Lefty Gunplay responds to publishing royalty allegations over Kendrick Lamar’s ‘tv off’

Rapper addresses allegations of missing royalties for ‘tv off’ amid claims made by Brian Zisook.

Rapper Lefty Gunplay, whose real name is Franklin Holladay, recently responded to claims made by Audiomack cofounder Brian Zisook on X (formerly Twitter).

On February 16, Zisook alleged that Gunplay had not been earning publishing royalties from his collaboration with Kendrick Lamar on the track ‘tv off’ from Lamar’s ‘GNX’ album.

Zisook claimed that Gunplay was not registered with a Performing Rights Organization (PRO), preventing him from collecting royalties for the song and his other works. He also explained that U.S. songwriters have three years to claim their royalties before the funds are redirected to major publishers.

The next day, Zisook updated his post, stating that "various associates" informed him that Lefty had signed up with BMI, which would allow him to start collecting his royalties.

Music analyst Brian Zisook says rapper Lefty Gunplay has not earned any profits from his feature on Kendrick Lamar's song "tv off," despite the track selling over 2 million units. pic.twitter.com/clNV9ndEsw

— No Jumper (@nojumper) February 17, 2025

Lefty, who gained recognition for his feature on 'tv off,' responded to the viral thread, which had garnered over three million views. He seemed to confirm that he was now signed with a PRO. Mike Chehade, creative director at OTR Records, also clarified that business related to 'tv off' had not been fully finalized.

GOOD MORNING AMERICA

PUBLISHER
LEFTY GUNPLAY OTR
IPI #: 1256524061

WRITER / COMPOSER
HOLLADAY FRANKLIN SCOTT
IPI #: 1261145289 https://t.co/sxG06MxRL6

— Lefty Gunplay (@leftygunplay_) February 16, 2025

Following the release of 'tv off,' Lefty’s streaming numbers surged by 84%. The song has sold two million units in the U.S. and peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.