If Jay-Z and Beyonce are really jumping their respective ships and bringing their starpower to Apple, then that explains Jay-Z’s complete disinterest in all Def Jam artists except Rihanna, who he would probably bring along. According to the techie rumor mill, the power couple could be running a new music division with at Steve Jobs’ company. Free iPhones for the whole entourage!
Jay-Z, Beyonce, and Steve Jobs: How’s that for a power trio? An inside industry source recently told MOLI that it’s a done deal: Pop’s top couple will move to Apple to run a new music division. It sounds rather incredible: Carter’s already got a pretty good job, running Def Jam, and Jobs may be too smart to get into the tanking recording business (as others have said). Of course, if it is true, my guess is this would be a new, revamped record biz, one based on digital distribution, not boring old physical products. It certainly speaks volumes about the state of the culture industry, if two artists who have been served well by the current way of doing business are willing to jump ship. Spokespeople for Apple, Shawn Carter, and Def Jam (Mr. Carter’s label) did not return requests for comments.
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I’m so over this “couple” thing. It’s so obvious that they are not. They never look like a couple..in love, cuddling, kissing or even just close. They are a business partnership. A damn good business partnership. And, while I’m very indifferent to Jay Z, I say to Bey…guuuurrl, you betta get them dollas! If true, this is a huge move for both of them and will change the music industry for sure.
For one, this deals sounds like a lucrative move for Jay, bey, and Jobs. This was bound to come with the culture of digital music changing.
For 2, I’m not convinced that Jay is completely disinterested in artist of Def Jam.. Just look at Ne-yo, Ludacris, Nas, Risk Ross, Jeesey, Fabulous… They all blew under Jay’s management.. I think he’s doing a hell of a job budgeting their projects and getting the promo and hype out individually.
WOW! The dynamic-duo stikes again…they are both at the top of their game, and deservingly so. I wish them much success.
For once her hair is on hit in this pic. Up until two years ago, I rocked a very similar two-tone job. Although Bey’s is more of a 3 tone which is a little out of hand.
I completely disagree with sirhova (your name implies bias, anyway):
Nas has been big since Illmatic. It is a well known fact that promotion for his last album, promotion of his work since he moved to a Jay-Z helmed Def Jam has been woefully subpar. His fans have taken note.
Also: Ludacris was big before Jay-Z took over Def Jam. Ne-yo had a stonking radio hit (’So Sick’) and has been in the industry as a ghostwriter for a few years - he wrote the only hit from Beyonce’s “B-Day” (teehee!) album, ‘Irreplaceable’ - so he has always been on the rise. Personally I do not think Jeezy or Fabolous have booming careers right now. God willing until they stop producing c**p, they never will. I’ve not heard of the other guy (Risk Ross).
As for the deal:
Jay-Z makes product. Beyonce makes product. Apple makes product. The deal makes sense. Good for them!
But someone please call me when artistry and artists are back in favour. In this po-mo times, I care very little for product.
because the overexposure effect is working wonders.
GO AWAY for like 10 years and maybe i’ll be glad to see your a–es
uogivibzm.. Thats your problem.. You’re only looking at right now. Yes, Rihanna is hot and has a powerful promotion force behind her, Right Now.. When Jeezy came out, he was the hot s%$t, at the time. (i dont even like Jeezy but i can regconize when someone blows up). I know Ne-yo was a song writer, ghost writer, and has done songs for a lot more artist as well.. but its well known that his publicized success is a product of Ne-yo’s talent and Jay’s management.
I try not to have a bias at all.. I’m just pointing out that Jay understands what makes a good artist and what it takes to be successful in the industry… Whether someone does not have a banging career as for the moment is sometimes on he artist.
P.s. I wasnt saying that bc/ Jay is in office that Nas or others blew up.. but just that each individual had their time to shine under his management and not ignored as an artist.
“he wrote the only hit from Beyonce’s “B-Day” (teehee!) album, ‘Irreplaceable’ - so he has always been on the rise.”
It’s all personal taste, my dear, b/c that’s my least favorite song on the whole CD. It’s also the most commercial/cross over. Everybody wants to talk about artists and artistry right? Well art, just like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. I don’t need new shit to be art. Sometimes I want to be entertained or I want some style and flash and floss: enter B. When I want my “art” I listen to Teena Marie. Who, by the way, (as Randy Jackson might say) is one of the best singers in the known world. As for overexposure…who cares? If you were an artist, you’d be getting it while the getting is good. The public is fickle and will turn on you in a minute. You have to get that money while you can. You can take a vacation when you’re dead. That’s my point of view, but I am self-employed so I see things from a hustle and grind point of view.
Definitely understand the point of view on art and artistry. Point well spoken. When I want to hear art and the most fresh sense of the form of music, I go back to Jazz… a little Dizzy, Monk, Hawkins, maybe some nina simone.. To be honest i’m more of a motown fanatic.. Marveletts, Dells, Dramatics, Supremes, Frankie Valentine, Sam Cooke… Thats pure artistic music and legends in their own time..
I can think of one hip hop artist who is a legend in his own time.. ummm.. guess..
I hear you on that Motown tip. Personally, I’m a funk girl…Parliament, Curtis Mayfield, The Ohio Players, Issac Hayes, Sly & The Family Stone, Tower of Power, Rufus and Chaka, Rick James, Teena Marie, etc. Ever see that movie Wattstax? That would have been my Woodstock.
Ok..so to your question. Hmmm…you said “is” so present tense. I don’t know of a rapper I would consider right now, but you know I’m coming from the Westside so I gotta rep Pac.
Is this about to turn into SOHH.com??? Haha. Those cats on that blog are crazy!
[…] July 25th, 2007 » Post A Comment Whether the rumor is that Jay-Z is fleeing Def Jam for Apple or for Columbia, the rumor always entails him fleeing, so we can bet that’s probably going to […]