Reservoir Media has acquired Lastrada Entertainment's publishing catalog, encompassing over 5,600 compositions from notable artists across multiple genres. The deal includes interests in iconic works such as Jim Croce's "Bad, Bad Leroy Brown" and "Time in a Bottle," Captain & Tennille's "Love Will Keep Us Together," and Zapp's "More Bounce to the Ounce."

The acquisition features numerous sampled works that have become fundamental to hip-hop, including Ronnie Hudson's "West Coast Poplock," which 2Pac sampled in "California Love." This extends the catalog's reach to recordings by contemporary artists like Ne-Yo, Drake, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, and Rick Ross.

The deal represents a significant milestone for Lastrada Entertainment, founded 38 years ago by the Moelis family. Stephen Moelis, who served as president of music publishing alongside his brother Larry (VP of operations), described the sale as "the natural next step" to continue their father's legacy.

Reservoir's chief operating officer Rell Lafargue emphasized the company's commitment to preserving the Moelis family's legacy while ensuring Lastrada's continued success. This acquisition aligns with Reservoir's recent focus on hip-hop investments, following their publishing deals with Snoop Dogg and Death Row in 2024.

This transaction joins other significant music IP acquisitions in recent years, including Sony Music's reported $600 million purchase of 50% of Michael Jackson's catalog. With billions already allocated for song rights, the industry anticipates continued IP sales throughout 2025.

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