Jay-Z and Roc Nation enter partnership with Universal Music Group

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

As much as he is known for his witty lyrics and classic albums, Jay-Z is known for his business acumen. Over the years, Jay-Z has made several deals and ran several companies, becoming hip hop’s envy along the way. But, most of Jay-Z’s success has come from the Universal Music Group.

In 1996, Jay-Z signed a deal with West Coast record label, Priority Records, for his record label, Roc-A-Fella Records. But, he would immediately leave this deal and enter a partnership with Def Jam, right when the Universal Music Group acquired it. Jay-Z would flourish on this platform, at one point running Def Jam.

Jay-Z left Universal Music Group in 2008 and he partnered with Live Nation for his new company, Roc Nation. The label/management company had a label deal with Sony and released Jay-Z’s last album on Atlantic Records. But, this is no longer the case, as Jay-Z is back in business with a new partnership with Universal.

Read the statements below:

Jay-Z’s statement:

“We are looking forward to working with Lucian and the incredible team he’s assembled at Universal. We would like to applaud Lucian for collaborating with us to strike a new age deal. This agreement presents a unique opportunity for Roc Nation’s artists—being able to continue to operate as an independent label with the strength, power and reach of the best major. I look forward to a long and prosperous collaboration with UMG. It feels good to be home.”

UMG’s statement:

“In just five years, Roc Nation has established itself as one of the most successful brands in music with a reputation for developing some of today¹s most influential and popular talent.Not only does this agreement provide a dynamic platform for Roc Nation’s exciting emerging artists, it extends our relationship with the extraordinary Rihanna and represents a homecoming for JAY Z—a brilliant artist and entrepreneur, who has been a creative cornerstone of our company.All of us at UMG are thrilled that JAY and Roc Nation chose UMG as their partners, knowing we will support their artists with a level of resources, expertise and passion that is simply unmatched in the industry.”