Ari Lennox signed an exclusive global administration deal with Warner Chappell Music covering her existing and future work.
“There’s so much to be said about Ari and her music, but her artistic drive is what truly sets her apart. She’s spent the last seven years working towards this moment, and I’m looking forward to the many successes I know we’ll share with her and the Dreamville team,” said Ryan Press, president of A&R at Warner Chappell Music.
Signed to J. Cole’s Dreamville record label, the neo-soul singer released her debut project under the label called Pho. She then rose to fame in 2019 with her debut studio album Shea Butter Baby, selling out her first headlining tour for the record and having its title track featured in Creed II. Lennox has collaborated with Doja Cat, Wale, Ty Dolla $ign and many more.
“The Warner Chappell team has always supported me. I’ve known Wallace and Ryan Press for some time now and I am so thrilled to be a part of the family,” said Lennox.
Primary Wave Music acquired the music publishing catalog of Carl Sturken and Evan Rogers. The acquisition also includes a share in the duo’s master royalty income from Rihanna’s first seven albums and their shares on some of her biggest hits like “Umbrella,” “We Found Love,” “Disturbia,” and many more.
Sturken and Rogers are known for discovering Rihanna and writing and producing numerous chart-topping hits over many decades. Shares of publishing on Kelly Clarkson’s “The Trouble With Love Is” and ‘N Sync’s “(God Must Have Spent) A Little More Time On You” are also included in the acquisition.
“Sturken and Rogers career spans decades of creating top hits and when they discovered and signed Rihanna in 2005 it solidified their place in pop music history as she has proven be one of the world’s biggest stars,” says Justin Shukat, president of Primary Wave Music. “We are proud and excited to acquire this incredible catalog of works.”
Warner Chappell Music extended its worldwide publishing agreement with Grammy and Academy Award-nominated songwriter/rapper/producer Belly. The deal includes the acquisition of 50% of his songwriting catalog, including The Weeknd’s “Earned It” and “Blinding Lights.”
“Belly’s become one of the most impactful and versatile songwriters and artists of our time,” said Guy Moot, Warner Chappell Music co-chair and CEO and Carianne Marshall, co-chair and COO. “He’s accomplished so much over the past two decades, from building up an impressive solo career to working with The Weeknd as one of his top collaborators. We’re excited to continue our partnership with him alongside Sal and the whole team at XO.”
Last month, Belly released the newest single “Money On The Table (feat. Benny the Butcher)” off of his upcoming album See You Next Wednesday. The project is slated to drop this summer via Roc Nation/XO Records.
Reservoir signed Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum producer MarcLo to a global publishing deal.
The L.A.-based producer is known for his involvement in The Monsters & Strangerz and for his work “The Middle” by Zedd, Maren Morris and Grey. MarcLo has also collaborated with Maroon 5, Jason Derulo and Chris Brown.
“The breadth of Marcus’ songwriting and production skills is undeniable and has rightfully earned him recognition by so many of today’s top acts,” said Donna Caseine, Reservoir evp and global creative director. “We are so impressed with his boundless talent and look forward to bringing all of his creative aspirations to life.”
“I am very excited to be starting this new chapter with Reservoir alongside Donna Caseine and the entire company globally,” MarcLo added. “Bringing music to the world is such a huge collaborative process, and I could not be more thrilled about the talent, creativity, and expertise on my team.”
Verse 2 Music, Kane Brown’s publishing company, signed Grammy-nominated songwriter Josh Hoge in a worldwide co-publishing agreement. The deal will cover his future work.
Hoge is known for penning many of Brown’s hits including “Cool Again,” “Used To Love You Sober,” and “One Thing Right.” He is the first songwriter to sign with the company which was recently launched in partnership with Sony Music Publishing. Hoge was nominated for Grammy for his contributions on Chris Young’s “Think of You.”
“Josh has been involved in Kane’s writing career with great success from the beginning, and he has only scratched the surface of his career as a hitmaker,” said Verse 2 Music partner, Kent Earls. “When the opportunity arose for him to become our first signed writer, the answer was a resounding YES. Welcome to the V2 family, Josh!”
“Josh is just a great guy and an incredible songwriter,” added Brown. “He is one of the first songwriters I ever wrote with in Nashville and I’m really excited he’s part of the team.”
Sony Music Publishing partnered with The Very Good Music Publishing to further support its catalog of songwriters and producers.
The Stockholm-based company’s roster is home to emerging Scandinavian hitmakers who’ve helped pen chart-topping hits. It was founded in 2011 by Jakob Emestam and is a part of The Very Good AB.
“The Very Good not only has a fantastic roster, but is comprised of a driven, professional creative team with a proactive approach that earns continued success,” said Johnny Tennander, Sony Music Publishing MD, Scandinavia and svp of A&R in Europe. “We’ve been working closely with Jakob for over a decade now with Noonie Bao, and recently Linus Wiklund, so this is a natural step for us. We are honored and excited to welcome The Very Good to the Sony Music Publishing family.”
“We represent the best songwriters in the world with the support of our incredible A&R team, and joining forces with Sony Music Publishing only makes us stronger – we can’t be anything but excited for the future,” added Emtestam, founder of The Very Good. “After having worked with Sony over the full life of The Very Good/Vivstilo, we have developed a terrific relationship, and it feels like we’re coming home.”
French rapper Ryad Kartoum, stage name RK, signed a global publishing agreement with Warner Chappell France.
“RK has burst onto the music scene, delighting critics and connecting with fans,” said Matthieu Tessier, managing director of Warner Chappell Music France. “His songwriting is raw, authentic and urgent. It’s a great privilege to be able to work with him as he prepares to launch his fourth album which is sure to be his biggest yet.”
One Media iP acquired the writer’s shares to the royalties of over 250 tracks by Kid Creole and The Coconuts.
According to Yahoo Finance, the acquisition was completed through the company’s Harmony iP asset release program which allows music rights holders advanced access to future earnings. For over four decades, Kid Creole and The Coconuts have produced worldwide hits blending Latin, calypso and jive to create uplifting singles and appeal to a wide audience.
“I started Kid Creole and the Coconuts in 1979. I had no idea then that I was destined to enjoy success around the world for the next 40 years,” said August Darnell, the band’s founder. “With the team at One Media iP and their Harmony iP initiative I have now ensured my musical legend will continue for another 40 years.”
“We are delighted to announce our third acquisition of the year executed through our innovative Harmony iP program,” said Michael Infante, CEO of One Media iP. “The Kid has been a delight to work with and we look forward to many years of close association with him. I want to say, “who is the Daddy?” but that would be too corny.”
