Empire Expands Global Reach, Invests in San Francisco Roots

Independent music company Empire hosts major events, buys historic building for new headquarters in downtown San Francisco.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Empire, the independent entertainment company founded by San Francisco native Ghazi, has grown into a global force in the music industry. The company, which has helped launch and support artists like Cardi B and Kendrick Lamar, recently purchased a historic building in downtown San Francisco to serve as its new global headquarters. During Super Bowl week, Empire hosted performances, events, and a cultural showcase in partnership with Levi's, drawing artists, celebrities, fans, and city leaders to its downtown footprint. As Empire expands, Ghazi says the company is intentionally investing in its hometown rather than relocating, citing his San Francisco roots as integral to the company's success.

Why it matters

Empire's rise reflects a broader shift in the music industry, with independent labels like Empire challenging the traditional major label system and offering artists greater flexibility and creative control. The company's investment in its San Francisco headquarters also underscores its growing role in the city's cultural and economic landscape, as it plans to host future events tied to major moments such as the World Cup and SF Music Week.

The details

Founded in 2010 by San Francisco native Ghazi, Empire has helped launch and support artists including Cardi B and Kendrick Lamar, while signing a roster of musicians such as Shaboozey and P-Lo. The company operates outside the traditional major label system, offering artists greater flexibility and creative control. Empire recently purchased the historic One Montgomery building in San Francisco's financial district for about $24 million, and is transforming the former bank into the company's global headquarters.

  • During Super Bowl week in 2026, Empire hosted performances, events, and a cultural showcase in partnership with Levi's.
  • Empire recently purchased the historic One Montgomery building in San Francisco's financial district for about $24 million.

The players

Ghazi

The founder and CEO of Empire, a San Francisco native who has helped the independent entertainment company grow into a global force in the music industry.

Cardi B

A major artist that Empire has helped launch and support.

Kendrick Lamar

A major artist that Empire has helped launch and support.

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What they’re saying

“If I can figure out how to bring food, tech, culture, banking and music in an event space all under one roof, I think I will accomplish my mission. What we did for Super Bowl was the template for what I'm trying to accomplish.”

— Ghazi, Founder and CEO, Empire (ktvu.com)

“The reason why Empire is such a big deal is because they're probably the biggest independent hip hop company in the world. That's separate from the big major companies - Universal, Warner, and Sony. He's done it all himself... just up from nothing.”

— Jem Aswad, Executive Music Editor, Variety (ktvu.com)

What’s next

Empire plans to host future events tied to major moments such as the World Cup and SF Music Week, underscoring its growing role in San Francisco's cultural and economic landscape.

The takeaway

Empire's expansion and investment in its San Francisco headquarters reflects a broader shift in the music industry, with independent labels challenging the traditional major label system and offering artists greater creative freedom. The company's commitment to its hometown roots serves as an inspiration for other businesses to double down on their local connections.