Carl Crawford, the former MLB All-Star, has opened a new recording studio in Houston, expanding his 1501 Certified Entertainment artist development compound.
Crawford, nicknamed “the Perfect Storm” during his baseball career, played for the Tampa Bay Rays, Boston Red Sox, and Los Angeles Dodgers before returning to his hometown to launch 1501 Certified Entertainment in 2016. The label has since become a prominent force in Houston’s hip-hop scene, working with artists like Megan Thee Stallion, Erica Banks, and Diamond the Body.
Inside the New 1501 Studio
The new facility is the second studio Crawford has built. The first hosted sessions for Megan Thee Stallion, Erica Banks, BeatKing, 6ix9ine, and others. “This new studio represents a new era for 1501,” Crawford said. “It’s a new look, a different environment, and a new energy that reflects where we’re headed.”
The project took about eight months to complete, with J Lacy playing a major role in managing the build. Crawford noted that the team reviewed multiple builders and plans before selecting the final design, navigating scheduling changes and unexpected costs along the way.
“1501 Studio is something I’ve been wanting to do for a long time. We already had our artist development compound, and I felt like the next step was bringing a world-class recording studio to that environment. I wanted artists to have everything they need in one place to create, grow, and develop their careers.”
Artist Development and Community Roots
Crawford emphasized that the studio is part of a broader artist development ecosystem. The compound hosts influencer events, media opportunities, performance showcases, and training sessions covering fan engagement, stage presence, interviews, and brand building. “We don’t just want to create artists, we want to create well-rounded stars,” he said.
Raised in Houston, Crawford said his goal with 1501 was to create opportunities for talented artists who might not otherwise have access, mirroring the life-changing opportunities baseball gave him. The label’s current roster includes Diamond the Body from Broward County, Florida, FNF Chxpo from Houston, Luh CEO from Dallas, and several developing acts.
“I enjoy working with local artists because Houston has always had incredible talent. At the same time, we’ve expanded our reach beyond Houston. … What makes this generation unique is that every artist has their own lane. They’re not afraid to be themselves.”
Live Events and Future Plans
Live events have been a consistent part of 1501’s activities, with past events featuring BigXthaPlug, KenTheMan, Monaleo, and Deshae Frost. Crawford said he is interested in incorporating a live band element in the future, which he believes would create a different experience for artists and audiences.
The Discipline Connection
Drawing parallels between his sports and music careers, Crawford pointed to discipline as the key commonality. “Whether you’re trying to become an All-Star baseball player or a successful recording artist, it takes commitment, consistency, and mental toughness,” he said. “Baseball requires constant training, preparation, and structure. Music is the same way. People see the performances and the success, but they don’t always see the work behind it.”
