Hip Hop has joined Columbia Records as part of the label’s enhanced commitment to artist development, it was announced today by Rick Rubin. Hip Hop will be instrumental in signing and discovering new talent for the label as well as forging strong working relationships with emerging producers.
Hip Hop joined Roc-A-Fella Records close to its inception and is credited with shaping the upstart label into one of the most recognized brands in rap music. While at Roc-A-Fella Records, he provided the A&R direction to the label’s flagship artist Jay-Z, beginning with the album Reasonable Doubt. During the late 90’s, Hip Hop created the production/management company, Hip Hop Since 1978, and quickly signed producer Just Blaze and artist/producer Kanye West. In 1998, Hip Hop negotiated Kanye West’s signing to Roc-A-Fella Records. Hip Hop Since 1978’s first release was Kanye West’s critically acclaimed, Grammy-winning album, The College Dropout.
“Hip Hop has the best ears in the business and fantastic taste,” said Rick Rubin. “Getting to work with him is a dream come true.”
“Hip Hop is a major talent who combines sharp business instincts with a deep love of music, its culture and its history,” said Steve Barnett. “It’s a thrill to welcome Hip Hop to the Columbia Records family.”
“Working at Columbia and with Rick are two dreams come true at the same time,” said Hip Hop. “I couldn’t ask for a better job. Doing what I love with like-minded people is great. I look forward to keeping Columbia growing like it has been for over a 100 years. I want this to be my last job. I can do this forever.”
++ WHAT THIS MEANS TO VICARIOUS MUSIC IS JAY Z ISN”T FAR BEHIND!!!
Who will win the 9/11 release date? Will big brother’s matter? Kanye speaks about the good and the bad between him and Jay Z on his new track… 50, are you going to rap on Dre?
The Jigga man has been ordered to pay an undisclosed amount of money to wrestler Diamond Dallas Page regarding use of the “diamond sign” that he trademarked years ago. Jay, as many of you know uses this sign constantly, especially to during any of his appearances. Being from the midwest I was a huge wrestling fan and it was mentioned around the time Jay started using it but come on, it’s not even close to the same audience.
Last night at the Highline Ballroom Mark Ronson performed with special guests… Daniel Merriweather, Alex from Phantom Planet, Daptone Horns, Tiggers, Kenna and Saigon.
Mark Ronson is a pure piece of talent…most know him as a DJ or even as a producer (for Lily Allen and Amy Winehouse) but he’s also a very talented musician, playing guitar and the keys. His album “versions” was released yesterday and is a MUST BUY!
Jay-Z, Q-Tip, models, Danny (from that 70’s show) and all the cool kids were in the house last night which I think speaks miles for Ronson’s cred.
As for the special guests, I was most impressed with Alex from Phantom Planet who not only jumped into the audience for some crowd surfing but also hyped up the entire energy of the room.
We have been listening to “versions” on repeat since!
So the word on the subway is Jay-Z may leave Def Jam and start up a new label with his main squeeze, Beyonce. Do we have your attention?
New Label??? Where? Well, the answer is possibly Apple iTunes. With Jay’s contract with Def Jam nearing it’s expiration date and Beyonce most likely finishing up her album commitment with Sony by the end of the year. This could be good timing…
Keep in mind if Jay leaves Def Jam he has the option of taking all the artists he signed…(laughing) his other girlfriend: Rihanna, Ne-Yo (ghost writer to the max), Rick Ross, Kanye (um do we need to continue), and Nas (CLASSIC). Not to mention Beyonce being done with her deal can also be an artist.
Why do I hear a cash register? Get your iPod now!!!
