"The studio is just one piece of the puzzle...We don’t just want to create artists — we want to create well-rounded stars."
Carl Crawford was nicknamed "the Perfect Storm" when he played professional MLB baseball as an elite left fielder and baserunner. Although he moved around in his career to the Tampa Bay Rays, Boston Red Sox, and Los Angeles Dodgers, he ultimately returned to his home in Houston, Texas, to start 1501 Certified Entertainment in 2016.
1501 has been one of the most prominent Hip-Hop talent boosters in a city that's been brimming with artistic creativity since the 1990s. And Carl has been fortunate enough to work with rising rappers like Megan Thee Stallion, Erica Banks, and Diamond the Body, as well as a crop of new, younger artist just getting started in the industry. His new high-end recording studio just launched, making it the brick-n-mortar manifestation of a dream he has been working towards for nearly a decade.
We talk about his journey from baseball to music, and how he's helping to facilitate the journeys of those in his local community.
Here's our conversation. Enjoy!
Hypebot: Congrats on opening 1501 Studio — why don’t you introduce us to the project?
Carl Crawford: "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."
H: How did this all come together? What was the genesis, and what hurdles did the project have to overcome?
C: "The vision for the studio started with me. As we continued building out the 1501 artist development compound, I knew I wanted to create a world-class recording studio that would give artists everything they needed to create and grow in one place."
Once I shared the vision with my team, everyone came together to help bring it to life. J Lacy played a major role in managing the project and helping oversee the process, alongside several other key team members who helped make sure every detail was executed properly. We brought in multiple builders, reviewed different plans, and ultimately selected the team we felt could bring the vision to life the best."
The entire process took about eight months. We had a few scheduling changes and some unexpected costs along the way, but that’s part of building something special. Looking back, it was all worth it because the finished product turned out exactly how we envisioned it."
H: You were raised in Houston. What does it mean to bring this studio back to the community that gave rise to your own opportunities?
C: "When I started 1501, the goal was always to create opportunities for talented artists who might not otherwise have access to them. Baseball gave me opportunities that changed my life, and I wanted to do the same for people through music."
This is actually the second studio I’ve built. The first studio has a lot of history behind it — artists like Megan Thee Stallion and Erica Banks recorded there. We’ve also had artists like BeatKing, 6ix9ine, and many others come through those doors. This new studio represents a new era for 1501. It’s a new look, a different environment, and a new energy that reflects where we’re headed."
H: Houston is known as a Hip-Hop hub, but many genres thrive there. What are your earliest memories of music, and how did that passion grow?
C: "Growing up in Houston, music was always around. I listened to artists like Tupac, Biggie, Lil’ Keke, and of course Slim Thug — he’s from my neighborhood, so that was always special. As I got older, I became a big fan of artists like Future, and lately I’ve been listening to Belly Gang Kush. Music has always been a part of my life, whether it was in the car, at family gatherings, or just around the city."
H: Tell me about working with Houston’s up-and-coming talent. What’s unique about this generation of artists, and how is 1501 helping them grow nationally?
C: "I enjoy working with local artists because Houston has always had incredible talent. At the same time, we’ve expanded our reach beyond Houston. Right now, we have artists like Diamond The Body out of Broward County, Florida, FNF Chxpo from Houston, and Luh CEO from Dallas, along with several developing artists."
What makes this generation unique is that every artist has their own lane. They’re not afraid to be themselves. My job is to help provide the resources, guidance, and opportunities that allow them to build sustainable careers and reach audiences nationwide."
H: Are there other ways you’re championing artists beyond the studio?
C: "Absolutely. At 1501, we’re focused on creating a complete development environment. The studio is just one piece of the puzzle."
At our artist development compound, we host influencer events, media opportunities, performance showcases, and training sessions that help artists learn how to engage with fans, improve their stage presence, handle interviews, and build their brands. We don’t just want to create artists — we want to create well-rounded stars."
H: Do you have plans to incorporate live music and concerts into your work through 1501 Entertainment?
C: "Live events have always been part of what we do. We’ve hosted and worked with artists and entertainers ranging from BigXthaPlug, KenTheMan, Monaleo, and Deshae Frost to many others."
One thing we haven’t fully incorporated yet is a live band element, but that’s definitely something I’d like to explore in the future because it creates a completely different experience for both the artist and the audience."
H: What similarities do you see between baseball and music?
C: "The biggest similarity is discipline. Whether you’re trying to become an All-Star baseball player or a successful recording artist, it takes commitment, consistency, and mental toughness."
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. There are rehearsals, studio sessions, media appearances, meet-and-greets, and long hours perfecting your craft."
Even when it comes to contracts and business, there are a lot of similarities. The biggest difference is that baseball tends to be a little more straightforward when it comes to rules and team loyalty."
H: What’s your cheat meal on a Saturday night? How do you stay in shape now that you’re retired from Major League Baseball?
C: "Probably a pork chop sandwich or some good barbecue. I also eat a lot of seafood."
That said, I’ve become even more focused on my health over the years. I work out every day, juice regularly, and stay on top of my doctor’s appointments. My biggest motivation is making sure I’m healthy and able to be there for my kids for a long, long time."
H: Stick-burners or pellets? Just kidding… What’s the best BBQ spot in Houston right now?
C: "I’ve got to go with Burns Original BBQ. It’s family-owned, and we’ve been serving Houston for more than 40 years. It’s a place I’m proud of, not just because of the family connection, but because the food speaks for itself."
