You often hear people say songwriting is where the money is in the music industry. That is true is a sense but producing can be even better depending on your deal. No matter what you do, make sure that publishing is right.
Publishing is where the money is! With that being said, check out this list of some of the top Black songwriters in the game that should be receiving some pretty good checks based off their catalogue of songs they have written for others and possibly themselves as well.(Click Next For the Next Songwriter)10. Kevin “K.C.” CossumOriginally from Orlando, FL, Kevin has written songs and/or hooks for artists such as Mary J.
Blige, Usher, Rick Ross, Chris Brown, Rihanna, and a host of others. He signed a publishing deal with Warner/Chappell a few years back and he hasn’t stopped since. He is working on his own music and just recently worked with Justin Bieber.(Click Next For the Next Songwriter)9.
Rico LoveRichard Preston Butler, Jr. better known as Rico Love was born in New Orleans but he was raised partially in Milwaukee, WI as well as Harlem, NY. He is a singer-songwriter and record producer. Love wrote and produced hit records such as Usher’s “There Goes My Baby” and “Hey Daddy (Daddy’s Home)”, Nelly’s “Just a Dream” and “Gone”, as well as Beyonc� Knowles’ “Sweet Dreams”.(Click Next For the Next Songwriter)8.
Sevyn StreeterAmber Denise Streeter known by her stage name Sevyn Streeter, is a singer�songwriter, best known for being a member of the girl groups TG4 and RichGirl. She has written songs for artists such as Brandy, Kelly Rowland, Alicia Keys, Fantasia, Ariana Grande, and Tamar Braxton. Currently signed to Atlantic Records, her debut EP entitled Call Me Crazy, But… is scheduled to be released on November 5, 2013.
She was also a co-writer on Chris Brown’s “Fina China,” which is the jam.(Click Next For the Next Songwriter)7. Stacy BartheStacy Barthe is a singer-songwriter from Brooklyn, New York City, New York. She is a Grammy-nominated songwriter and signed a publishing deal to Universal Music Publishing Group by Ethiopia Habtermariam, in 2007.
I have actually met Stacy a few times and she is always a sweetheart and loves to wear Jordan’s but her song credits are ridiculous. She has written for Britney Spears, Rihanna, Katy Perry, T.I., Brandy, and most recently Miley Cyrus on her new album “Bangerz.”(Click Next For the Next Songwriter)6. Livvi FrancOlivia Charlotte Waithe, better known as Livvi Franc, is a British-Barbadian singer-songwriter.
Franc has written for Christina Aguilera, Rihanna, Kelly Clarkson, Ciara, Jordin Sparks, and the list goes on and on. She should be enjoying some nice checks!(Click Next For the Next Songwriter)5. Frank OceanChristopher Francis Ocean better known by his stage name Frank Ocean, is a singer, songwriter and rapper from New Orleans, Louisiana.
Ocean started his career as a ghostwriter for artists such as Brandy, Justin Bieber, and John Legend so he was making some good money but not receiving the notoriety. After working with other artists like Beyonce, Jay Z, and Kanye his checks are looking great as ever and since he is an artist that writes his own material, I’m sure he made a decent amount of money from his own material as well.(Click Next For the Next Songwriter)4. Planet VI (formerly known as Rock City -Theron and Timothy ThomasTheron and Timothy Thomas are not only brothers, but they are an American R&B, pop and reggae fusion duo.
In 2006 they secured a recording contract with Geffen Records and Akon’s Kon Live Distribution imprint. They have written a string of hit singles for artists such as Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Chris Brown, Jennifer Hudson, R. Kelly and Akon, among many others.
Their most recent credits included Miley Cyrus’ “We Can’t Stop.” They are making some serious money.(Click Next For the Next Songwriter)3. Ester DeanEster Renay Dean is a songwriter, singer, rapper, and record producer. Her 2009 single “Drop It Low” featured singer Chris Brown.
Dean has also co-written songs for many artists including Christina Aguilera, Katy Perry, Keri Hilson, Beyonc�, Priyanka Chopra, Mary J. Blige, Nicki Minaj, Kelly Clarkson, Ciara, The Pussycat Dolls, Usher, Kelly Rowland, Girlicious, Rihanna, R. Kelly, Britney Spears, and Selena Gomez.
You name the artist and she has written for them.(Click Next For the Next Songwriter)2. The Dream -Terius Youngdell NashWe all know the Dream as an artist but his songwriting is ridiculous and keeps his pockets full. Nash has written and produced songs for many other notable R&B, hip hop music, and pop artists, including J.
Holiday, Usher, Yung Joc, Jesse McCartney, Mariah Carey, Ciara, Brandy, Diddy, and Mary J. Blige. His most notable hits are “Me Against the Music” (2003) for Britney Spears, “Umbrella” (2007) for Rihanna, “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” (2008) for Beyonc� and “Baby” (2010) for Justin Bieber, as well as for his acclaimed releases as a solo artist.
He also wrote the hook for Jay Z’s “Holy Grail,” so the check just keep coming for this dude.(Click Next For the Next Songwriter)1. Shaffer Ne-Yo SmithDo I really have to list this guy’s list of songwriting credits? No, really?
I will just say he has written for everybody and he still continues to do so. He just wrote TLC’s new song, “Meant to Be.” This man’s publishing checks have to be astronomical. Enough said!