Hip-Hop star Busta Rhymes has taken a step towards independence via a new worldwide deal with independent publisher Kobalt Music Group.
According to the terms of the deal, Kobalt will administer 27 of Busta Rhymes’ tracks, including all songs on Back on My B.S., which contained the hit single “Arab Money.”
In July of 2010, Kobalt will begin administering over 150 of Rhymes tracks, which are currently being handled by Warner Chappell.
“We are thrilled to conclude this deal with Busta Rhymes which also includes synch licensing and creative services for film, TV, games, ringtones and other media,” said Willard Ahdritz, CEO and Founder of Kobalt. “He is truly one of the most influential artists in Hip-Hop history and we look forward to working closely with him.”
Busta Rhymes, born Trevor Smith, started his career as a member of the pioneering Hip-Hop group Leaders of the New School in 1989.
In 1996 Busta Rhymes began a successful solo career on the strength of his breakout single “Woo Hah!! Got You In All In Check,” taken from the album The Coming.
He has enjoyed numerous hit singles like “It‘s A Party” featuring Zhane, “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See,” “Gimme Some More,” “Break Ya Neck,” “What’s It Gonna Be” featuring Janet Jackson, “Make It Clap,” “Touch It,” “I Love My B**ch” and numerous others.
“We chose Kobalt not only for their competitive deal structure and fully transparent, online accounting system, but also because the team at Kobalt is knowledgeable, experienced and extremely involved and aggressive — all the key elements we were looking for in our publisher. We’re very happy to be here,” added Mona Scott-Young, manager of Busta Rhymes.
Busta Rhymes’ latest album Back On My B.S. debuted at #5 on Billboard’s Top 200 Chart upon its release in May of 2009.