In the wake of the expiration of his recording contract with Def Jam, Jay-Z and Universal Music Group announced today that Roc Nation, founded in 2008, will now partner and operate as a standalone label.
The deal means that all artists signed to Roc Nation will follow the move to UMG, including Rihanna, J. Cole, and Melanie Fiona among others, will have their albums released via Roc Nation/UMG. Previously, the artists’ albums were released through Columbia Records.
Jay-Z said that he is happy to be home in reference to the deal in a press statement released today. Although specific details remain undisclosed, the deal is a multi-year, and worldwide partnership.
Jay-Z is no stranger to Universal Music Group. The rapper turned entrepreneur served as the vice president of Def Jam which operates under UMG, partnering Roc-a-fella with the label.
Lucian Grainge, CEO of UMG had this to say in a press 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 today’s 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.”
