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The Dual Empire: Who Is Key Glock Signed To And His Shocking New Major Label Deal

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Key Glock's record label situation is a fascinating case study in modern hip-hop, blending fierce independence with major label power. As of late December 2025, the Memphis rapper remains officially signed to the legendary independent label Paper Route Empire (PRE), founded by his late cousin and mentor, Young Dolph, a partnership that has been the foundation of his career since 2017. However, the biggest news is his recent, strategic major label partnership with Republic Records, an agreement that is set to elevate his brand and distribution to a global scale, starting with his highly anticipated 2025 album, *Glockaveli*. This dual-label structure—Paper Route Empire handling the creative and brand management, and Republic Records providing the financial and distribution muscle—is a testament to the business acumen Key Glock inherited from Young Dolph. It allows him to maintain the creative control and street credibility of the PRE brand while gaining the massive reach of a major player like Republic Records, a move that secures his place as one of the most promising figures in Southern hip hop and Memphis rap.

Key Glock: Full Biography and Profile

Markeyvius LaShun Cathey, known professionally as Key Glock, has carved out a unique space in the rap world with his signature monotone flow, slick punchlines, and unwavering loyalty to his roots in South Memphis. His career is intrinsically linked to the legacy of his cousin, Young Dolph.

  • Full Name: Markeyvius LaShun Cathey
  • Stage Name: Key Glock (often stylized as Glizock)
  • Date of Birth: August 3, 1997
  • Age (as of Dec 2025): 28
  • Birthplace: Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
  • Primary Genres: Southern Hip Hop, Trap, Memphis Rap, Gangsta Rap
  • Primary Labels: Paper Route Empire (PRE), Republic Records, EMPIRE
  • Management: Paper Route Empire
  • Known For: Hard-hitting solo mixtapes, collaborative albums with Young Dolph, and hits like "Ambition For Cash" and "Gang Shit No Lame Shit."
  • Net Worth (Estimated): Approximately $3 million (as of 2024).
  • Key Relationship: Cousin of the late, great Memphis rap icon, Young Dolph.

The Paper Route Empire Legacy: Why PRE is Still His Home

Key Glock’s career trajectory is inseparable from Paper Route Empire (PRE). He signed with the independent label in 2017 to release his commercial mixtape, *Glock Season*. This initial signing was not just a business deal; it was a familial co-sign from Young Dolph, who was his cousin by marriage and a close mentor. Dolph's vision was to build a successful, independent empire that prioritized artist ownership and creative freedom, a philosophy Key Glock has fiercely upheld.

The label's ethos is all about independence, authenticity, and "paper route" (making money) by any means necessary. Key Glock quickly became the flagship artist and the heir apparent to the PRE throne. His early success was built on mixtapes and collaborative projects released entirely through PRE, often in partnership with EMPIRE for distribution, which is a common strategy for successful independent labels to scale their reach.

Key PRE Milestones and Projects

The strength of the PRE brand is evident in Key Glock's discography. His most acclaimed and commercially successful projects have been released under the PRE banner:

  • *Glock Season* (2017): His debut commercial mixtape that put him on the map.
  • *Dum and Dummer* (2019): A highly successful collaborative album with Young Dolph.
  • *Yellow Tape* (2020): His first project to chart on the Billboard 200.
  • *Dum and Dummer 2* (2021): The sequel to his joint project with Dolph, which debuted at No. 8 on the Billboard 200.
  • *Glockoma 2* (2023): His most recent album, which achieved Gold certification from the RIAA in December 2024, explicitly listing the label as PAPER ROUTE EMPIRE / EMPIRE.

Even after Young Dolph's tragic passing, Key Glock has taken on the mantle of leadership, continuing to manage the label alongside other PRE artists like Jay Fizzle, Kenny Muney, PaperRoute Woo, and Big Moochie Grape. His commitment to the independent spirit of PRE is the core of his brand identity.

The Major Label Shift: Partnership with Republic Records

While Paper Route Empire remains his creative home, Key Glock made a massive business move in late 2024/early 2025 by officially signing a partnership with Republic Records. This agreement is a game-changer, signaling his transition from an independent star to a global mainstream force.

Republic Records is a powerhouse, one of the biggest record labels in the world, and this deal is structured to respect the foundation he built with Dolph. The partnership allows Key Glock to maintain his creative independence under the PRE banner while leveraging Republic's unparalleled resources for marketing, radio promotion, and international distribution.

The *Glockaveli* Era and Major Label Debut

The first major project under this new dual-label structure is the highly anticipated album, *Glockaveli*. The album, which Key Glock has openly stated is inspired by the legendary Tupac Shakur's *Makaveli* persona, is set for release in early 2025. The lead single, "No Sweat," was his first major label debut single, showcasing the refined sound and increased production budget that comes with the Republic Records backing.

This strategic move is a modern evolution of the "independent hustle meets major distribution" model. Key Glock and PRE get to keep a significant portion of their masters and creative control—a core tenet of Dolph’s teachings—while gaining access to the infrastructure required to push an album to multi-platinum status globally. It's a calculated risk and a smart business decision that is expected to significantly boost his net worth and global visibility.

Topical Authority and Key Glock's LSI Entities

Key Glock’s success is built on a network of key relationships, musical entities, and business ventures that solidify his topical authority in the rap genre:

The PRE Roster: His work is constantly intertwined with the Paper Route Empire family, including artists like Kenny Muney, Jay Fizzle, and PaperRoute Woo. Collaborative tracks and label compilations keep the PRE brand strong.

Signature Sound: Key Glock is known for his signature "Glizock" persona, which is tied to his solo mixtapes like *Yellow Tape*, *Yellow Tape 2*, and *Glockoma*. His sound is characterized by heavy bass, minimal production, and an emphasis on his lyrical content, a style rooted in the Memphis rap tradition.

Business Operations: Beyond the recording labels, Key Glock’s touring is handled by the major agency CAA (Creative Artists Agency), with agents like Michelle Martinez, Ryan Thomson, and Ari Bernstein managing his live performances and tours. This separation of touring, management (PRE), and recording (PRE/Republic) demonstrates a sophisticated business structure designed for maximum profitability and control.

In summary, the answer to "who is Key Glock signed to" is a dynamic one: he is creatively and spiritually signed to Paper Route Empire, the independent powerhouse built by Young Dolph, and commercially partnered with Republic Records for distribution, a powerhouse arrangement that is setting the stage for his most ambitious and commercially successful era yet with the release of *Glockaveli*.

The Dual Empire: Who is Key Glock Signed to and His Shocking New Major Label Deal
who is key glock signed to
who is key glock signed to

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