9 Things We Learned From Kevin “Coach K” Lee On Arbiters Of A&R

If you don’t roll in certain underground music and industry circles then Kevin “Coach K” Lee is someone you’ve probably never heard of. But, best believe he’s someone who’s been a part of your music life without you even knowing it, which is why the Arbiters of A&R podcast couldn’t have picked a worthier subject.

The owner of the Quality Control Music label that boasts a roster consisting of the Migos, OG Maco, Rich The Kid and Young Greatness has been influencing the trap music movement almost since its inception. Having managed the likes of Young Jeezy, Rocko, Gucci Mane, and more recently, Lil Yachty, Coach K’s fingerprints have been all over the Southern hustle music scene.

Just don’t confuse his Quality Control Music venture as just a “trap label,” though, as the Indiana native is determined to have QCM acts as the medium which brings music from all aspects of life to the masses. But for now trap music is what’s on the menu.

Check out 9 things we learned from Coach K on the the Arbiters of A&R podcast.

—

Photo: Instagram

(Photo: Instagram)

1. Jeezy

Before rapping, Jeezy had artists he was trying to put on. He was scared to become a rapper because he didn’t want to incriminate himself on records. Coach K convinced him to pick up the mic and tell his story. Three years later Jeezy was on the rap scene.

(Photo: Instagram)

2. Rocko

Same kind of situation goes for Rocko. He had artists like Young Dro rocking for him before Coach convinced him to get in the booth himself.

(Photo: Instagram)

3. LA Reid

Even though the Rocko deal was “done” with Interscope Records, LA Reid swooped in and signed them away for an extra $250,000. That deal was really done within 2 hours.

(Photo: Instagram)

4. Beef?

He was the man who actually introduced Jeezy and Gucci. After the relationship between the two rappers became hostile, Gucci told K that he didn’t have any problems with him, just Jeezy. He even wanted him to continue to manage him. Coach K said Gucci’s the hardest working artist he’s worked with.

(Photo: Instagram)

5. Swizz Beatz

One time Gucci and Swizz Beats worked in the studio from 6pm until 7am the next day. 2Pac would’ve been impressed.

(Photo Instagram)

6. Rehab Recordings

While he was in a $10,000 a week drug rehab facility, Gucci would sneak out to record. Fifteen out of 17 songs off of his State Vs. Radric Davis album were done during his rehab escapes. A white dude (not the guy in the photo) who escaped with Gucci was invited to the studio. He never went back to the rehab center. Gucci changing lives one man at a time.

(Photo: Instagram)

7. Keyshia Cole

In order to record a song with Keyshia Cole—Gucci wasn’t supposed to leave Atlanta—he and Coach K jumped on a flight and flew through an actual tornado on the way to Houston to record with her.

8. Young Dolph

During his wilder days, Gucci gave Coach $100 grand in cash to give to Young Dolph in hopes he’d sign to Gucci’s label. A few days after giving Young Dolph the dough, Dolph came back and gave Coach the money back saying he was going to do his own thing.

(Photo: Instagram)

9. Sonyae Elise

At age 15, Platinum Hits winner, Sonyae Elise was dating a rapper – who shall remain nameless – who was 8 years older than her. And no, it wasn’t R. Kelly.