The music industry is a battlefield, and for many artists, going independent is the ultimate power move.
While signing with a major label once seemed like the golden ticket, more musicians are realizing that label deals often come with restrictions, unfair profit splits, and a loss of creative control. That’s why even some of the biggest names in the industry have taken the bold step of cutting ties with labels and going fully independent.
From hip-hop icons to pop superstars, here are 10 mainstream artists who went independent—and why they chose to take control of their careers.
1. Chance the Rapper
Why he went independent: From the start, Chance the Rapper rejected major-label deals, opting instead to release his music for free. He saw independence as the best way to maintain creative freedom and ownership of his masters.
How it worked out: Pretty damn well. With his Coloring Book project, Chance became the first artist to win a Grammy without selling a single physical copy. His strategy of leveraging streaming, merch, and touring revenue set a blueprint for independent success.
2. Frank Ocean
Why he went independent: Frank Ocean played one of the most genius moves in music business history. After fulfilling his contractual obligations with Def Jam by releasing Endless, he dropped Blonde as an independent artist just a day later. This allowed him to keep full control and reap the financial benefits of his most anticipated project.
How it worked out: Blonde debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, and Frank made a reported $2 million in just the first week of sales—way more than he would have earned under a label deal.
3. Russ
Why he went independent: Russ spent years building a catalog before going viral with his self-released songs. He rejected label deals because he knew owning his masters and publishing rights would lead to greater long-term wealth.
How it worked out: He’s now one of the most successful independent artists in the game, with millions in revenue from streaming, touring, and direct-to-fan sales. His mantra? “You gotta own your music.”
4. Macklemore
Why he went independent: After years of trying to fit into the traditional music industry, Macklemore and producer Ryan Lewis decided to go independent. They believed they could break through on their own terms.
How it worked out: Their decision paid off in a huge way. The Heist, featuring hits like "Thrift Shop" and "Can't Hold Us," won multiple Grammys and outsold many major-label releases—all without a record deal.
5. Tinashe
Why she went independent: After struggling with RCA Records, whom she claimed mishandled her career and limited her creative vision, Tinashe left the label in 2019. She was determined to release music on her own terms.
How it worked out: Going indie allowed Tinashe to experiment with her sound and regain control of her brand. Albums like Songs for You and 333 showed her artistic evolution and won back her loyal fanbase.
6. Tory Lanez
Why he went independent: Tory Lanez left Interscope in 2020, citing frustrations with the label’s control over his music. He saw independence as the key to owning his masters and making bigger profits.
How it worked out: While his career has been controversial, there’s no denying his success as an independent artist. He experimented with blockchain technology, selling his NFT album When It’s Dark and making over $1 million in minutes.
7. JoJo
Why she went independent: JoJo’s battle with her former label, Blackground Records, was a nightmare. She was unable to release music for years due to contractual issues. When she finally broke free, she re-recorded her old songs and started her own independent journey.
How it worked out: The move allowed her to reclaim her music and reconnect with fans on her own terms. Now, she releases projects under her own label and maintains full creative freedom.
8. Prince
Why he went independent: Prince’s battle with Warner Bros. is legendary. He fought for ownership of his masters, even changing his name to a symbol in protest. Eventually, he left the label to release music independently.
How it worked out: Prince became one of the first major artists to prove that independence could be lucrative. He controlled his music distribution, sold albums directly to fans, and influenced countless artists to follow suit.
9. Kid Cudi
Why he went independent: After splitting from Kanye’s G.O.O.D. Music label, Kid Cudi wanted more control over his sound and career. He felt boxed in by the industry’s expectations and sought the freedom to experiment.
How it worked out: His independent projects, like Indicud and Satellite Flight, proved he could succeed outside the label system. He even launched his own label, Wicked Awesome Records.
10. Nipsey Hussle
Why he went independent: Nipsey Hussle believed in ownership and self-sufficiency. He turned down major-label deals early in his career because he wanted full control over his music and business.
How it worked out: His Crenshaw mixtape, which he famously sold for $100 per copy, showed the power of independence. By the time he signed a partnership deal with Atlantic for Victory Lap, he was already a self-made mogul.
The Future of Independence in Music
These artists prove that independence isn’t just possible—it can be extremely profitable. In an era where streaming, direct-to-fan platforms, and social media have leveled the playing field, more musicians are realizing that they don’t need a major label to succeed.
Independence means freedom, control, and long-term wealth. And as more mainstream artists take the leap, the industry is shifting in ways we’ve never seen before.