Roc Nation Signs Major Deal With Universal Music / Becomes Standalone Label
Jay-Z continues to make mega-moves with his Roc Nation Empire.
Fresh from hitting headlines that the full-service entertainment force is venturing into the Sports world, it has today been announced that the company has teamed up with Universal Music to house the official Roc Nation record label.
Beyond literally being a big deal, some may be wondering why this is this such a “big deal”. Well, while the Roc manages and A&R’s the likes of Rihanna, Rita Ora, Timbaland, and Kylie Minogue, they -until now-have not operated as an actual record label. Indeed, each of the aforementioned acts sit under different (and in some cases, rival) corporate umbrellas.
With this latest development, Roc Nation truly becomes its own 360 entity. Put simply, it’s now its own Def Jam, RCA, Columbia, and presents exciting new prospects for music moving forward.
Check out the press release.
Universal Music Group (UMG), the world’s leading music company, and Roc Nation, the renowned entertainment company founded by Shawn “JAY Z” Carter, announced today that they have entered into a multi-year, worldwide partnership under which the Roc Nation music label will operate as a standalone label within the UMG family, effective immediately. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. As part of the agreement, forthcoming albums from JAY Z, Rihanna and many others will be released through UMG worldwide.
In making the announcement, Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO of UMG, said, “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.”
Shawn “JAY Z” Carter said, “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.”
Naturally, then, it begs the question of what happens to the Rita’s, and co. For, while some are already signed to other labels under the Universal Music umbrella (making any potential moves much easier..legally), others are housed on what are now “rival” labels.
In any case, exciting times certainly lay ahead. We already have a few established names in mind that we’d love to see side-step over to the Roc, as well as a host of new talent that would be well-suited there. Anyway, enough of our rambling…
Your Thoughts
Your Thoughts
IT'S HAPPY BIRTHDAY TIME.
And I want to wish a good friend and loyal reader and wonderful HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
To MR BRYAN CLARK! aka Boocho from L.A
Pharrell Turns 40 and Parties it up with friends!
40 years young never looked so handsome! Over the weekend, Pharrell turned the big 4-0. In addition to a tricked-out colorful cake, he partied alongside with Miley Cyrus, Jennifer Hudson, Lil Wayne, Mack Maine, Teyana Taylor, Leah Labelle and T.I. at Miami’s LIV night club. Peep some of the pix.
Happy Birthday Pharrell!
Is Mimi Faust Back With Stevie J?
Word on the internet curb, or shall I say my peeps over at 4UMF.com is that Mimi Faust has "allegedly" gone back to her baby daddy, Stevie J!!! Now if your face just scrunched up and stared at the screen like WTF!! then you were reacting just like I was. Now, I don't know how true this rumor is, but I'm hearing that this story line is going to be played out on the new season of Vh1's "Love & Hip Hop Atlanta" on April 22nd.
So on the new season of "Love & Hip Hop Atlanta", Mimi will be featured on the show with her new boyfriend (who is an upcoming R&B singer) named Niko. Apparently, Stevie J doesn’t like the fact that Mimi has another man and a couple of nights ago, while at Niko’s video premiere party in Atlanta, Stevie J showed up and pulled Mimi to the side to chat.
During the chat Stevie J professed his undying love to Mimi and gifted her with a Cartier watch! Find out what "allegedly" happened next when you Read below:
Well Mimi seemed to be going for Stevie's game when Niko stepped in and started calling Mimi out of her name for even listening to Stevie’s mess. Note: Niko did NOT step to Stevie who was kicking game to his girl right in front of him and that's when things got real ratchet!!
Niko and Mimi started screaming at each other in the middle of the club. At the end, Niko called Mimi “DAMAGED GOODS” and told her to go with Stevie J if she wanted to and Mimi left the club with Stevie!!!
So what's the tea folks? Do you believe this story? Or does this sound like something that could've really happened?
Missing & Black Wheres The Outrage JET Magazine
Jet magazine’s Mitzi Miller examines the lack of media coverage for missing black kids when compared to white kids. While mainstream media continues to turn its back on our young, Black and missing, it’s time for the community to stand up for our lost loved ones
WATCH:
Us and them Must do better!
Us and them Must do better!
Tiger Woods Cheating On Lindsey Vonn With Ex-Wife Elin Nordegren?
We know that Tiger Woods hasn’t been dating Lindsey Vonn for that long, but there are rumors that have popped up stating that he is already cheating on her. And not with just anyone, mind you. The rumors suggest that Tiger is making his ex-wife, Elin Nordegren, his other woman. Oh snap!
Perhaps she just wanted some revenge on Tiger for messing up their marriage — after he banged 20+ other women?!? It’s not that we would blame her in the slightest, right?
A source said, “Tiger says that Lindsey is convinced he’s cheating on her with Elin. She feels betrayed and believes he is still in love with Elin. Lindsey’s not happy at all. She’s well-aware that Tiger and Elin were having sex while they were discussing the possibility of getting remarried, and in her heart she’s convinced that they’re still at it. Tiger says Lindsey told him that if he can’t get Elin out of his mind, he should go back to rehab for more therapy.”
The snitch continued, “When Lindsey first posted the big news that she and Tiger are a couple, Elin went ballistic with rage. She felt like Tiger had betrayed her all over again, begging her to remarry while he was secretly romancing Lindsey behind her back. Elin loves the fact that she made Tiger suffer for his serial cheating, but a large part of her still loves him. She hates the fact he’s now with a young and talented beauty. Suddenly, Elin’s acting like she wants Tiger to herself after all. And Lindsey is afraid that she’ll get him!”
The source added, “Elin’s pals say she’s consumed with jealousy. She also says she doesn’t want Lindsey anywhere near her kids. Lindsey calls Elin a control freak and scoffs that she’d be nothing but a washed-up swimsuit model if she hadn’t married Tiger. The spitting and hissing is starting to get seriously embarrassing. If these two ever get together, the fur is going to fly!”
Halle Berry LAUNCHES "Watch Hunger Stop" Campaign With Michael Kors!
Halle Berry showed off her emerging baby bump last night as she posed in The Popaterol Room at the Four Seasons hotel for the United Nations World Food Programme. Joined by Michael Kors, she launched the "Watch Hunger Stop" philanthropic effort which will provide 100 meals to children through UN programs, funded by the sale of Michael's specially-designed "Runway" watch.
Knowing that the effort could take her and Michael through Africa, Syria and Central America (where the meals will be distributed) Halle said, "I hope we go while I'm pregnant, so I can talk about prenatal care."
She added, "It's so important to me, being a mom, that I can help educate women on how important it is that when you have a healthy child, it helps set them up for life."
During a joint interview with Michael to promote the "WHS" effort, Halle gushed about her pregnancy saying,
"I feel fantastic. This has been the biggest surprise of my life to tell you the truth. I thought I was kind of past the point where this could be a reality for me. So it's been a big surprise and the most wonderful."
Sweet!
Also at the event....
Fab mother and "Losing You" singer Solange Knowles stopped by to support Halle's efforts for children in need. Loving these sky-inspired pants and clear Charlotte Olympia Pandora clutch-in-clutch.
Solange, who has been busy touring the US with her critically acclaimed True EP, will also be head overseas soon, tweeting, "Ill be playing Glastonbury, Pitchfork Fest, Roots Picnic, & many many more this spring/summer." Nice!
Pamela Smith, Michael Jordan’s Alleged Baby Mama Says… I’m NOT Going No-Where
Pamela Smith, Michael Jordan’s Alleged Baby Mama Says…. I’m not going no-where!
TMZ reports:
Michael Jordan’s alleged baby mama vows to continue her fight to prove the greatest NBA player of all time is in deed the father of her child … despite his legal attack on her.
As we previously reported Pamela Smith abruptly dropped her paternity lawsuit without explanation and Jordan immediately lashed out … asking the judge to nail her with his attorneys’ fees as well as sanctions.
Now Pamela’s getting specific … she did not drop the lawsuit because she’s waving the white flag — there was a technical legal problem with the docs and she plans on re-filing the paternity case STAT.
Pamela’s technical legal problem is actually amusing … before filing her case against Jordan, she forgot one little thing — removing her ex-husband from the birth certificate which lists him as the daddy.
The boy at the center of all this is 16-year-old Grant “Taj” Reynolds … an aspiring rapper.
BET Gives Bishop TD Jakes A Talk Show, ‘Mind, Body & Soul’
Popular mega-church leader, Bishop T.D. Jakes, continues to expand his spiritual brand. To date, the 55-year-old West Virginia native has successfully made his stamp as an author (he’s published more than 30 books), music (he’s produced gospel album ‘Live at The Potter’s House’) and film (‘Woman Thou Art Loosed’, ‘Not Easily Broken’, ‘Jumping the Broom’, etc.). And apparently, there’s more. Reportedly, Jakes has been tapped to host a new BET talk show. Scheduled to air this fall, the unconfirmed show title is “T.D. Jakes Presents: Mind, Body & Soul”. No official statement has been released from Jakes’ camp.
Ray J Comes For Kanye West's Throat In New Single "I Hit It First" and K Michelle comes for him!
Say what you want about Ray J, but the boy is clever than a mofo! He knows when the moment to strike will come and he's targeted enough buzz around his latest single titled "I Hit It First" which is set to be released via Itunes on April 9th.
Many people are saying that Ray J is taking a stab at Kim Kardashian due to the pixelated photo of her as his single cover, but it sounds more like Ray J is taking a stab at Kanye West. However, that's just my own opinion and who the hell am I? In any event, word on the internet curb is that Ray J released a line from the song "I Hit It First" and it goes like this below:
"Hit it from north, brought her head down south, now that I’m finished, she’s on to Mr West .. .”
YIKES!!! That definitely sounds like Ray's taking stabs, but I digress! Now, let's check out the single cover that's got everybody buzzing when you LQQK below:
Lord have mercy!! What will happen next? Well this is Love and Hip Hop Atlanta's K. Michelle, who is famous for being dragged by her ex-boyfriends speaks up for the Kim Kardashians of the world and chastises Ray J for his latest single, 'I Hit It First..'
After 'I Hit It First', an ode to Ray J's sex tape with Kim Kardashian, flooded the Internet K. Michelle let loose on Ray J.
He deserves that and SOME!
Kandi Burruss HOSTS "The Kandi Factory" VIEWING PARTY With Friends!
"RHOA" star Kandi Burruss celebrated her expanding empire with a private viewing party of her new show "The Kandi Factory" at Aurum Lounge in Atlanta. And she looked fab in this Bebe white leather dress trimmed in studs and paired with red metallic pumps. Finally, chick doesn't have that hint of a "homely & country" vibe I always get with her look .
Several of Kandi's closest friends came out to celebrate with her, including Rasheeda, who recently revealed her pregnancy on "LAHH ATL". At least she did in the trailer, we all know how these reality show chicks end up having alleged false alarms. And by false alarms we mean storyline creations.
And Kandi's other pregnant friend, LaTavia Roberson came out to celebrate as well. How cute is this bump in that dress!
Kandi tweeted, "It must be something in the water! @iamlatavia is having a baby too! I have like 5 friends that are preggers at the same time."
Hmmm Kandi may be next at this rate...
LaTavia also posed with "Let's Stay Together" actress Nadine Ellis and Demetria McKinney--who rocked a multi colored dress by Aqua, and Kenneth Jay Lane cuff and Saint Laurent pumps--from "The Rickey Smiley Show."
Ne-Yo's fiancee Monyetta Shaw and former reality star Chanita Foster also celebrated with Kandi.
R&B Divas" star Nicci Gilbert was there. Hope she was wearing Curvato...
Celeb photographer Derek Blanks stepped in front of the camera lens for a few photos.
Kandi's mom and dad posed for a few flicks with her and Riley. Riley's growing into a gorgeous gal by the way.
Singer Mishon posed with Chris Brown's new artist Sevyn Streeter.
And everyone also celebrated the singer/reality star's April 2013 cover of UPSCALE.
Congrats Kandi!
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
‘Somewhere SisQo Is Crying’
HAVE A GREAT DAY!!!
EFREM
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