It has been confirmed that Sony Music's deal with Dr. Luke has ended, and he is no longer the CEO of Kemosabe Records.

Luke formed Kemosabe with Sony in 2011, after a string of hits from Miley Cyrus, Kelly Clarkson and Katy Perry, among others; the structure enabled him to release work through any of the group's labels. Sony could have extended or renewed the deal but declined to do so. The company has officially declared that its relationship with Luke will continue, though it has not specified in what capacity.

The Kemosabe deal was said to be valued at $60 million and hasn't produced any hits of note for several years. He has acquired a reputation, some insiders say, for overreaching in his negotiations and being difficult to deal with. There has also been talk of taking advantage of writers, producers and artists by taking big fees, inflated credits and higher-than-normal ownership percentages of various projects.

More pressingly, he became tabloid fodder after rape allegations surfaced in October 2014 from Kemosabe artist Kesha, who went to court to be released from the label, citing multiple episodes of abuse.

Luke launched a defamation counter-suit in response, accusing the artist of manipulating the truth to get out of her recording and publishing deals, which has kept the case in the headlines for years now.

What's next for Luke? Stay tuned.