Sad Boys and Drain Gang artists announce departure from YEAR0001

A number of artists previously affiliated with Stockholm-based multidisciplinary record label, management and creative studio YEAR0001 have revealed they have cut ties with the independent imprint.

They are all members of the Sad Boys Entertainment and Drain Gang collectives: Yung Lean (pictured), Gud, Bladee, Thaiboy Digital and Ecco2K.

Fans had been increasingly speculating about a split online over the past year, based on the likes of Yung Lean and Bladee releasing music through their own independent labels, such as Yung Lean’s World Affairs and Bladee’s Trash Island.

The speculation was also fuelled by reading into recent lyrics from the rappers as critiques aimed at YEAR0001, such as Bladee rapping “Fucking giving these lames percentage” on ‘PM2’ on his 2024 album ‘Cold Visions’, which also featured a guest verse from Yung Lean on the track ‘I DONT LIKE PEOPLE’ including the lines “Me and Bladee crashin' out the gate, can't be put in a box … We called all the shots, called your bluff, you wanted way too much”.

Yung Lean has now confirmed the parting of ways in a statement posted to Instagram, in which he said a pop-up shop from YEAR0001 selling Sad Boys and Drain Gang merch in Stockholm last weekend was not endorsed by the artists. He did not give any explanation for the decision.

The statement reads: “Yoo. I want to set the record straight about something that has been happening for some time and that has been confusing my fans n I’ve been wanting to tell u. I’m not working with year0001 anymore — they are not my record label, my management company, or my merchandiser.

“Any official new Yung Lean music and products will come from my label World Affairs as they have since Stardust. Whether online or at pop up shops such as the one put on this weekend in Stockholm by year0001, this is not merchandise that Yung Lean, Sad Boys, or Drain Gang are standing behind. If it comes from World Affairs, it comes from me.

“I know u guys are smart and have already figured these things out but .. I wanted u to hear it from me.”

After Yung Lean shared his statement, more artists came forward to confirm their own split.

Bladee shared Yung Lean’s post on his Instagram story with the message: “We are Not working or affiliated with the year0001 label no wayyy”.

Ecco2K wrote on an Instagram story: “SINCE 2023 NOT WORKING WITH YEAR0001 AS MGMT OR LABEL”. He also shared Morissey’s 1994 track ‘Why Don’t You Find Out for Yourself’ which features lyrics about difficult experiences artists deal with in the music industry.

Thaiboy Digital posted an Instagram story saying: “Im no longer working with year0001 as mgmt or label all of my new music will be released under Bank of Star Sound System”.

Gud posted an Instagram story simply saying: “Same goes for me”.

Other Sad Boys and Drain Gang affiliates Yung Sherman and Whitearmor have not commented at the time of writing.

Sad Boys and Drain Gang had been working closely with YEAR0001 from its formation in 2015, with co-founder Emilio Fagone previously managing Yung Lean and Bladee prior to its inception.

Mixmag reached out to YEAR0001 CEO and co-founder Oskar Ekman who sent the following statement: "YEAR0001 represents a truly unique roster of artists, and we are proud to support the catalog of works released during our partnership.

“We strongly believe in the work artists create with YEAR0001 and strive for their success, offering fair, mutually equitable deals that enable their commercial success and long-term artistic growth.”

US rapper Adamn Killa, who’s previously featured on tracks with Yung Lean, Bladee and Thaiboy Digital, said he stopped collaborating with Drain Gang, Sad Boys and their management in 2016 after an alleged financial dispute. He has today, November 8, released a diss track aimed at YEAR0001, Yung Lean and Bladee titled ‘Funny W Some Money’.