Reservoir Media Management announced on Thursday, July 9, 2026, a new publishing deal with Grammy-winning hip-hop artist T.I. (Tip Harris). This significant agreement grants the music publishing company rights to T.I.’s extensive catalog of work, a collection that includes multiple platinum-selling albums and numerous chart-topping singles. The partnership specifically covers the publishing interests for a substantial portion of T.I.’s discography, encompassing his creative output over the past two decades and even extending to future works, including his latest album, ‘Kill the King.’ Reservoir will now be responsible for the administration and creative exploitation of these musical compositions, further solidifying its position in the music intellectual property market.
Key Highlights:
- Catalog Acquisition: Reservoir Media Management has secured publishing rights to the comprehensive catalog of hip-hop artist T.I.
- Multi-Decade Scope: The deal covers T.I.’s work spanning over two decades, including 11 studio albums, over 100 singles, and 13 mixtapes.
- Future Works Included: The agreement extends to T.I.’s future releases, such as his recently released album, ‘Kill the King.’
- Industry Impact: T.I. is a Grammy-winning, multi-platinum artist recognized for pioneering Atlanta’s trap music scene and has sold over 14 million albums worldwide.
- Strategic Expansion: This acquisition is part of Reservoir’s ongoing strategy to expand its intellectual property portfolio in the music industry.
Reservoir’s Strategic Play for Hip-Hop’s Foundation
Reservoir Media’s acquisition of T.I.’s publishing catalog represents a pivotal moment for both the artist and the music company. Announced on July 9, 2026, this deal underscores T.I.’s status as a foundational figure in hip-hop, often dubbed the “King of the South” for his role in bringing Atlanta’s rap scene to global prominence. The agreement grants Reservoir the rights to administer and creatively exploit T.I.’s extensive body of work, which spans over two decades of contributions to the genre. This includes his 11 studio albums, more than 100 singles, and 13 mixtapes, as well as his future releases, most notably his recent album, “Kill the King,” which has already charted in the Top 10 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and Top Rap Albums charts.
T.I.’s Legacy and Reservoir’s Vision
T.I., born Tip Harris, has achieved a remarkable career, marked by three Grammy wins and over 60 additional industry accolades. His multi-platinum albums, such as “Urban Legend,” “King,” “T.I. vs. T.I.P.,” and “Paper Trail,” have featured collaborations with music titans like Jay-Z, Rihanna, and Justin Timberlake. Reservoir’s President and Chief Operating Officer, Rell Lafargue, emphasized the cultural significance and lasting power of T.I.’s music, stating, “T.I. is one of those rare powerhouses whose music has real cultural significance and staying power”. The company views this partnership as a reinforcement of its commitment to the hip-hop genre and its rich history, as well as its promising future.
Reservoir’s Growth and Financial Standing
This acquisition aligns with Reservoir Media’s aggressive expansion strategy. The New York-headquartered firm reported a revenue of $175.7 million in fiscal year 2026, an 11% increase year-over-year, and deployed approximately $120 million in acquisitions and advances during that same period. Reservoir, described as the first female-founded and led publicly traded independent music company in the U.S., has consistently maintained a Top 10 market share in Billboard’s Publishers Quarterly amidst its strategic evaluations. The company has recently been active in other catalog acquisitions, including a publishing administration deal with film composer Hans Zimmer and a partnership with PopArabia for the MENA region.
Broader Impact on the Music Industry
The increasing value of music catalogs, especially for classic songs finding new life through streaming, television, films, and commercials, makes deals like this particularly significant. For T.I., this partnership ensures the continued growth and reach of his musical legacy long after his recording career winds down. T.I. has also diversified his ventures beyond music, operating clothing brands, acting in film and television, and founding the social justice charity “Us or Else,” which released a compilation album featuring Reservoir roster-mate Killer Mike. The transaction was handled by Steven G. Shapiro and Ed Paparo of Davis, Shapiro, Lewit & Grabel, LLP on behalf of T.I..
FAQ: People Also Ask
What does Reservoir Media Management do?
Reservoir Media Management is an independent music company that focuses on acquiring and administering music publishing rights. They manage and exploit musical compositions, expanding their intellectual property portfolio in the music industry.
Who is T.I.?
T.I., born Tip Harris, is a Grammy-winning, multi-Platinum hip-hop artist, often referred to as the “King of the South.” He is recognized for pioneering Atlanta’s trap music scene and has achieved significant success with multiple chart-topping albums and singles over his two-decade career.
What does this publishing deal entail?
This publishing deal grants Reservoir Media Management the rights to T.I.’s extensive music catalog, including past works and future releases. Reservoir will manage the administration and creative exploitation of these musical compositions.
How has T.I.’s career spanned beyond music?
Beyond his music career, T.I. has ventured into acting in film and television, operates clothing brands, and founded the social justice charity “Us or Else.”
What is Reservoir Media’s financial performance?
In fiscal year 2026, Reservoir Media reported revenues of $175.7 million, an 11% increase year-over-year, and invested approximately $120 million in acquisitions and advances.
