Megan Thee Stallion, the three-time Grammy Award-winning rapper whose real name is Megan Pete, says her biggest early career mistake was being afraid to ask questions about her contract. She shared the lesson at Entrepreneur’s Overcoming Impossible event.
A First Deal Driven by Family
Before her breakthrough, Pete believed rappers earned huge sums, an impression shaped by social media posts showing new cars and designer clothes. She signed her first record deal knowing it wasn’t ideal, but the chance to support her mother and pay the bills pushed her forward.
As her fame grew, she realized how valuable her likeness and sound were, and that she was earning far less than she deserved. She decided to step back, review her contracts and work out how to become her own boss.
Why Asking Questions Matters
Pete admitted she was nervous about speaking up and said fear of sounding stupid holds many people back. Today, she asks whenever something is unclear.
Ownership also became a priority because she felt she was doing all the work without getting enough in return. In 2024, she signed with Warner Music Group in a deal that gave her full ownership of her masters and publishing. She still relies on the label for promotion and marketing while keeping her independence.
Her family remains her “North Star.” Pete became emotional while talking about her mother, father, grandmother and great-grandmother, saying she filters decisions by how they would react. She added that anyone in any career can succeed by staying true to themselves.