Grammy award-winning record producer, songwriter, composer, and rapper Rodney Jerkins, AKA Darkchild, has signed songwriter Gayathri Karunakar Menon to an exclusive co-publishing deal. Darkchild first rose to prominence in the late ’90s after co-writing and producing five songs for Mary J. Blige. The following year, he worked on Brandy’s Never Say Never album, including the hit single “The Boy Is Mine.” Jerkins has also written and produced songs for Whitney Houston, Destiny’s Child, the Spice Girls, Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Justin Bieber, Beyonce, SZA, and more.
Gayathri Karunakar Menon, a Brooklyn-based songwriter, artist, and producer hailing from Qatar, got her start in the industry while still a student at Berklee College of Music by landing credits with the likes of DMX, The Lox, Tone Stith, Baby Rose, and more. During her time at Berklee, she worked on the Berklee Indian Ensemble’s debut album, “Shuruaat,” currently up for Best Global Music Album at the 2023 Grammy Awards. Menon’s unique approach to melodies, introspective lyrics, and versatility quickly caught the attention of Darkchild, soon leading to an effortless collaborative relationship. Menon is managed by Kasual Kas of Big Wins Only and is currently working on her debut EP.
“Gayathri is a songwriter with extremely rare talent and exceptional ability,” said Rodney Jerkins. “I am honored to work so closely with her, and I have full faith that her career will continue on a truly extraordinary upward trajectory.”
“I’m so excited to be forming this partnership with Darkchild,” said Gayathri Menon. “He understands and believes in my creative vision and is dedicated to helping me reach my greatest potential. It’s an honor to join a creative community with a truly powerful legacy.”