Carl Crawford became Major League Baseball’s (MLB) quickest and most gifted outfielder. He was also financially rewarded with contracts worth more than $100 million. Rather than resting on his laurels and reaping the rewards of his toil after retiring in 2016, Crawford took the leap of faith to enter the entirely new music profession.
Now the owner of 1501 Certified Entertainment, a Houston-based record company that has launched acts to the mainstream, his journey from the baseball diamond to the recording booth is one of reinvention, risk-taking, and innovative business choices.
Before becoming a music executive, Crawford was an exhilarating MLB player. He played the sport for 15 years with the Tampa Bay Rays, Boston Red Sox, and Los Angeles Dodgers. His agility and speed made him one of the most exhilarating players.
In 2011, the Red Sox gave him a seven-year contract worth $142 million—one of the most significant contracts to sign an outfielder. Even though his latter years were interrupted by injuries, he retired from the sport with close to $179 million in pay. This economic stability gave him the autonomy to seek other opportunities.
Crawford turned to music entrepreneurship instead of pursuing the usual post-retirement careers of broadcasting or coaching.
Born in Houston, Texas, Crawford grew up surrounded by hip-hop culture. The city had a vibrant rap scene with significant acts like UGK, Slim Thug, and Z-Ro. While baseball had been his career path, music had always been his love.
In 2017, one year into retirement, Crawford launched 1501 Certified Entertainment, investing over $10 million in studio and infrastructure development before signing artists. Crawford was hands-on, unlike celebrity investors who often install teams to run their companies.
“That first year, we weren’t even putting out music. We were just building, making sure everything was right,” he explained.
His goal was not simply to start a record company—it was to create a force to find and nurture talent.
1501 Certified Entertainment soon gained steam when it signed Megan Thee Stallion, the up-and-coming Houston rapper. Her breakout single helped establish the record company’s credibility in the competitive hip-hop industry.
Despite that, success never came quickly. A record contract dispute between 1501 and Megan made the news, exposing the behind-the-scenes details of artist-record company dynamics. The lawsuit was tough on Crawford but not the defining moment of his career. He took it as a lesson to expand his business model.
Rather than relying on one large artist, Crawford began diversifying his roster. He inked up-and-coming acts like Luh CEO, Skeatur Jones, FNF CHXPO, and Lil Zac The DJ to expand 1501’s reach in the industry.
One reason for 1501’s growing success is its focus on lyricism and storytelling. Crawford has intentionally worked with artists who connect with fans through raw, authentic lyrics.
In today’s hip-hop market, where hooks are given priority over storytelling, 1501 is doing things differently. 1501 encourages artists to spotlight quality writing and heavy content that will resonate with the audience.
Crawford believes artists who create strong, timely music will build longer careers. By building talent over one-time hits, 1501 has made itself a force to reckon with in the business.
1501 Certified Entertainment is no longer just about making music but building a brand.
In March of 2025, Crawford hosted an invite-only industry mixer at his creative facility, gathering media members, DJs, and insiders to experience 1501’s talent firsthand. The event featured live performances, specialty cocktails from Jim Beam, and 1501’s special merchandise.
“It’s all about creating an experience,” Crawford said. “Music is just one part of it. We’re building a culture.”
This strategic networking approach shows Crawford’s more profound understanding of the business. By creating an ecosystem around 1501, he ensured the label remained relevant and influential.
Transitioning from a structured MLB salary to the unpredictable world of the music industry was a significant adjustment. While he once had guaranteed contracts worth millions, music requires constant investment and adaptation.
Legal disputes, financial risks, and the challenge of breaking new artists are all part of the game. But Crawford’s athlete mindset—his discipline, work ethic, and ability to handle pressure—has helped him navigate these obstacles.
As of 2025, Crawford’s net worth is estimated between $65-80 million, showing that he has retained significant wealth while investing heavily in his label. He focuses on expanding his artist roster, increasing brand visibility, and hosting more industry events to solidify 1501’s place in hip-hop.
Carl Crawford’s journey from baseball to music is a blueprint for athlete entrepreneurship. Instead of fading into retirement, he reinvented himself and used his wealth to build something lasting.
His success in music proves that with the right mindset, athletes can transition into business and thrive in entirely new industries. Through 1501 Certified Entertainment, Crawford has created a successful record label and a platform for artists to tell their stories through strong lyrics and authentic music.
From the baseball diamond to the recording studio, Carl Crawford continues to win—this time, in a different arena.
