Jay-Z to Sign Record $150M Deal

Conflicting reports leave it unclear where former Def Jam artist will move

(NEWSER) - Following his departure from Def Jam, Jay-Z is close to making a deal with a new label—the question is, which one? Sources tell Billboard a deal with Sony’s Epic Records “is 95% complete,” while the New York Daily News reports a deal with Warner Music Group/Atlantic is in the works. The rapper has close ties to execs in both camps, and has reportedly held secret meetings with both. More»

(NEWSER) - Jay-Z confirmed to RapRadar today that he has left Def Jam Records after more than a decade. The news follows an unconfirmed report on HitsDailyDouble that the rapper bought out his contract for $5 million. Jay-Z, 39, owed Def Jam one more album, but he was eager to move on to his new Roc Nation venture under the Live Nation umbrella. His Blueprint 3, with Kanye West as a producer, is expected out this year. More»

Pair to perform at ballpark in September

(NEWSER) - Native New Yorker Jay-Z gets the honor of playing the first concert at the new Yankee Stadium, but he'll be sharing the stage with fellow rapper Eminem, the AP reports. The show is scheduled for Sept. 13, but that won't be their first concert together—on Sept. 2, the two will appear at Comerica Park in Detroit, Eminem's hometown. More»

Signers of Madonna, Jay-Z squabble over bold experiment

(NEWSER) - Two top execs at music giant Live Nation are squabbling over how quickly to move forward with the enormous new deals they've been striking with artists in an attempt to reshape the failing business, the Wall Street Journal reports. The CEO wants to wait and see how current contracts—which give the company exclusive rights over concerts, recordings, and merchandise—pan out; the chairman wants to race ahead and snap up other artists. More»

Traveling rap shows cashing in like never before

(NEWSER) - It took "live bands, big sound, pyrotechnics and showmanship," not to speak of an assist from an R&B diva, but Jay-Z and Kanye West have brought hip-hop into the big leagues in the touring business. The Jay-Z tour that ended last month grossed more than $23 million, and Kanye West's current tour will pass $21 million soon, Rolling Stone reports. More»