Samstag, 23. Mai 2009

Jay-Z parts with Def Jam Records


US rapper Jay-Z has confirmed that he has parted ways with Def Jam, the record label where he once served as chief executive officer.

The 39-year-old told RapRadar.com that he was now "a completely independent artist" after buying out the remainder of his contract.

The star thanked the label's executives and called his time at Def Jam a "unique and fulfilling experience".

During his time at Def Jam he signed artists including Rihanna and Ne Yo.

He remained with the label after stepping down as CEO last year and struck a deal worth a reported $150m (£95m) with concert giant Live Nation, that includes touring, publishing and albums for the next decade.

"Working with Doug Morris and LA Reid has been a unique and fulfilling experience and I respect them immensely," he said.

"Doug and I spoke directly and had one of the most unique 'negotiations' ever.

"I thank him for allowing me to be a completely independent artist. Not every artist can say they own or are given the opportunity to own all of their music," he added.

Jay-Z has since created a new record label and has been working on a new album, Blueprint 3, with Kanye West since 2008.

by BBC News

Keine Kommentare:

Kommentar veröffentlichen