UPDATE
9:15 AM PT — Kanye posted on Instagram saying he’s not behind the sale and is making it clear he doesn’t want it to happen. He even compares his situation to Taylor Swift. The question is, if it’s truly for sale … who is selling the catalog?
UPDATE
Kanye West is ready to reap the rewards of running rap for decades … he’s ready to sell off publishing rights for his entire musical discography to the highest bidder.
Billboard reports Ye is aiming to get upwards of 35 times the value of his net publisher’s share, or gross profit … which adds up to a potential haul of $175 million.
It’s been estimated Ye gets paid $5 mil a year in royalties out of the $13.25 million total — and has 35% songwriting share on his first 4 albums, and 20% share on the rest.
Because the later albums such as “Donda” and “Jesus Is King” range from having anywhere between 10 to 24 songwriters per song, it makes the valuation of the sale a bit difficult for potential buyers, as the payout splits are anyone’s guess at this point.
Ye’s catalog includes four No. 1 hits and 69 in the Top 40, and it’s said he’s been shopping it around for the past 10 months.
TMZ.com
The label separation falls in line with his business maneuvers as of late — Ye’s already washed his hands of the Gap deal, and he’s ranted about his relationship with Adidas as he retakes control of his Yeezy brand.
That $175 million would likely come in handy for Ye’s indie hustle.
Originally Published — 8:47 AM PT