2 Chainz Lands Pub Deal

2 CHAINZ LINKS UP WITH PUB DEAL: Rapper 2 Chainz, whose upcoming Def Jam album, Based on a T.R.U. Story, is expected to be one of the major releases of the year on its release Aug. 14, has inked an exclusive worldwide publishing deal with Reservoir Media. The agreement includes his 200-plus song catalog, and was spearheaded by industry A&R vet and Reservoir SVP of Creative and Business Development Faith Newman, herself a Def Jam vet. Newman was turned on to the hip-hop star by label SVP A&R Sha Money, who signed him. 2 Chainz currently holds the top two spots on the R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart with Kanye West’s platinum-selling single “Mercy,” featuring 2 Chainz along with Big Sean and Pusha T, as well as the lead single from Based on a T.R.U. Story, “No Lie,” featuring Drake. Reservoir is a N.Y.-based boutique publisher whose catalog includes songs by 50 Cent, Aaliyah, Beyonce, Donna Summer, Madonna, Justin Timberlake and Usher. (8/5p)