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Source: handout / Warner Music Group
On Friday, (Feb. 2) Megan Thee Stallion and Warner Music Group announced that the Houston rap star entered a historic deal that will allow her to maintain her independence as a musician while also having access to the music company’s robust global services, ranging from radio promotion to worldwide marketing.
“This is the beginning of an exciting new chapter of my life and career,” Megan said, according to a press release. “I’m really focused on building an empire and growing as an entrepreneur, so I’m proud to take this next step in my journey and work with Max Lousada and the entire Warner Music Group team in this new capacity. I know we’re going to create history together.”
In the agreement, Meg will release music through Hot Girl Productions – her independent music and entertainment entity – and simultaneously work with Warner Music and its international affiliates.
She will also retain full creative control of her music releases along with the option to bring artists who are signed to her imprint into the WMG ecosystem.
“Meg is not just a superstar,” WMG Recorded Music CEO Max Lousada said in the release. “She’s an artistic force and a mogul in the making – authentic and unapologetic in defining her own unique place in the cultural landscape. So many relate to her remarkable story and have witnessed her come into her power on her own terms. At Warner, we’re creating an environment where original talents can explore both their creativity and entrepreneurialism, while building long-term careers. Following on her success with 300, we’re excited to continue our journey with Meg through this dynamic new partnership, with our global teams, infrastructure, and expertise supporting her every step of the way.”
The announcement was also celebrated by Meg’s management company, Roc Nation. The company’s CEO Desiree Perez wrote, “Megan continues to be an absolute trailblazer,” she added. “This new chapter with Warner Music Group will shift the landscape in the music industry and empower other independent artists to follow in her footsteps and claim their power. It’s also a testament to Max’s ability to reimagine the relationships that major music companies can engage in with independent artists.”
The deal comes after the superstar was recently appointed a brand ambassador for Planet Fitness starring in an ad and releasing a line of merch.
The superstar rapper is also at the top of the charts with her single “HISS,” which has already reached No. 1 on Apple Music’s Global charts, Spotify’s U.S. charts, iTunes and YouTube Trending within the past week of its release.
Megan stopped by Good Morning America last week and announced that she will soon release a new album and that she has a Hot Girl Summer tour on the way.
“Oh, we’re having the tour this year. The Hot Girl Sumer tour is going to be 2024, summertime,” the Houston rapper said during her GMA appearance. “I feel like I’ve never been able to be outside doing my own thing during the summer, since like 2019. So this is going to be the first time that I drop an album on time for the summer. I do want to give the hotties the Megan Thee Stallion experience.”
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Just when we thought Hov was ready to reintroduce himself to the rap game, it seems like chatter about a new Jay-Z album in 2024 was much ado about nothing.
Over the weekend, social media was buzzing with rumors of a new Jay-Z album after video director Hidji took to his IG stories and shared a picture that featured a clapperboard that had the production titled listed as “JAY Z – 2024 ALBUM.” Naturally, everyone assumed that this was happening and Hov would return with some new work in this new year.
Unfortunately, it seems like it’s not meant to be as the official Roc Nation X account refuted the rumors by simply replying, “That’s news to us” to the post circulating on social media.
Well, that was exciting for a few minutes. It’s been six years since Jay-Z dropped his last album, 4:44, and though the project went platinum only a week after its release, Jay hasn’t dropped any new full-length projects since.
In an attempt to make up for his absence from the rap game, Jay did drop a verse the length of an EP on DJ Khaled’s “God Did” but his day-ones want a new album already.
Hopefully, everyone over at Roc Nation is just playing dumb and Jay does indeed have a project on the way in 2024, but it seems like that might be something they’re playing close to the chest for the time being as they’re denying any knowledge of a brand new joint from Hova the Gawd.
What do y’all think? Is Jay-Z dropping a new album this year and keeping it secret? Let us know in the comments section below.
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Photo: Getty
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Source: Taylor Hill / Getty / Megan Thee Stallion
Megan Thee Stallion is officially a free agent and is using her money to get her next project out.
On a recent Instagram Live session, Thee Stallion revealed to her loyal Hotties that she has gone independent. No longer having a label means she will be footing the bill to get her next project out.
“This part of my album is definitely very much funded by Megan Thee Stallion because you know we trying to get off… Y’all know what’s the tea,” the Houston Hip-Hop star said.
The “Big Ole Freak” crafter also added that she would be paying for the studio time, music videos, and marketing for the yet-to-be-named project that she could possibly already be teasing in previous IG posts.
“The next s**t y’all about to see ’bout to be all straight from Megan Thee Stallion’s brain and Megan Thee Stallion’s wallet. Yes, we are in my pockets, hotties, so let’s do our big one,” she said.
Megan Thee Stallion & Her Drama With Her Label
The news of Thee Stallion going independent should surprise no one, and she has been engaged in a very public battle with Carl Crawford’s 1501 Certified Entertainment.
The rapper claimed her last project, Traumazine, which has been certified gold by the RIAA, was the previous project to fulfill her contractual obligation.
Crawford argued the project before Traumazine, Something For The Hotties, did not qualify as an album; thus, Megan Thee Stallion did not fulfill her contractual obligations.
Thee Stallion also accused her former label of trying to sabotage her career and acting funny with her money. She was granted a restraining order by a judge in 2022.
The news also has some on social media reacting, being loud and wrong, mainly directing energy towards Roc Nation, which manages Thee Stallion and has nothing to do with funding her music projects.
As long as Thee Stallion is mentally in a good space, we are happy she has finally rid herself of Carl Crawford and 1501 Certified Entertainment.
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Photo: Taylor Hill / Getty
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Source: Lexus / Lexus
The Book Of Hov exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum has been a resounding success, and it’s going to stick around a little longer. Also, the Brooklyn rapper turned mogul’s famed “Off-White Lexus” is going to be parked right outside the building.
Source: Lexus / Lexus
Roc Nation has partnered with Lexus to bring a vintage 1993 Lexus GS 300, the same one Jay-Z flexed in the “Dead Presidents” video, to the Brooklyn Museum. Is it the exact same whip? Probably not, but it’s all about the nostalgia. The Book of HOV was originally scheduled to close up shop in the fall but will now end its run at the close of 2023.
“We’re excited to partner with Lexus to bring JAY-Z’s iconic ‘Off-White Lexus’ to The Book of HOV. The new installation adds another element of JAY-Z’s career to the exhibit that visitors can enjoy,” said Desiree Perez, CEO Roc Nation, in a press statement. “The response to The Book Of HOV has been overwhelming, so we’re excited to extend the exhibit to December to ensure new and returning attendees can have enough opportunities to fully immerse themselves into the experience.”
Since opening July 14, the Book Of Hov has reportedly hosted over 255,000 visitors and in turn created over 21,000 new accounts thanks to limited edition Jay-Z library cards.
According to Kelly Blue Book, the Lexus GS 300, a four door sedan, had a retail price of a cool $40,000 back in ’93. High-end Lexus automobiles have been name-checked in various Hip-Hop songs throughout the years, and that fact isn’t lost on the brand itself.
“In further celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip hop, we are thrilled to partner with Roc Nation in this special tribute to JAY-Z’s musical legacy,” added Mia Phillips, Senior Manager, Lexus Advertising & Media, in a statement. “The vehicle display is recognition of the mutual respect and admiration between Lexus and JAY-Z, whose brilliance and contributions to culture extend far beyond hip-hop.”
Real recognize real.
Source: Lexus / Lexus
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Ty-Ty Smith has his sights on South Asia for his newest venture. He is partnering with Universal to launch a new label focusing on that region.
As per Digital Music News the Roc Nation co-founder is launching a new imprint with the music conglomerate. This week they announced the launching of Desi Trill Music, a record label that will be rooted in nurturing Desi Trill talent from that area. UMG describes it as “a new genre of music that combines the musical style of South Asian artists with modern genres.”
A&R executive Shabz Naqvi detailed their mission statement. “We envision a future where South Asian artists gain widespread recognition on grand stages, embracing cultural heritage while pushing musical boundaries” he said. “DESI TRILL MUSIC puts South Asian artists at the vanguard of a global music movement for the first time and we’re honored to forge a path for this new generation of incredible artists,” he added.
“Music knows no borders,” Ty-Ty added. “It’s an incredible time for South Asian culture and hip-hop to come together to create a new and exciting genre of music. It gives us great pleasure to bring our vision to the world with DESI TRILL MUSIC.” While the current roster for the start up has yet to be revealed the label has confirmed their first release is slated for October.
Photo: UMG
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Source: Kevin Mazur / Getty / JAY-Z
JAY-Z is once again using his influence to aid those in need, specifically those who are victims of shady law enforcement.
Spotted on TMZ Hip Hop, JAY-Z and Roc Nation are coming to the aid of a Wisconsin man who was wrongfully and violently arrested, and despite the police admitting they threw coughs on the wrong man, he is still facing charges.
Per TMZ Hip Hop:
TMZ Hip Hop has learned Jay-Z’s Team ROC org has enlisted powerhouse lawyer Alex Spiro to rep Jermelle English Jr. and his family … in hopes of getting all charges dropped, and possibly to sue the Kenosha PD.
Team ROC Managing Director Dania Diaz tells TMZ Hip Hop, “The reckless arrest of Jermelle English Jr. and the careless endangerment of his infant child by the Kenosha Police Department is an absolute travesty … the Team ROC team is here to support Jermelle and his family through this traumatic experience, demand justice and hold the Kenosha police officers accountable.”
Kenosha PD’s Leo Viola tells us the department is still undergoing an internal investigation, and plans to be extremely transparent with the public once it’s completed. He adds, the Dept. initiated its probe without any outside pressure.
What Exactly Went Down That Day
According to reports, English Jr. was mistaken for a suspect in a hit-and-run. A Black couple and a child involved in an accident ran towards the Kenosha, Wisconsin Applebee’s.When police officers arrived, employees pointed them toward English Jr., sitting with his family at the time. In a video captured by an employee, English Jr. can be seen holding his child as the cops approach him.
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“He tried to go the other way, and they eventually tackled him into a wall, and the baby had his head on the wall. They had at least four cops on his back,” said restaurant manager Jennifer Harris. “At least a cop or two, each grabbing his arm. And still, one cop punching him over and over again in his face.”
Witnesses in the restaurant during the incident said English Jr. and his family were there well before the incident took place.
Police later realized they had the wrong man when they found the family they were looking for hiding in the Applebee’s bathroom.
Even though he was cleared, police still had the audacity to charge him and the woman he was with, Shanya Boyd, with disorderly conduct, resisting and obstructing an officer. Boyd was also accused of marijuana possession.
Spiro is working to get all of the charges dismissed.
The Kenosha PD has launched its internal investigation into the incident.
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Photo: Kevin Mazur / Getty
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A new surprise exhibit dedicated to highlighting the impact of Jay-Z has debuted at the Brooklyn Public Library, complete with his lyrics adorning the building.
The new exhibit, titled The Book of HOV, made its debut to the public officially on Friday (July 14). “He navigated the gritty streets of Brooklyn’s Marcy Projects to the halls of Roc Nation, and now he shines as one of the brightest stars in our constellation. With his rhymes sharper than a knife and beats hotter than a summer in the city, JAY-Z is a beacon of hope for those who dare to dream beyond the confines of their circumstances,” said a statement from the exhibit’s website.
Source: Kevin Mazur / Getty
The exhibit is styled like chapters in a book and spans the entirety of the main branch of the library, with lyrics from “Justify My Thug” and “Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)” decorating the curved facade of the building’s main entrance to greet visitors. Inside, there are various installations showing off memorabilia from the rap icon’s career including a down-to-the-detail full-scale recreation of the place where Jay-Z recorded many of the hits he’s known for, Baseline Recording Studios. Other parts of the exhibit feature turntables that play vinyl records containing his hits and the samples that helped to create them and one area that encourages young visitors to craft paper planes in homage to one of his companies.
Chief executive of the Brooklyn Public Library, Linda E. Johnson, worked closely with Sandra Perez, the president of Roc Nation to make the exhibit come alive. That includes Roc Nation footing the entirety of the bill for it, including a donation to a gala in October at the library where Jay-Z and his mother, Gloria Carter, will be honored. “People thought I was a little out of my mind,” Johnson said when interviewed. “I don’t think I’d be going out on a limb to say that this is the biggest exhibition we’ve ever done.” There will also be 13 limited edition library card variations based on each of Jay-Z’s albums available for those who sign up.
“The Book of HOV” will be on display throughout the rest of the summer. More information can be found on its website.
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Jay-Z is expanding his sports roster. The rapper and businessman’s Roc Nation Sports announced on social media on Monday (July 10) that it has landed a deal with Italy’s Series A soccer league. Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news The “strategic partnership” between the two aims to […]
Colombian star J Balvin has officially joined Roc Nation as a management client, where he will be overseen directly by Jay Brown and Chris Knight.
Balvin was previously managed by Fabio Acosta and Scooter Braun’s SB projects. He parted ways with the latter on June 30, 2022, after nearly three years together. He continued working with Acosta and his company, Akela Family Music, through March. Acosta had managed or co-managed Balvin in some capacity for the past decade. Sources say the two parted on amicable terms.
Balvin, one of the biggest Latin stars in the world, has had a series of management shifts over the past five years. In 2019, he parted ways with manager Rebeca León, who had managed him since the onset of his career in the United States, and signed with Braun. Throughout both deals, Acosta remained part of his management team and worked in partnership with SB Project, helping bring in groundbreaking deals and partnerships. These included his celebrity menu collaboration with McDonald’s — a first for a Latin act. Balvin was also the first Latin artist to collaborate with Nike and Michael Jordan on an Air Jordan collaboration, and in November of 2020, he performed in Fortnite, marking the first performance ever by a Latin act for a gaming company.
Last year, Balvin also briefly split with his longtime agency, WME, and went to UTA, after postponing his 25-date José tour. But after four months, he returned to WME.
Balvin is currently featured on the Fast X soundtrack with the track “Toretto.” He’s also announced a series of European tour dates, mostly festivals, beginning with a June 24 performance at the Solydays festival in Paris.
Balvin’s full touring schedule is below.
6/24 – Paris – Solydays 25th Anniversary Festival6/26 – Ibiza – Pacha Nightclub6/30 – Seville – Puro Latino Fest7/1 – Madrid – Puro Latino Fest7/3 – Ibiza – Pacha Nightclub7/8 – Liege, Belgium – Les Ardentes Festival7/9 – Constanta, Romania – Neversea Festival7/11 – Milan – Milano Latin Festival7/12 – Bern, Switzerland – Gurten Park7/14 – Tenerife – Ritmo del Mundo7/15 – Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal – Meo Mares Vivas Festival7/21 – Byron Bay, Australia – Splendour in the Grass7/23 – Melbourne – Margaret Court7/25 – Sydney – Hordern Pavillion
