Legendary Producer Behind Global Hits Joins Growing List of Major Catalog Deals
Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins — the prolific music producer behind some of the biggest hits of the last three decades — has sold the royalty income rights to his catalog to HarbourView Equity Partners, marking another landmark moment in the expanding trend of music rights acquisitions.
The news, first reported by The Hollywood Reporter, reveals that this is the second major sale involving Jerkins’ legendary catalog. In 2020, the hitmaker sold his publishing rights to Recognition Music Group, formerly known as Hipgnosis Songs Fund.
Now, with this latest transaction, HarbourView gains control over Jerkins’ recorded royalty income streams from dozens of iconic tracks that helped define R&B, pop, and hip-hop across the 1990s, 2000s, and beyond.
A Catalog of Timeless Hits
The magnitude of Jerkins’ influence on music cannot be overstated. With this deal, HarbourView now holds royalty rights to some of the most enduring and culturally impactful songs, including:
- “The Boy Is Mine” – Brandy & Monica
- “It’s Not Right but It’s Okay” – Whitney Houston
- “Say My Name” – Destiny’s Child
- “Telephone” – Lady Gaga ft. Beyoncé
- “As Long As You Love Me” – Justin Bieber
- “Stay With Me” – Sam Smith
These tracks span generations and genres, earning critical acclaim and commercial success while influencing the sound of contemporary music.
Jerkins Speaks on the Deal
In a public statement, Jerkins expressed his appreciation for the transparency and professionalism shown throughout the transaction.
“HarbourView truly understands the value of music and the people who create it,” said Jerkins.
“Music creators deserve respect and clarity when it comes to selling their life’s work, and working with both HarbourView and Chapter Two has made that process feel seamless.”
This sale symbolizes a growing movement among veteran music creators to secure the financial value of their work while entrusting it to institutions that pledge to preserve its legacy.
Why HarbourView?
Founded by Sherrese Clarke Soares, HarbourView has quickly established itself as a major player in the music investment space. The company has built a diverse and culturally significant portfolio, acquiring rights from artists like:
- T-Pain
- Kane Brown
- Wiz Khalifa
- Christine McVie (Fleetwood Mac)
- And now, Rodney Jerkins
In her statement, Clarke emphasized HarbourView’s mission to honor cultural trailblazers:
“Our mission is to curate a canon of work that represents the very best of global culture,” Clarke said.
“It is essential that the contributions of legendary creators like Rodney Jerkins continue to be recognized, preserved, and celebrated.”
The Bigger Picture: Music Rights Are Big Business
Rodney Jerkins’ move is part of a larger wave of high-profile catalog deals involving music icons such as Bob Dylan, Justin Bieber, Stevie Nicks, Tina Turner, and Dr. Dre. With streaming platforms generating continuous revenue, catalogs are now seen as long-term financial assets.
Jerkins’ latest deal focuses specifically on recorded royalty streams, which include payments from streaming services, radio play, and album sales — a lucrative piece of the music business for any artist or producer with lasting hits.
Chapter Two Also Involved
The acquisition was facilitated in part by Chapter Two, a rights management and music investment firm co-founded by Michel Traore, who praised Jerkins’ vision and the forward-thinking nature of the deal.
“Rodney is setting a new benchmark in the industry,” Traore said.
“This deal is a clear sign that creators are realizing the true value of their work faster and more transparently than ever before.”
Hall of Fame Recognition in June
Beyond the financial headlines, Jerkins is also being recognized for his artistic contributions. He is set to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in June 2025, a long-overdue honor that highlights his prolific and genre-defining work.
From working with Michael Jackson to Mary J. Blige, Toni Braxton, Jennifer Lopez, Janet Jackson, and Kanye West, Jerkins’ creative touch has shaped the careers of countless artists.
Known for his signature “Darkchild” producer tag, Jerkins has crafted over 300 million records sold worldwide and has received multiple Grammy Awards.
A Career That Keeps Evolving
Despite the sale, Rodney Jerkins remains active in music production and talent development. He has recently been involved in mentoring young artists and collaborating with the next generation of music creators, ensuring that his legacy extends far beyond past accolades.
Selling royalty rights does not mean retirement, but rather reflects a strategic financial decision that allows creators to unlock value from their life’s work while focusing on future ventures.
Final Word: A Win for Music Creators
Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins’ decision to sell his royalty income rights marks a new chapter in his illustrious career. It’s a testament to his unmatched impact on modern music and a move that empowers him to build on that legacy in fresh ways.
With HarbourView now stewarding a portion of his catalog, Jerkins joins a growing list of music legends taking ownership of their financial futures.
As the music industry continues to evolve, one thing remains certain — the world will keep listening to the sound of Darkchild for generations to come.
💬 What’s Your Favorite Darkchild Hit?
Which Rodney Jerkins-produced track is your all-time favorite? Drop a comment below and let us know how his music has shaped your playlist!
