Kanye West Had To Ask MJ Business AssocPermission To USE G.O.O.D Music Name, Says Affiliate
The G.O.O.D Music [Getting Out Our Dreams] record label was founded in 2004 by Kanye West. The current roster consists of Big Sean, Teyana Taylor, Kacy Hill, Q-Tip, Pusha T, Francis and the Lights, and Valee.
In 2011, the label struck an exclusive long-term worldwide label agreement with The Island Def Jam Music Group. Since the label was established it has released hit albums such as Kidd Cudi’s Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager, Kanye’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, John Legend’s Darkness and Light, and Big Sean’s Finally Famous.
But before all the success, according Good Music affiliate Malik Yusef, West had to ask permission to even use the G.O.O.D Music name and licensing in the first place.
“Started that s*** in the hotel room. Called the old school homie Steve McKeever and got the licensing; he owned G.O.O.D Music. Steve McKeever, who owns Hidden Beach Recordings, and is Michael Jordan’s business partner, owned the name G.O.O.D Music,” said Yusef.
“We licensed it from him. I called him on the phone, and he said Malik, I got you. Kanye [West] was like, I want to call the label G.O.O.D Music, and we researched it. Steve McKeever was the listed owner. So, we called him, and he said, “that’s what y’all on, let’s go.”
Yusef is a Six-time Grammy winning artist, poet, songwriter, and producer, who Co-Wrote Sandcastles on Beyonce’s Lemonade, Co-wrote & produced 15/18 tracks on The Life of Pablo by Kanye West.
He has also worked with NE-YO, E lle Varner, Karmin, Raheem DeVaughn, and Drake.
As for McKeever, he attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and received his degree in 1982. From there, McKeever attended Harvard Law School, completing his J.D degree in 1985.
He now serves as a board member of a number of organizations, including the National Association of Recording Arts and Sciences, and the Northern Trust DreamMakers Forum and the City of Hope. It is a cancer research foundation based in Los Angeles.
Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.
His bylines have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Heavy.com, Meta’s Bulletin and One37pm, where he has contributed exclusive interviews, breaking news and cultural insights. At Heavy.com, his work drew more than a million views in just eight months, and at One37pm, it contributed to record-breaking traffic numbers.
His work highlights the intersection of sports, fashion, music, and entrepreneurship—showcasing how athletes and entertainers use their platforms to inspire change, influence trends, and shape culture beyond the game. Landon has interviewed a wide range of figures from the NBA, NFL, and entertainment industries, consistently bringing authentic voices and untold stories to the forefront.
In addition to his journalism, Buford is an entrepreneur and content creator, dedicated to amplifying diverse narratives and driving meaningful conversations across media platforms. His passion for storytelling, culture, and innovation continues to make him a respected voice in the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment media.
