By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
Of all the artists signed to Roc-A-Fella Records, many felt Beanie Sigel had the most potential, something Jay-Z often said. Given his hardcore lyrics, which he was unwilling to change, Beans struggled to build a large fan base, outside of hardcore hip hop fans and Roc-A-Fella fans. Jay-Z felt it was important for the Roc-A-Fella artists to branch out, so the artists had their own labels, which operated under Roc-A-Fella Records.
Always searching for new business ventures, Jay-Z ended his run as president of Def Jam and he soon worked his way out of his artist contract with the label. Jay-Z resurfaced with a partnership with concert promoter, Live Nation. Quickly, Roc Nation was formed and Jay-Z began working on a new album. The Roc-A-Fella artists were not allowed to follow Jay-Z, but the label was frozen, leading to everyone being removed from the label.
On his own, Beanie Sigel operated his State Property Records and soon began dissing Jay-Z, after publicly defending him. The past three years have been full of ups-and-downs for the Broad Street Bully, but things appear to be looking up, as he was signed to EMI Records under a new distribution deal, which will include his State Property label. Aside from his new label-deal, his long-awaited collaborative album with Scarface is finally on the way. The new album will be titled Mac & Brad.
