Jay-Z and Apple to Launch Record Label at Macworld?

[MacRumors]

BoyGeniusReport revives earlier rumors that Apple and Jay-Z will be forming a record label around iTunes. They now expect this new record label to be launched at Macworld Expo 2008. This incarnation of the rumor, however, eliminates Beyonce's involvement.

The new report claims that a "high-up person" associated with Jay-Z has confirmed that plans are "a go". BoyGeniusReport had previously discounted the July rumors based on a source close to both Jay-Z and Beyonce. Jay-Z recently stepped down as president of Def Jam records after his contract expired on December 31st, saying that "it's time for me to take on new challenges."

In February 2007, Apple, Inc finally settled with Apple Corps and won rights to all trademarks related to "Apple". As a result, Apple, Inc would have no legal hurdles preventing it from fully entering the music industry.

Article Link

[evilyankeefan]

Jay-Z? Worst thing to come out of MW if true.

[Lone Deranger]

Oh no.. not this again....

[Stridder44]

BoyGeniusReport has been

...has been what?

[mrrydogg]

You can't even buy Jay-Z's new album on iTunes?!?!?!?

If Apple and Jay-Z are that close, you think they would offer and most likely feature his new album on their site.

Sounds bogus. Although it would be cool to get iTunes exclusives way before other sites.

[twoodcc]

well see. but i doubt this will really happen

[bluebomberman]

We need Steve Jobs to take some Jay-Z CD onstage at the next keynote and set it on fire with a flamethrower just to kill this stupid rumor for all eternity.

[Peace]

I can see Apple getting into the record label business but they better have more than just Jay-Z.

Does he do production also ?

[macEfan]

I don't think this is exactly the best option... apple seems to be expanding a little too fast if this rumor is true....

[philmo]

Wasn't Jay-Z in one of those HP (?) notebook commercials where people use their hands to show what they can do on their computer?

[Manatee]

Jay-Z? Can't they do better than him? They should lay out some big bucks and get an established legend... maybe Gene Simmons.

[Badandy]

Originally Posted by Manatee

Jay-Z? Can't they do better than him? They should lay out some big bucks and get an established legend... maybe Gene Simmons.

Jay-Z has more number 1 albums than any person/band in american music history other than the Beatles (he is tied with Elvis I believe). Big bucks? Jay-Z is worth about $400 million; I think they would be paying him the HUGE bucks if they could coax him onto another record label.

[boss1]

Originally Posted by Badandy

Jay-Z has more number 1 albums than any person/band in american music history other than the Beatles (he is tied with Elvis I believe). Big bucks? Jay-Z is worth about $400 million; I think they would be paying him the HUGE bucks if they could coax him onto another record label.

From what I understand, that's one of the primary reasons Jay Z pulled his album from iTunes at the last minute. In order for him to tie with Elvis in # of full albums sold it was pulled off iTunes because single sales and digital sales may have compromised and cannibalized that milestone.


What concerns me the most is the timing of Jay Z stepping down from Def Jam 'to take on new challenges'? hmmm, MWSF may be very interesting for the music industry.

I guess I could possibly see "a" relationship develop but it would have to be a very different capacity than new record label headed by Jay Z. They may ask him to take lead or head a new department err something but I just don't see record label happening. Simply because a label is exclusive to the artists under its management and that does not include every other label in the iTunes Library.

[nimbuscloud]

Come on, we know the rumor is true. But I don't think it's going to be a traditional record label just like how the iPhone isn't a traditional smart phone.

Stop thinking in the past, guys. Also, please stop with the negativity due to Jay-Z being in hip-hop while being black. We know that's the reason people HERE are complaining. If it was rumored to be Green frickin' Day or anyone of a "whiter complexion", most people here would think that it's ok.

But then again, most people here thought that the iPod was a dumb idea when it first came out. Glad those people aren't working at Apple.

[ph0rk]

Originally Posted by nimbuscloud

Come on, we know the rumor is true. But I don't think it's going to be a traditional record label just like how the iPhone isn't a traditional smart phone.

Stop thinking in the past, guys. Also, please stop with the negativity due to Jay-Z being in hip-hop while being black. We know that's the reason people HERE are complaining. If it was rumored to be Green frickin' Day or anyone of a "whiter complexion", most people here would think that it's ok.

But then again, most people here thought that the iPod was a dumb idea when it first came out. Glad those people aren't working at Apple.

Shall we consider the race card played?

I doubt Jay-Z is very knowledgeable about the genres I enjoy, so I can only hope that they will bring on more management talent if this is true. Of course, hey may be looking to move another step from the creation/production/talent seeking process, in which case I don't really care who sits in the comfy chair.

The industry needs a miracle the way things are going, so we'll see.

[chicagostars]

Originally Posted by Manatee

Jay-Z? Can't they do better than him? They should lay out some big bucks and get an established legend... maybe Gene Simmons.

And Gene Simmons can bring along Shannon Tweed to head up Apple's new soft-core p0rn division.

(Gotta wait on that one, Gene's a little busy as a contestant on 'The Apprentice'.)

[Virgil-TB2]

Originally Posted by Manatee

Jay-Z? Can't they do better than him? They should lay out some big bucks and get an established legend... maybe Gene Simmons.

Yah, cause an egomaniac washed-up, also-ran rockstar with a foot long tongue who endlessly talks about his sexual "conquests" is a real good image for Apple to get behind.

[Full of Win]

Awesome – this occurrence is right up there on my list of must sees at MacWorld.

1. Apple gets into Rap Music, and pushes it even more on iTunes
2. Introduces a ShockBook Pro, that gives painful shocks at random and wipes your home directory every Tuesday.
3. Releases iStank, that will release an the aroma of dog vomit and rotten milk every time the space bar is pressed.

Oh, and here is my rap...

I sittin in the crib drinkin’ my snapple, then I open up the Coach bag out comes the Apple

Then I mankin da Engadget scene, when XPfanBoi calls on me and sayz “Yo, you gots a Crapple!!!”

I said I ain’t taken’ that – my computer can do UNIX like 123!

He then tells me my GPU’s weaker than an EeePC.

Then I’m typing up a wicked reply…when my keyboard freezes up on me.

[karmapolice63]

Well now he can add Apple to his list of 99 Problems