Roc Nation

Jay-Z and Roc Nation have inked a multi-year partnership with Universal Music Group. The label will now house recordings from Jay and his roster, including Rihanna. Says Mr. Carter “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.” UMG’s chairman & CEO Lucian Grainge adds: “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.” via RR

Says Jay-Z: “The real meaning of success is being in the position to work with an individual you consider a friend,” said Jay in a statement. “Jon Platt is such a person. He’s a man of extraordinary character as well as a remarkably talented executive with an ear for music and an eye for talent. It’s great to watch him grow to be one the best in the business.” Says Jon: “I first partnered with Jay in 1996, and it’s been thrilling to work with my friend over the past 16 years as he’s grown into one of the world’s best songwriters and become a global icon,” said Platt, currently president, creative at Warner/Chappell after serving at EMI Music Publishing for many years. “He consistently breaks new ground, producing an incredible body of work that will be enjoyed by generations of fans to come. At the same time, Roc Nation is one of the most dynamic and influential music companies around. It is home to an extraordinary collection of hit-makers, who are writing and producing many of today’s most popular songs and collaborating with the world’s most successful artists. I couldn’t be happier to continue my relationships with Jay and Roc Nation and build on our partnerships at Warner/Chappell.”