HIPGNOSIS ACQUIRES HALF OF RICK JAMES' CATALOG

Hipgnosis and its investment adviser, The Family (Music) Limited, has acquired 50% of funk rock badass Rick James' publishing interest, writer's share, neighboring rights and recorded masters' share of income in his catalog comprising 97 songs.

The Grammy-award winning songwriter, producer and punk-funk trailblazer is best known for his groundbreaking album Street Songs, which spent 20 weeks at #1 on the U.S. R&B chart and included the timeless hit "Super Freak."

James is among the most sampled and interpolated artists of all time, fueling works by Kendrick Lamar, Lana Del Rey, A$AP Rocky, Jay-Z and, of course, MC Hammer on the monster "U Can't Touch This."

The catalog was acquired using proceeds from the company's July C-Share fundraising.

"Rick James was a true innovator," said Hipgnosis Founder Merck Mercuriadis. "His “Punk Funk” philosophy and style paved the way and influenced everyone from Prince to Michael Jackson to Jay-Z and the biggest names in hip hop. All the while he was an incredible songwriter, producer, arranger, performer and artist making iconic songs like ‘Super Freak’ and ‘Give It to Me Baby’. We are delighted to welcome his iconic work to the Hipgnosis Family and look forward to working closely with his daughter Ty James and his estate to ensure his legacy shines."

Ty James added, "We are excited about our new venture with Hipgnosis, and pleased to establish this epic partnership with a company that truly appreciates the dynamic diversity of my dad’s music. Music that transcends through decades. Our goal is for his music to not only live, but to stay forever young and in the hearts of our families, friends, fans. We are elated for what’s to come from the union of our powerful musical entities. More greatness to come."