Eve Sells Music Catalog in Major Eight-Figure Deal

Eve has sold the publishing rights to her entire music catalog to Iconoclast, the same company that recently acquired another major Hip Hop collection.

As reported by Music Business Worldwide, Iconoclast announced the deal on Wednesday (August 25). Sources estimate that the sale earned the Ruff Ryders rapper between $25 and $50 million.

The acquisition includes Eve’s debut album, “Let There Be Eve…Ruff Ryders’ First Lady,” released in 1999, which made her the third female rapper ever to reach No. 1 on the Billboard 200.

“Eve became a defining voice in hip-hop, known for her lyrical prowess, dynamic flow, and unique fusion of rap and R&B influences,”

Iconoclast stated in their announcement, describing her as a “trailblazer.”

Earlier in June, Irv Gotti finalized a $300 million deal with Iconoclast, selling his 50% stake in Murder Inc.’s masters, while also securing funds for film and TV projects.

Founded by French music industry executive Oliver Chastan, Iconoclast entered the music rights acquisition market in February by purchasing the rights to rock legend Robbie Robertson’s publishing and recorded music interests.

Irv Gotti detailed his deal at the 2022 BET Awards, revealing,

“I’m signing a deal worth $300 million… $100 million of the deal is me selling my masters. That’s crazy! They’re also giving me a $200 million line of credit to produce and create my own television properties.”

Eve’s major deal comes amidst a busy period in her career. As of September 21, she started a year-long residency as the 2024-25 Scholar-in-Residence at NYU’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development.

In this role, the Philadelphia native will participate in “meetings, classroom visits, and intimate conversations with students and faculty” about her career and the changing music industry landscape.

Steinhardt Dean Jack H. Knott shared his excitement, stating,

“We are thrilled to host Eve as our 2024-25 Scholar in Residence. She will share her insights as an award-winning artist in music, film, and television, along with her philanthropic work with young artists. Our students and faculty will gain so much from her knowledge and support of equity, belonging, and innovation.”

This announcement also coincides with the release of Eve’s memoir, “Who’s That Girl?”, co-written with acclaimed Hip Hop journalist and NYU adjunct professor Kathy Iandoli, which was released on September 17.

Eve shared her excitement on social media, saying, “I’m thrilled to announce I will be joining the 2024-25 Scholar-in-Residence at NYU’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. My year-long residency kicks off September 21 with a welcoming event at NYU. I want people to see who I am beyond music and look forward to connecting with the NYU community.”