Spotify's new direct licensing deal with Kobalt could boost songwriter royalties, following similar agreements with Universal Music and Warner Music.

Hit-Boy is officially a free man! As AFROTECH™ previously reported, Hit-Boy, born Chauncey Alexander Hollis Jr.

Record music revenue fell 6.9 percent to $1.34 billion, in part due to the end of a distribution agreement with BMG. That was offset by music publishing revenue rising 6.3 percent to $323 million.