Is Cardi B Under Contract with Atlantic Records? Nicki Minaj Jokes About Record Label Layoffs, Suggesting “UPS is Hiring”

Nicki Minaj, the singer of Barbie World, recently took a jab at her record label, Atlantic Records, in light of the company’s ongoing layoffs. On September 19, 2024, Minaj tweeted directly to the recording label, stating:

“Dear fired executives & A&R’s: Don’t be mad, UPS is hiring. Also, feel free to submit your resumes for a job @ #HeavyOnIt.”

For those unfamiliar, Heavy On It is Nicki Minaj’s record label, established in April 2023. Notably, one of the prominent artists under Atlantic Records is Cardi B, who has a noted feud with Minaj.

According to a report from Variety, the layoffs at Atlantic Records were confirmed on Thursday, just two months after Warner Music Group announced that chairwoman Julie Greenwald would be leaving the company. Additionally, on September 17, Kevin Liles, the CEO of WMG’s 300 Elektra Entertainment, announced his departure.

It was previously reported that Warner Music Group CEO Robert Kyncl indicated potential layoffs in an internal memo, although the exact number of employees affected has yet to be specified.

Atlantic Records Faces Potential Mass Layoffs

As highlighted in a Billboard article published on September 19, the struggles at Atlantic Records stem from a restructuring process that has resulted in significant layoffs. The publication also uncovered the identities of several staff members who have been let go from the company.

Among those laid off are notable figures such as Margo Scott, executive VP and head of business and legal affairs at 300 Elektra Entertainment, Chris Brown, executive VP at Elektra Entertainment, and Adam Abramson, head of sales and streaming at Elektra. An email from Kyncl, which was obtained by Billboard, included the following message:

“I want to acknowledge the hard work, passion, and creativity of everyone across Atlantic, 300, and Elektra. In particular, I want to thank the people who will be leaving us. You’ve made an indelible mark on this company and the careers of the extraordinary artists you’ve championed.”

Interestingly, just a month ago, on August 27, Cardi B shared a post on her Instagram story showcasing the interiors of Atlantic Records. The post drew attention due to her caption, which read:

“Back at Atlantic Records correctional facilities.”

Founded in October 1947 by Ahmet Ertegun and Herb Abramson, Atlantic Records initially focused on genres like soul, jazz, and R&B, signing legendary artists such as Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, and Otis Redding. Over the decades, it has evolved into one of the most prominent and influential record labels in the United States.

In 1967, Atlantic became a fully owned subsidiary of Warner Music Group and expanded its roster to include rock and pop music. Some of the top artists associated with Atlantic Records include Bruno Mars, Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, Charli XCX, Cardi B, Charlie Puth, Kehlani, Lil Uzi Vert, Burna Boy, Sia, The Rolling Stones, Twenty One Pilots, and Lizzo.

Source