Keith Shocklee, co-writer of Public Enemy's "Fight The Power", sells publishing catalog to Reach Music

08 December 2020 - Press release

Catalog sale includes classic album tracks by Public Enemy, Ice Cube and LL Cool J  

 

Reach Music Publishing has acquired Keith Shocklee's full publisher and writer shares, including global administration rights.

The acquisition covers Shocklee's classic rap catalog as a founding member of production crew The Bomb Squad (alongside members Chuck D, Eric Sadler and Hank Shocklee).

It includes 40 songs performed by Public Enemy, Ice Cube, LL Cool J, 3rd Bass, Prophets Of Rage, The Prodigy and others. 

Reach previously had a long-standing co-publishing deal in place with Shocklee. This acquisition represents the purchase of the remaining publishing rights, as well as the writer’s share.  

Most significantly, the catalog sale includes "Fight The Power", which first appeared in Spike Lee's Do The Right Thing. It was then included in Public Enemy's iconic album Fear Of A Black Planet, which is celebrating its 30-year anniversary.

It also includes Shocklee's contributions to Ice Cube's critically acclaimed first solo album AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted.

New York-born Reach Music Publishing, an independent today headquartered in Burbank California, was founded by Michael Closter.

Reach, and its affiliate Reach Global, administers and publishes popular songwriters and catalogs across all genres including the catalogs of Zac Brown, Common, Danzig, Sierra Hull, Ice-T, The Knack, Lisa Loeb, John Mayer, Public Enemy and Lindsey Stirling. 

Michael Closter, President and owner of Reach Music said: “Keith Shocklee, as a founding member of The Bomb Squad and its masterful ‘Wall of Sound’ production style, created an indelible mark on music. I'm grateful for Keith's trust in doing this deal.”

Keith Shocklee said: “I've known Mike Closter for almost 30 years. We have always done good business together, and I'm happy to have done this deal and to have my songs represented by Reach.”