Introducing The Winners Circle: The Publishing Group Behind The Biggest Hits

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Meet Winners Circle Publishing -- the publishing group housing the producers responsible for Jack Harlow's "What's Poppin," DaBaby's "Suge" and so much more.

It's truly the producers who are running the rap game right now and Winners Circle Publishing has claimed a large stake in that. If you've heard songs like Jack Harlow's "What's Poppin" or Nicki Minaj's "Yikes," then you've definitely heard of them. Based out of Atlanta, the powerhouse of producers have been providing hit after hit over the past few years with RIAA plaques to show for it. Aside from production services, they're focused on publishing, management, and soon enough, mixing and mastering services.

The company was founded by Kash Johns who, during his early career, placed few tracks with Dipset. It was ultimately his passion for production is that led him deeper into the business side. He earned a business degree and launched WCP which is currently administered by Warner/Chappell.

The roster houses both artists and producers with a roster that includes 24 members. It's a major growth since gaining their first client Go Grizzly in 2015. Grizzly's had a firm grip on the rap game, producing tracks such as "You Da Baddest" from Future and Nicki. The growth of their roster included the addition of David Sava6e (Meek Mill, Chris Brown, 21 Savage), Hood Famous (Lil Durk, Lil Wayne, Travis Scott) and Smash David (Khalid, Chris Brown, Big Sean). Pooh Beatz, the mastermind who had the summer on lock with Jack Harlow's "What's Poppin," is also a part of the roster. 

"Winners, in business and life, aren’t afraid to face a challenge or go that extra mile,” Johns said of the company. “And that’s what I look for in potential clients — the originality, strategic insight, collaborative spirit and commitment that can take music to the next level.”

Along with the producers, songwriter London Jae, and rappers Sterl Gotti and YNC Cappo are also on the roster. They're pushing beyond just a platinum record or a chart-topping hit. Instead, they're focused on publishing and getting artists their rightful return on their creative endeavors. Be it through films, television, product ads, or airplay.

“I’m looking for individuals that have a natural hunger for the art and the business,” emphasizes Johns. “What’s the purpose of securing a major publishing or production deal if you’re not planning to expand on that opportunity, such as signing other producers, songwriters or artists? It’s about motivating and educating. I can give clients the tools but they have to do it themselves. As long as that relationship is nurtured in all aspects, you can do great business so that everyone involved becomes a winner.”

Johns' company isn't your regular publishing company. It's pushing artists to hone into their full potential as creators while also having a deep understanding of the business side. Potential clients go through bootcamp-type sessions at the Winners Circle Publishing HQ in Atlanta that's recently been upgraded that includes nine recording studios, a TV/film rehearsal hall, and a bunking area across 8000-square feet. 

They don't call 'em the Winners Circle for nothing. 

About The Author
Aron A. is a features editor for HotNewHipHop. Beginning his tenure at HotNewHipHop in July 2017, he has comprehensively documented the biggest stories in the culture over the past few years. Throughout his time, Aron’s helped introduce a number of buzzing up-and-coming artists to our audience, identifying regional trends and highlighting hip-hop from across the globe. As a Canadian-based music journalist, he has also made a concerted effort to put spotlights on artists hailing from North of the border as part of Rise & Grind, the weekly interview series that he created and launched in 2021. Aron also broke a number of stories through his extensive interviews with beloved figures in the culture. These include industry vets (Quality Control co-founder Kevin "Coach K" Lee, Wayno Clark), definitive producers (DJ Paul, Hit-Boy, Zaytoven), cultural disruptors (Soulja Boy), lyrical heavyweights (Pusha T, Styles P, Danny Brown), cultural pioneers (Dapper Dan, Big Daddy Kane), and the next generation of stars (Lil Durk, Latto, Fivio Foreign, Denzel Curry). Aron also penned cover stories with the likes of Rick Ross, Central Cee, Moneybagg Yo, Vince Staples, and Bobby Shmurda.
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