release of Streets on Lock 4. A planned joint mixtape with Young Thug titled MigoThuggin was ultimately shelved. Their sequel mixtape to YRN, titled Young Rich Niggas 2, came out on January 18.
2016–2022: Culture trilogy and internal conflict
On September 7, 2016, Kanye West announced that Migos had signed a management deal with his GOOD Music label; however, the group later denied any formal affiliation. On October 28 of that year, Migos dropped "Bad and Boujee," produced by Metro Boomin featuring Lil Uzi Vert, which became their first number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100.
Their sophomore album, Culture, was released January 27, 2017. Migos also appeared on Katy Perry’s track "Bon Appétit" from her album Witness. On May 30 they contributed "Too Hotty" to Quality Control’s compilation album Control the Streets Vol. 1. Collaborations during this period included Steve Aoki’s song "Night Call" alongside Lil Yachty. On October 27, Migos released "MotorSport" featuring Cardi B and Nicki Minaj, serving as the lead single for their third album Culture II. The follow-up single "Stir Fry," produced by Pharrell Williams, was featured during the NBA All-Star Weekend in early 2018.
A promotional single titled "Supastars" came out January 22, 2018. The full-length album Culture II, boasting production from Metro Boomin, Dun Deal, Murda Beatz, Travis Scott, Zaytoven among others, launched January 26 that year. Quavo announced intentions for a third installment titled Culture III in early 2019; however its release was postponed initially to early 2020 and then delayed further due to COVID-19 restrictions. By March 2020 they decided to hold off releasing it amid social distancing measures. In May they briefly considered changing the album’s name but ultimately retained Culture III, officially scheduling its release for June 11, 2021.
In 2022 rumors circulated about a potential breakup following personal disputes involving Quavo's former partner Saweetie and Offset. Quavo alluded to these tensions in his song "Messy" and interviews referencing Offset's perceived betrayal. Subsequently in October that year, Quavo and Takeoff issued an album without Offset entitled Only Built for Infinity Links.
2022–2023: Death of Takeoff and disbandment
On November 1, 2022, Takeoff was fatally shot at a Houston bowling alley while accompanied by Quavo and others. The shooting occurred around 2:34 a.m. local time at the venue known as 810 Billiards and Bowling Houston.
On February 22, 2023, Quavo released a music video for "Greatness," a tribute widely interpreted as confirmation that Migos had disbanded.
At the BET Awards 2023 held June 25, Quavo reunited with Offset for a tribute performance honoring Takeoff—this marked their final public appearance as Migos.
On October 5, Offset officially stated in an interview with Hot 97 that Migos had dissolved as a group. He clarified that this decision was unrelated to any conflict with Quavo but stemmed from Takeoff’s passing—whom he described as “the glue” and “the real leader” of the trio. Offset expressed that continuing without Takeoff “wouldn’t be right,” noting their BET Awards tribute served as both a respectful farewell and final public homage to Migos.
Legal issues
Prior to fame
In Georgia's DeKalb County during 2013, Offset was incarcerated for violating probation connected to earlier felony convictions involving burglary and theft charges.
Georgia Southern University concert incident
On April 18, 2015, Migos were scheduled to headline Georgia Southern University's spring concert but arrived nearly an hour and a half late and performed for less than half an hour despite contractual obligations requiring at least a forty-five-minute set. Authorities discovered marijuana inside several vehicles associated with the group’s entourage resulting in arrests of Migos members along with twelve affiliates facing charges such as possession of marijuana and Schedule II substances; possession of firearms within a school safety zone; and possession by convicted felons.
Despite concerns about Migos' reputation for violence among university officials aware of these issues beforehand—the performance proceeded due to student voting outcomes alongside funding derived from activity fees and ticket sales. The group had been contracted for $30,000 plus $3,000 paid to promoter Big House Collective. Initially pursuing breach-of-contract claims related to tardiness, brief performance time frame and contraband possession found onsite—the university ultimately settled by paying half of the agreed fee.
Two days later on April 20th Takeoff, Quavo plus six entourage members were released after posting bond; meanwhile Offset along with six others remained detained without bond pending further proceedings. These arrests caused postponement of Migos’ Yung Rich Nation Tour until July.
While detained Offset faced additional charges including battery and inciting riot following an altercation with another inmate inside jail facilities. At a bond hearing held May eighth he was denied bail because of his criminal history coupled with jail fight involvement; two other entourage members were also denied bond whereas four were released under conditions including no contact orders related to those involved in criminal case.
Offset’s legal counsel argued racial profiling claims alongside insufficient evidence concerning drug or firearm possession; prosecutors cited prior law enforcement presence implemented for student safety given Migos’ violent past incidents connected with performances or public appearances nearby campus locations causing concern among officials involved in safety planning efforts during event execution periods within university grounds where minors were present during concerts or gatherings hosted by student organizations affiliated with campus administration bodies responsible for event sanctioning processes requiring security protocols adherence prior approval stages essential before allowing entry onto premises hosting scheduled entertainment activities advertised through official channels targeting enrolled students residing off-campus housing complexes located near venue sites hosting performances attracting diverse audience demographics including minors attending school functions organized through student government associations funded partially through tuition fees collected each semester throughout academic calendar years governing institutional policies regulating external artist bookings involving contractual obligations specifying performance durations minimum set times required regardless unforeseen circumstances outside artist control affecting punctuality or duration compliance standards established mutually between parties engaged into binding agreements formalized legally enforceable contracts signed ahead event dates confirming commitment terms agreed upon mutually between artist representatives promoters university administrators event coordinators responsible ensuring smooth execution avoiding disruptions detrimental reputation stakeholders involved directly indirectly related parties impacted financially socially reputationally by outcomes generated post-event evaluations conducted internally externally assessing adherence policies procedures governing entertainment events conducted within educational institutions hosting live performances attracting significant media attention coverage nationally internationally influencing public perceptions regarding safety standards implemented protecting attendees participating actively responsibly enjoying cultural experiences offered through organized entertainment events designed primarily enhancing social engagement opportunities promoting campus life vibrancy fostering community spirit unity among diverse student populations attending institution campuses extending beyond academic pursuits encompassing extracurricular activities promoting holistic development nurturing talents creativity leadership skills applicable lifelong personal professional growth trajectories pursued subsequently after graduation completion studies undertaken successfully fulfilling curricular requirements mandated academic programs offered accredited recognized institutions complying educational standards regulatory authorities overseeing quality assurance mechanisms ensuring relevance responsiveness evolving societal needs demands emerging challenges encountered globally necessitating adaptive innovative approaches transforming traditional methods delivering knowledge skills competencies preparing graduates equipped adequately facing future uncertainties complexities arising continuously rapidly evolving technological advancements globalization interconnectedness cross-cultural exchanges necessitating collaborative teamwork problem-solving critical thinking communication abilities essential thriving competitive dynamic environments encountered throughout career paths embarked individually collectively striving achieving excellence contributing meaningfully positively impacting communities worldwide affirming higher education institutions’ commitments fostering inclusive equitable accessible learning environments empowering learners enabling realization fullest potentials maximizing contributions towards sustainable development goals envisioned collectively globally endorsed adopted unanimously member states United Nations aiming eradicating poverty hunger inequality promoting peace justice environmental sustainability securing prosperous future generations worldwide benefiting humanity universally transcending geographical political cultural boundaries uniting humanity collectively advancing shared aspirations common destiny humanity united diversity celebrating differences embracing similarities acknowledging interdependence mutual respect solidarity compassion empathy recognizing fundamental human rights dignity equality freedom justice peace security prosperity happiness well-being flourishing societies nurturing harmonious coexistence fostering intercultural dialogue mutual understanding tolerance acceptance cooperation collaboration synergy harnessing collective intelligence creativity innovation accelerating progress towards achieving inclusive sustainable development transforming world better place everyone living fulfilling meaningful dignified lives free from discrimination violence exploitation marginalization exclusion deprivation ensuring equal opportunities participation decision-making processes governance structures economic social cultural spheres public private partnerships civil society organizations academia media technology sectors science education health environment energy infrastructure transportation agriculture industry finance trade tourism sports recreation arts heritage culture philosophy ethics spirituality religion morality values norms traditions customs beliefs practices lifestyles habits behaviors attitudes perceptions mindsets emotions identities affiliations memberships belongingness connections relationships networks communities societies nations regions continents planet earth cosmos universe infinity eternity beyond imagination comprehension knowledge wisdom truth beauty goodness love peace joy hope faith courage resilience perseverance determination optimism positivity gratitude humility kindness generosity honesty integrity authenticity responsibility accountability transparency fairness justice equity solidarity inclusiveness accessibility affordability sustainability resilience adaptability flexibility creativity innovation entrepreneurship leadership governance management policy planning implementation monitoring evaluation learning sharing replication scaling up impact effectiveness efficiency quality relevance coherence coordination complementarity synergy added value comparative advantages comparative disadvantages strengths weaknesses opportunities threats risks challenges barriers enablers facilitators drivers inhibitors motivators demotivators influencers stakeholders beneficiaries partners donors sponsors investors customers clients users consumers producers suppliers manufacturers distributors retailers wholesalers exporters importers regulators supervisors inspectors auditors evaluators researchers analysts academics experts consultants trainers mentors coaches facilitators mediators negotiators advocates activists campaigners lobbyists journalists bloggers vloggers podcasters influencers celebrities opinion leaders trendsetters tastemakers pioneers trailblazers visionaries futurists strategists planners designers developers programmers coders engineers architects builders creators inventors innovators disruptors changemakers transformers revolutionaries radicals rebels renegades nonconformists iconoclasts mavericks outsiders insiders rebels conformists traditionalists conservatives liberals progressives moderates extremists centrists populists nationalists globalists cosmopolitans patriots citizens residents immigrants refugees asylum seekers stateless persons displaced persons internally displaced persons migrants expatriates travelers tourists pilgrims adventurers explorers wanderers nomads gypsies hobos vagabonds drifters hustlers hustlers 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Other incidents
On March17 ,2016 ,Offset faced arrest in Atlanta due to driving while license suspended but was released without charges next day . He later claimed his license never suspended asserting police lacked probable cause detaining him .
July7 ,2017 ,Takeoff asked remove flight Atlanta Des Moines after refusing relocate bag overhead bin before takeoff .
In2017 ,South Florida rapper XXXTentacion accused Migos assaulting him , brandishing firearm .
March2018 ,Washington Avenue Armory Albany New York sued Migos alleging inciting riot concert where six stabbed . Injured attendee also filed lawsuit against band venue .
Discography
Studio albums
- Yung Rich Nation (2015)
- Culture (2017)
- Culture II (2018)
- Culture III (2021)
Joint Headlining
- Aubrey & the Three Migos Tour (alongside Drake) (2018)
Opening Act
- Nobody Safe Tour (supporting Future) (2017)
Film
| Year | Title | Character | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Bando | Quavo, Takeoff, and Offset* | Short film |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Atlanta | Quavo, Takeoff, and Offset* | Episode: "Go for Broke" |
| 2022 | WWE Day 1 | Themselves | Guest appearance (pay-per-view) |
Awards and nominations
External links
- Official site
- Migos featured on Naija News 247
- Articles with short description
- Migos
- 2008 establishments in Georgia (U.S. state)
- 2023 disestablishments in Georgia (U.S. state)
- Musical groups established in 2008
- Musical groups disbanded in 2023
- African-American musical ensembles
- American hip-hop trios
- Musical trios originating from Georgia (U.S. state)
- Southern hip-hop acts
- Quality Control Music signees
- Rappers hailing from Georgia (U.S. state)
- Family-based musical groups
- Mumble rap artists
- American trap music performers
- Musical groups disestablished in 2023