Reservoir Media has struck a new publishing deal with artist, writer, and producer Keir Lamont Gist, professionally known as KayGee, a founding member of Grammy-winning hip-hop trio Naughty By Nature.
The company says the deal includes rights to KayGee’s entire catalog and future works.
Reservoir’s deal with KayGee follows the company’s recent acquisition of the catalog of legendary songwriter and recording artist Louis Prima from the Gia Maione Prima Foundation.
KayGee made his start by founding hip-hop group New Style, which went on to become the Grammy Award-winning trio Naughty By Nature.
The group performed at local talent shows until they were discovered and eventually signed with Tommy Boy Records, which Reservoir acquired in 2021.
KayGee wrote and produced many of the group’s classic tracks, including O.P.P., the platinum-selling No.1 single Hip Hop Hooray” and Feel Me Flow.
O.P.P. was the lead single for Naughty By Nature’s 1991 self-titled Platinum-selling album; the song reached No.6 on Billboard’s Hot 100 while topping the Hot Rap Songs chart.
O.P.P., Hip Hop Hooray, and Feel Me Flow, which was off the trio’s fourth album, Poverty’s Paradise, each earned nominations for the Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group in 1991, 1993, and 1995, respectively.
Poverty’s Paradise also notably took home the prize for Best Rap Album in 1995.
Beyond his work with Naughty By Nature, KayGee has collaborated with the likes of 50 Cent, Notorious B.I.G., Mary J. Blige, Fat Joe, and Luther Vandross, among others.
Additionally, he produced the Grammy-winning single U.N.I.T.Y. for Tommy Boy labelmate Queen Latifah.
In the 1990s, KayGee founded his own label, Divine Mill, representing artists such as Zhané, with their hit single Hey Mr. DJ, the group Next, with their singles Too Close and Wifey, and Jaheim with his tracks Put That Woman First and Just In Case, all collaborations by KayGee.
He also currently writes and produces for new acts under his label Slugga Music. As a part of this deal with KayGee, Reservoir will distribute Slugga Music’s masters.
“I look forward to continuing to build my catalog and creating more at Reservoir.”
KayGee
Commenting on the deal, KayGee said: “It’s a joy to be able to work with Faith Newman and the Reservoir team. Faith is an industry veteran, and to have someone with her knowledge working my catalog is great.
“I look forward to continuing to build my catalog and creating more at Reservoir.”
“KayGee has contributed to countless hits in the modern hip-hop and R&B landscape, and the Reservoir team is looking forward to supporting his legacy while continuing to release new music together.”
Faith Newman, Reservoir
Faith Newman, Reservoir Executive Vice President of A&R and Catalog Development, added: “I have known KayGee for years, and after cementing our partnership through Reservoir’s acquisition of Tommy Boy, I’m so proud to continue growing our relationship.
“KayGee has contributed to countless hits in the modern hip-hop and R&B landscape, and the Reservoir team is looking forward to supporting his legacy while continuing to release new music together.”Music Business Worldwide
