Elliott Grainge, the newly appointed CEO of Atlantic Records, made headlines recently by gifting Cardi B multiple Birkin handbags—a pretty bold and glamorous gesture. Cardi B herself confirmed it in a tweet, and it’s clear that Grainge is taking a personal approach to his leadership style, really focusing on building strong connections with his artists.
Elliott Grainge, the new CEO of Atlantic Records, gifted Cardi with multiple new Birkin bags. ❤️ PIC.TWITTER.COM/W57QFCWOLF
— Fan Account | #BLM 🫵🏾 (@BardiUpdatess) SEPTEMBER 6, 2024
Birkin bags aren’t just any luxury item. They’re notoriously hard to get and can cost up to hundreds of thousands of dollars. So, this gift isn’t just about fashion—it shows the level of commitment Grainge is bringing to his new role.
At only 30 years old, Grainge took over at Atlantic Music Group, signaling a new era of leadership in the music world. Before this, he was the founder of 10K Projects , an independent label where he helped launch the careers of rising stars like Iann Dior and Trippie Redd. And yes, he’s the son of Universal Music Group’s CEO Lucian Grainge, but Elliott is carving his own path with a more digital-forward strategy, unlike his predecessor Julie Greenwald’s traditional approach.
Giving Cardi B those Birkin bags wasn’t just about luxury but also a smart, strategic move. It shows Grainge wants to build loyalty and close partnerships with his artists. Cardi B, known for her bold style and strong connection to fans, could find inspiration in such a personal gift, which might even influence her creativity and lead to some groundbreaking music. Grainge’s ability to nurture these relationships will probably play a huge role in his success at Atlantic.
Cardi B, by the way, already has a love for Birkins and a pretty impressive collection. She even gifted a custom-painted Birkin to Megan Thee Stallion after their hit “WAP” and designed a rainbow-encrusted Birkin for her daughter, Kulture. So, Grainge’s gift is sure to resonate with her love for unique and personalized fashion, probably fueling her creative energy even more.
Grainge isn’t new to success, either. Since launching 10K Projects in 2016, he’s had some artists rack up 18 gold and eight platinum singles as of late 2019. His talent for discovering new stars often comes from platforms like SoundCloud, a great resource for finding emerging artists.
As Grainge settles into his new role at Atlantic Records, this gift to Cardi B hints at how he plans to lead—with authenticity, creativity, and a personal touch. It’s an exciting time for the label.