Chuck D, one of the most influential rappers and lyricists in hip hop history has sold the bulk of Public Enemy’s catalog of over 300 songs to Reach Music Publishing.
The Public Enemy frontman has relinquished 100% of his writer’s share of publishing and 50% of his copyright interest, including global administration rights, to Reach Music Publishing, whom he has worked with for over 20 years.
Chuck D still retains half of the copyright interest in his publishing royalties. The full terms of the deal have not been made public.
As a founding member and chief writer of Public Enemy, Chuck D co-wrote many of the band’s biggest hits, including their biggest anthem, Fight The Power (theme song to Spike Lee’s 1989 film, Do The Right Thing), Bring the Noise, Welcome to the Terrordome, and Shut ‘Em Down, all of which are included in the deal.
Chuck D shared in a statement via Rolling Stone, “It was the right timing for a forward and logical evolution of [their] business together in an ever changing industry. Reach has always been ahead of the curve on establishing respect for the hip-hop genre songwriting and publishing-wise, and they will continue taking care of my works.”
Chuck D is currently promoting his new fine art book, Livin Loud which is slated for release in November of 2022. The book features selected drawings of some of his favourite musicians that he met when touring with Public Enemy, including Bob Dylan, Beastie Boys, Rolling Stones, Woody Guthrie, Nina Simone, Ice Cube, and Run DMC.
Public Enemy’s Chuck D sells major stake in his songwriting catalog
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