One of the first artists he took under his wing was superstar Megan Thee Stallion, who had her breakout single “Big Ole Freak” in 2018.
“It was wonderful because we had been working for it,” Crawford said. “I knew what I was doing was never done before, and I knew I was doing it at a rapid pace. It was just amazing to have all that happen at one time like that. So fast.”
He’s been at odds with his Grammy Award-winning artist recently, as the two parties have been in court over the details of her contract. In January 2021, Crawford had his second breakout artist. Erica Banks’ “Buss It” became a social media sensation with the #BussItChallenge.
“I went through a lot of stuff with Megan, so to be able to come back so fast with another artist, it was just a great feeling that she was able to pop off,” Crawford said. “Now, she’s with Warner, and we’re all connected still. She’s doing her thing.”
The executive discovered Martina Marie and D-Raww, who both balance the line of R&B and rap through Instagram. He looks for passion, talent and numbers with prospective artists.
Crawford made four MLB All-Star teams, all with Tampa Bay. He started playing baseball because his uncle played. His son, Justin Crawford, is a standout high school baseball player committed to LSU.
His music career started with his reported $171 million career earnings in baseball. It’s a post-career move the 40-year-old has enjoyed and a path he believes other athletes can make. For right now, however, it’s all about 1501.
