HYBE America launched Fifty-One/Forty-Nine Records on October 6, a country and roots imprint led by Thomas Rhett and operating under Blue Highway Records, the South Korean music company’s longstanding country label. HYBE described the arrangement as “a new artist-led partnership” and part of its “artist-first approach.”
Commercial track record
- His single “Die A Happy Man” is diamond-certified, with more than 10 million sales.
- He has accumulated more than 16 billion collective streams.
- He has reached 25 No. 1 singles.
Leadership statements
Thomas Rhett said:
“When we started talking about what the next chapter could look like, I knew I didn’t simply want to make another deal. I wanted to build something that reflected the legacy and shaped the future of my music. From my initial conversations with Jake and the leadership team at Blue Highway, it was clear they, too, were thinking differently about what a record company can be for an artist today. This allows me the opportunity to own the body of work I’ve spent my entire career creating, while still having an ambitious team and global infrastructure around me for my future recordings. I am incredibly excited about building this next chapter together.”
Blue Highway Records CEO Jake Basden said:
“Thomas Rhett has always been an artist, a songwriter, a performer who brings the best of what being a progressive country artist is today: someone who is willing to explore how other genres merge with Nashville without losing his roots, without sounding calculated or forced. His musical fluidity is matched by his sense of lyrics, songs, and what people feel, creating an honest kind of country that finds its way into people’s lives, wherever they are. Having watched Thomas Rhett come into his own and then achieve major success, I am honored to be his partner going forward.”
