Atlanta hip-hop icon T.I. has entered a comprehensive publishing agreement with Reservoir Media that covers his entire songwriting catalog, spanning both past hits and future works. The deal, announced July 9, 2026, grants Reservoir administration rights over T.I.’s complete portfolio, including his Grammy-winning 2006 album King and his latest release Kill the King, which debuted in the Top 10 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
Strategic Catalog Acquisition for Independent Publisher
Reservoir Media (NASDAQ: RSVR), an award-winning independent music company, is expanding its urban music footprint by securing the full publishing rights to one of the genre’s most enduring voices. The agreement explicitly includes T.I.’s 2006 single “What You Know,” which won the Grammy for Best Rap Solo Performance, alongside his new album Kill the King, released June 26, 2026. This move allows Reservoir to diversify its revenue streams by managing a catalog with over 14 million global album sales and three Grammy Awards across T.I.’s career.
The transaction was facilitated by Steven G. Shapiro and Ed Paparo of the law firm Davis, Shapiro, Lewit & Grabel, LLP, ensuring the legal framework supports the long-term administration of T.I.’s intellectual property. By capturing both back catalog and future works, Reservoir positions itself to maximize licensing opportunities for radio, streaming, and sync placements across T.I.’s extensive history.
Artist Focus on Catalog Expansion and Business Diversification
T.I. emphasized the strategic value of the partnership in a statement, noting his excitement to “diversify the business and expand the reach of my catalog” alongside Reservoir. The rapper, known for collaborations with artists including Justin Timberlake, Kelly Rowland, and Mariah Carey, is entering a new chapter that prioritizes the commercial longevity of his songwriting assets.
This agreement a growing trend among veteran Black music artists to consolidate publishing rights with independent firms that offer specialized administration rather than traditional label structures. For radio programmers and rights holders, the deal ensures a single administrative entity for T.I.’s vast catalog, streamlining clearance processes for airplay and digital use. The inclusion of Kill the King signals Reservoir’s immediate intent to leverage T.I.’s current commercial momentum while maintaining control over his legacy hits.
Reservoir’s acquisition of T.I.’s full catalog reinforces the company’s strategy to dominate the urban publishing sector by securing high-value, multi-decade assets from established icons. The deal does not disclose specific financial terms but represents a significant addition to Reservoir’s roster of Grammy-winning and multi-platinum artists.
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