Sony-GIC Venture Buys 45,000-Song Recognition Catalog From Blackstone
Updated
Updated · The Wall Street Journal · May 11
Sony-GIC Venture Buys 45,000-Song Recognition Catalog From Blackstone
14 articles · Updated · The Wall Street Journal · May 11
Sony’s venture with Singapore sovereign-wealth fund GIC agreed to acquire Recognition Music Group’s full catalog, adding more than 45,000 pop songs spanning Rihanna, Fleetwood Mac, Beyonce and Lady Gaga.
Blackstone assembled the portfolio through its music-rights push, starting with a $1 billion 2021 fund with Hipgnosis Song Management and later backing Hipgnosis Songs Fund’s 2024 takeover, after which it was renamed Recognition Music Group.
Sony Music Publishing will take ownership of the works through the deal, extending Sony’s catalog expansion after its 2025 acquisition of Hipgnosis Songs Group.
No financial terms were disclosed, and Sony, Recognition and GIC declined further comment on the transaction.
What does Blackstone's quick multi-billion dollar flip of 45,000 songs reveal about the future of music ownership?
Who truly profits when songs by Beyoncé and Rihanna are traded like stocks for billions of dollars?
Is Sony's $4 billion bet on classic pop a genius move or a risky gamble in the age of AI music?