Future is the latest artist to flip his publishing rights into a million-dollar paycheck– he’s sold his publishing catalog to billion-dollar investment firm Influence Media Partners.
According to Variety, the deal with the BlackRock and Warner Music-backed company is said to be valued in the “high eight figures.”
In a statement, Future said he’s excited to partner with the investment group: “I put everything into my music, and I wanted to make sure these were in good hands as I thought about the next chapter of these songs.”
“I’m proud to partner with Rene [McLean] and the team at Influence Media. [To] send a signal that this music has timeless value. My music is my art, and these songs represent some of the most precious artwork of my career,” he added.
Rene McLean, Influence Media Partner and Founding Advisor said, “Future is a cultural icon. He continues to be a blueprint for impact and success in the music industry and has reinvented music in ways that no one has ever expected.”
“It is rare to find someone who moves music and culture at the same speed with his distinct vocal and melodic style. His prolific career and continued popularity more than 15 years into the game is a testament to his undeniable influence on the contemporary music and culture landscape. We’re honored to be partnered with him,” he added.
Lynn Kazan, Influence Media Co-Managing Partner, said, “We consider Future an artist of the ages. He resonates across a spectrum of demographics. We’re so excited about this partnership; it’s a fitting addition to our growing repertoire of top-tier talent and promotes our forward-thinking mission.”
“During my tenure at Epic Records, I was able to work with and support Future throughout his pivotal career. Now at Influence, it feels like fate to be able to collaborate with him again alongside my dynamic partners to protect his legacy and works,” she continued.
Since 2004, Future has amassed a prolific discography – 612 titles, including songs with frequent collaborators such as Drake (“Life is Good” and “Where Ya At”), Rihanna (“Selfish”),Kendrick Lamar (King’s Dead), and his own solo hits like “Mask Off.”
Six of Future’s eight albums have reached No.1 on Billboard’s Hot 200.
This acquisition comes right after Influence Media announced a $750 million fund platform to invest in high-value compositions from diverse artists with support from Warner Music Group and BlackRock, Inc.
Through the fund, the investment firm has acquired over 20 catalogs from various artists, including singer-songwriter Julia Michaels, Puerto Rican songwriter-producer Tainy, and singer-songwriter Jessie Reyez, among others.