5 Music Royalties You Can Invest in Right Now to Build Wealth and Create Generational Passive Income

The music industry has opened its doors to investors of all kinds, thanks to platforms like Royalty Exchange. Today, owning a piece of music history is more accessible than ever, offering opportunities for wealth creation, passive income, and generational security. These five royalty investments stand out for their cultural significance, financial potential, and long-term earning power.

1. Drake’s Multi-Platinum Hit Best I Ever Had

Drake burst onto the music scene with Best I Ever Had, the breakout single from his So Far Gone mixtape. Released in 2009, this multi-platinum hit earned Grammy nominations and dominated the Billboard charts, peaking at No. 2 on the Hot 100. The song remains a cultural touchstone in Drake's career, showcasing his blend of emotional lyrics and catchy hooks. Its streaming numbers continue to climb on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, reflecting Drake's enduring popularity and influence.

Why This Investment Shines:

• Lifetime royalties mean steady income from a proven track with millions of monthly streams.
• Drake’s cultural relevance ensures ongoing earnings, as his fanbase spans generations.
• High visibility in playlists, sync licensing, and radio airplay strengthens its revenue potential.

Pros:

• Consistent growth in earnings, with a 54% increase over the 3-year average.
• A low-risk investment tied to one of the most influential artists of the 21st century.
• Streaming dominance provides reliable income for years to come.

2. Dirty Dancing’s (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life

This Oscar and Grammy-winning track from the 1987 film Dirty Dancing is one of the most beloved songs in cinematic history. Its iconic status is bolstered by countless sync placements in movies, commercials, and TV shows. With enduring popularity in nostalgia-driven media and consistent revenue from streaming and licensing, this track is a standout performer for royalty investors.

Cultural Impact:

• Instantly recognizable and emotionally resonant, making it a frequent choice for sync deals.
• Regularly featured in dance competitions, wedding playlists, and nostalgic retrospectives.

Why It’s a Great Investment:

• Earnings show steady growth, with a 6% increase over the 3-year average, reflecting its timeless appeal.
• High-value sync opportunities in advertising and media bolster revenue.
• Lifetime rights provide a reliable and lasting income stream.

Pros:

• A culturally iconic song with global recognition.
• Multi-channel revenue streams, including radio, streaming, and sync deals.
• Predictable returns from an evergreen track.

3. Anderson .Paak & 50 Cent – Songwriter Royalties

This diverse catalog brings together Anderson .Paak’s soulful groove and 50 Cent’s iconic hip-hop tracks. Anderson .Paak, a Grammy-winning artist known for his versatility, has carved out a unique space in modern music. 50 Cent, a legend in the rap game, has hits like Get in My Car that remain staples in hip-hop culture. Together, these artists ensure the catalog appeals to a broad audience.

Cultural Relevance and Longevity:

• Anderson .Paak’s rise in the music industry reflects his staying power, with tracks frequently used in sync deals.
• 50 Cent’s legacy as a hip-hop pioneer ensures continued streaming and radio play for his music.

Why Invest:

• Earnings are steady, averaging over $31,000 annually, and represent a blend of genres that diversify revenue streams.
• Lifetime rights make this catalog a long-term income generator.
• Both artists have strong sync licensing potential, further boosting returns.

Pros:

• Cross-genre appeal reduces risk while maximizing earning potential.
• A mix of iconic and modern artists ensures sustained cultural relevance.
• Consistent performance over more than a decade showcases reliability.

4. 80s & 90s Hip-Hop/Electronic Featuring The Prodigy

This catalog captures the groundbreaking sounds of the 80s and 90s, including Smack My Bitch Up by The Prodigy, a defining track in electronic music. With additional contributions from hip-hop legends like Ultramagnetic MCs, this collection taps into two genres with enduring popularity. Tracks like Out of Space continue to feature in commercials and movie soundtracks, keeping the revenue flowing.

Cultural Legacy:

• The Prodigy is synonymous with electronic music’s golden era and maintains a loyal global fanbase.
• The catalog's tracks are widely recognized in pop culture and frequently revived in modern media.

Why It’s Worth Your Attention:

• Revenue has grown 39% over the 3-year average, reflecting renewed interest in retro genres.
• Lifetime ownership provides enduring value, especially as 80s and 90s nostalgia remains strong.
• Diverse revenue streams include streaming, radio, and sync licensing.

Pros:

• High demand for retro tracks in advertising and entertainment.
• Resilient earnings from timeless music across multiple platforms.
• Tracks from influential genres ensure continued relevance.

5. Kreepa & Capone – Publisher Royalties

This modern hip-hop catalog thrives on streaming platforms, driven by hits like Streets Favorite. With strong performance on TikTok and YouTube, it aligns with current trends in music consumption. The catalog’s adaptability to viral trends ensures steady growth and future potential.

Cultural Appeal and Trends:

• Tracks resonate with younger audiences, ensuring longevity in streaming revenue.
• Social media-driven exposure, particularly on TikTok, amplifies its earning power.

Why Invest:

• A 39% increase in earnings over the 3-year average demonstrates its growth trajectory.
• The catalog’s strong performance on streaming platforms ensures consistent revenue.
• Lifetime rights make it a forward-looking investment in modern music trends.

Pros:

• High growth potential from social media-driven virality.
• Affordable entry point for new investors.
• Sync licensing and streaming revenue diversify income streams.

Why Music Royalties Are a Smart Investment

Music royalties offer a unique blend of cultural significance and financial potential. Unlike traditional investments, they provide passive income while allowing you to own a piece of music history. Platforms like Royalty Exchange make it easy to participate in this exciting market, offering catalogs at various price points to suit all investors.

Key Benefits:

• Predictable income through multiple revenue streams.
• Resilience to economic downturns, as music consumption remains consistent.
• Opportunities to build generational wealth through lifetime rights.

Start exploring the marketplace today and secure your share of music’s enduring value. On Royalty Exchange you can sign up as an investor and search through thousands of music catalog listings that include producer and songwriter royalties to some of the biggest songs of the past few decades. Discover why song royalties are one of the best investments to grow your wealth in 2024 and download the free Ultimate Guide To Music Royalties to learn everything you need to know about investing in royalties.