Photo Credit: MPR / Nate Ryan
Reservoir has announced a new publishing deal with hip-hop artist, writer, and producer–Keir Lamont Gist–known professionally as KayGee. KayGee is a founding member of the iconic hip-hop trio Naughty By Nature.
The publishing deal includes rights to KayGee’s entire catalog and future works. KayGee got his start founding hip-hop group New Style, which then 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–acquired by Reservoir in 2021.
KayGee wrote and produced many of Naughty By Nature’s classic tracks, including “O.P.P.,” “Hip Hop Hooray,” and “Feel me Flow.” “O.P.P.” was the lead single for the group’s self-titled 1991 album, reaching #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Both “Hip Hop Hooray” and “Feel Me Flow” are from the trio’s fourth album, Poverty’s Paradise, which earned Grammy Award nominations for Best Rap Performance by a Group or Duo in 1991, 1993, and 1995. 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 some of the industry’s biggest stars in his 30+ year career, writing and producing tracks for 50 Cent, Notorious B.I.G., Mary J. Blige, Fat Joe, and Luther Vandross, among others. KayGee also currently writes and produces for new acts under his label Slugga Music. As s part of this deal with KayGee, Reservoir will distribute Slugga Music’s masters.
“It’s a joy to be able to work with Faith Newman and the Reservoir team,” adds KayGee about the deal. “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.”
“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,” adds Faith Newman, Reservoir Executive Vice President of A&R and Catalog Development. “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.”