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Apple to Start Record Label with Jay-Z and Beyonce?
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I could see it happening, digital-only distribution with Apple not having to go through anyone else, so there's no negotiating problems. They might even be the greenest record company seeing as they wont print/burn CD's...
Would also further diversify their income, so although their heading towards gadgets more these days, they'd be making money on everything.
And I don't agree that Apple will stop making computers. I think Steve Jobs realises he has a nicer OS than Microsoft, and he'll keep at the development so he can continue to enjoy a great digital life (-style). However, through all this iPhone stuff and other deals, the (computer) lines have become a little stagnant lately and I think once everything quietens down, it'll be back to normal (or whatever is close to it for Apple).
Would also further diversify their income, so although their heading towards gadgets more these days, they'd be making money on everything.
And I don't agree that Apple will stop making computers. I think Steve Jobs realises he has a nicer OS than Microsoft, and he'll keep at the development so he can continue to enjoy a great digital life (-style). However, through all this iPhone stuff and other deals, the (computer) lines have become a little stagnant lately and I think once everything quietens down, it'll be back to normal (or whatever is close to it for Apple).
While I doubt the truth of this rumor, such a move if real would be way too much diversification for Apple at this stage of the game...definitely a bad move in my opinion, though I'm certainly no big business expert. It would just mean less focus on the actual computers and more focus on what at least I consider less important markets.
"Financially Successful American hip-hop artists"
I don't say much but I will say this...GOOD!
If Jay-Z wants to make some sort of "Digital Deal" with Apple that would be great. Digital is the future...face it...we all know it is. Now when it comes to Jay-Z (not just a rapper), he is a savy biz owner and thinker. Don't think that he (president and CEO of Def Jam & Roc-A-Fella Records, co-owns The 40/40 Club, and is co-owner of the New Jersey Nets NBA team) is just some rapper that wants to sell rap music on the internet. There is a bigger picture here some might not know about when it comes to what Jay-Z likes. A good example could be "Collision Course", a CD by Linkin Park and Jay-Z. I hope that the future of Digital Music (ART) will be open to all types of music, artists, audio books, Movies, TV, Short Films, Cartoons, you name the type and I will get behind it. Don't judge artists or partners w/ Apple based on what YOU like, look at the big picture. Let us all enjoy what some like and how WE can help the digital media future move forward rather than be held back. Thanks.
I don't say much but I will say this...GOOD!
If Jay-Z wants to make some sort of "Digital Deal" with Apple that would be great. Digital is the future...face it...we all know it is. Now when it comes to Jay-Z (not just a rapper), he is a savy biz owner and thinker. Don't think that he (president and CEO of Def Jam & Roc-A-Fella Records, co-owns The 40/40 Club, and is co-owner of the New Jersey Nets NBA team) is just some rapper that wants to sell rap music on the internet. There is a bigger picture here some might not know about when it comes to what Jay-Z likes. A good example could be "Collision Course", a CD by Linkin Park and Jay-Z. I hope that the future of Digital Music (ART) will be open to all types of music, artists, audio books, Movies, TV, Short Films, Cartoons, you name the type and I will get behind it. Don't judge artists or partners w/ Apple based on what YOU like, look at the big picture. Let us all enjoy what some like and how WE can help the digital media future move forward rather than be held back. Thanks.
I just hope these are bad, bad, bored-people rumors.
I'd hate for Apple to get involved in such type of business.
Try to do too much at the same time - won't be good at making Macs anymore. We all know how much that there's been a decline in quality control lately, we don't want it to go worst.
Meh.
I'd hate for Apple to get involved in such type of business.
Try to do too much at the same time - won't be good at making Macs anymore. We all know how much that there's been a decline in quality control lately, we don't want it to go worst.
Meh.
The moment I heard that Apple Corps and Inc settled their differences once and for all, I kind of foresaw Apple Inc getting into music producing more and more, but wasn't sure how. We know they've been doing exclusive deals/releases and "Live from London" etc through the iTunes Store, but to actually try and become a major producer is not something I believed would happen, at least this early on anyway.
Makes sense, but Apple need to ensure it is done correctly. The bigger they get, the more focus they lose. I would argue they perhaps need to split into proper, largely unrelated divisons with some collaboration when needed, but if more devices start to use versions of OS X, you'd only really have computers and devices as one division and music production and distribution as another.
Just don't diversify too much and become as unfocused as other companies like Microsoft. I'm already not entirely convinced Leopard is as big a leap forward as it should/could have been, please don't fall further behind the opposition in other areas. You could start by updating those iMacs next week.
Makes sense, but Apple need to ensure it is done correctly. The bigger they get, the more focus they lose. I would argue they perhaps need to split into proper, largely unrelated divisons with some collaboration when needed, but if more devices start to use versions of OS X, you'd only really have computers and devices as one division and music production and distribution as another.
Just don't diversify too much and become as unfocused as other companies like Microsoft. I'm already not entirely convinced Leopard is as big a leap forward as it should/could have been, please don't fall further behind the opposition in other areas. You could start by updating those iMacs next week.
I really doubt this is much to do with that. It's not like they are pulling people out of QC to work on Record Business crap. Apple is expanding, not shifting.
This has the potential to be huge. Although i'm not a fan of either Jay-Z or Beyonce, I can't think of anyone better for Apple to go in on this with. They're giants of the industry.
I'm sure Jay-Z will be behind the scenes getting this going with Apple, and Beyonce just the pretty face to front the whole sha-bang.
You really have to put your musical tastes aside to understand the potential behind this venture.
HUGE!
Rich.
I'm sure Jay-Z will be behind the scenes getting this going with Apple, and Beyonce just the pretty face to front the whole sha-bang.
You really have to put your musical tastes aside to understand the potential behind this venture.
HUGE!
Rich.
I thought Nas' album was pushed heavily. Other artists were the ones complaining that Jay-Z was pushing his new friend Nas' heavily while totally ignoring the releases of other artists (eg: The Roots' new album....although that was highly acclaimed anyway, so it got spread by word of mouth and such).
Beyonce and Apple. This better be true.She can be the new face of Apple.
And new body....
Why doesn't it make sense? Jay-Z may bring a lot of artists to his new label, and his label may sell a lot of new music through Apple.
I was wondering when Apple would start signing artists and "seriously" head the digital music age, rather than just selling the iPod and hoping people buy music from the store as well, as the iPod is locked to their online store. That was great as a first step, but still living off the success off the iPod rather than anything special about the iTMS itself other than some exclusive material (also possible due to the iPod's popularity). This new label....now THAT is 2 or 3 steps ahead. Companies are working on their new online stores, but on a digital label? No way.
Eugh, I would hate this if it were true. Apple should be a reseller not a record label. If it *did* want to go the record label route, it should start out as a record label for new bands who want to sell their stuff on iTunes and then if they're successful, sell them in physical form. NOT get a Shakira-wannabe and Jay-Z on the team because they're 'big'.
Apple have recently released DRM free tracks on iTunes. These rumours (if true) would pave the way for Apple to release tracks DRM free from any artist they please on their label and make enough money off each sale to offer Apple Lossless audio on iTunes.
CD sales are declining and with the conventional music industry in a very defensive stance at the moment they are losing ground to companies like Apple that are looking to the future and trying to innovate in an industry which is quite frankly on the verge.
So assuming these rumours are true, I can see Apple releasing Apple Lossless DRM free music on the iTunes store. Not only that but think of the increased use (and thus increased marketing potential) iTunes and therefore Apple would gain.
CD sales are declining and with the conventional music industry in a very defensive stance at the moment they are losing ground to companies like Apple that are looking to the future and trying to innovate in an industry which is quite frankly on the verge.
So assuming these rumours are true, I can see Apple releasing Apple Lossless DRM free music on the iTunes store. Not only that but think of the increased use (and thus increased marketing potential) iTunes and therefore Apple would gain.
How about this...
Jay-Z sets up a 'recording company' which would offer it's artists the option of digital distribution through iTunes and physical CD distribution through an established label.
By not having the established label control both the digital and physical offerings (which is now the case) artists may see additional oppertunities to provide the music they want to provide in the way they want to provide it.
Jay-Z sets up a 'recording company' which would offer it's artists the option of digital distribution through iTunes and physical CD distribution through an established label.
By not having the established label control both the digital and physical offerings (which is now the case) artists may see additional oppertunities to provide the music they want to provide in the way they want to provide it.
Well, fair enough, I see your point of view. I suppose Apple isn't the sort of company to lean on these guys to influence their music or image or message, so sure. If it were Fox and Jay-Z, I guess it'd be different.
Blacksmith Records is Kweli's new label. It's very new but he's handpicking some of the best independent east coast rappers around. Word is Rakim is next.
Plus it has Jean Grae, making it my default fav. label.
If it undermines the power of the big record labels then I guess that can be seen as a good thing. But did they have to go in bussiness with these two?? Champagne coloured, diamond encrusted iMac with a pink fluffy edged keyboard anyone?
Reading about how my beloved Apple is potentially getting involved with a genre/culture I try very hard to avoid doesn't exactly put a smile on my face.
I'd be less sceptical if there was some kind of indication of a more diverse sampling of musical genres involved in this rumour, rather than just the tripe that is hiphop and rnb.
Reading about how my beloved Apple is potentially getting involved with a genre/culture I try very hard to avoid doesn't exactly put a smile on my face.
I'd be less sceptical if there was some kind of indication of a more diverse sampling of musical genres involved in this rumour, rather than just the tripe that is hiphop and rnb.
Have you all missed the obvious
ARE YOU ALL NUTS
have we forgotten the trouble apple got into over selling music over iTunes...the Apple recording label in england (ala beatles) has made sure apple computer can never be a label
apple comp may decide to run it under a name other than apple...but that's asking for another law suit from apple england and it wouldn't enhance the apple comp brand
to add to all of this...do you really think apple would use those two as launch artists?
ARE YOU ALL NUTS
have we forgotten the trouble apple got into over selling music over iTunes...the Apple recording label in england (ala beatles) has made sure apple computer can never be a label
apple comp may decide to run it under a name other than apple...but that's asking for another law suit from apple england and it wouldn't enhance the apple comp brand
to add to all of this...do you really think apple would use those two as launch artists?
there is content and those who make content.
and there are content providers - those that make available the content.
apple is a content provider.
pixar is a content maker.
but in the end, its all about content. creation of content.
if apple thinks it can do the same within the music world for what it was able to assist pixar to do for the world of animation, i would think this is very difficult and would not want to see them get involved in this.
and there are content providers - those that make available the content.
apple is a content provider.
pixar is a content maker.
but in the end, its all about content. creation of content.
if apple thinks it can do the same within the music world for what it was able to assist pixar to do for the world of animation, i would think this is very difficult and would not want to see them get involved in this.
DID YOU NOT READ THE PREVIOUS POSTS?
No matter how many people don't like Beyonce or Jay Z, nobody can deny that either haven't done things right. Look at where they are in the music business. Two of the most financially successful musicians on earth, both know how to do their business. Hell, if I was starting a label I certainly would be interested in getting them on board.
Oh, and just for the record, Genghis Khan and Eric Lewis, large text is really unnecessary, and quite annoying. All it does is point out the posters' lack of imagination.
In other news, Prince just seriously pissed off British music retailers by giving a copy his latest CD away with every issue of the British tabloid "The Mail On Sunday":
http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/Music/07/13/prince.newspaper.ap/index.html
Now before all the Prince-haters come out of the woodwork, just know that in 2004 doing exactly this sort of thing made him the highest paid artist in the biz (57 million in concert revenues, another 20+ million in merchandising). The industry is changing in ways that the major labels still can't seem to comprehend.
Love him or hate him, Jay-Z has proven to be one of the smartest businessmen in the entertainment industry. If this rumor is true, I say good for him. I guess he'll have to start promoting iPods now (he's a spokesman for Hewlett Packard, I believe)
http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/Music/07/13/prince.newspaper.ap/index.html
Now before all the Prince-haters come out of the woodwork, just know that in 2004 doing exactly this sort of thing made him the highest paid artist in the biz (57 million in concert revenues, another 20+ million in merchandising). The industry is changing in ways that the major labels still can't seem to comprehend.
Love him or hate him, Jay-Z has proven to be one of the smartest businessmen in the entertainment industry. If this rumor is true, I say good for him. I guess he'll have to start promoting iPods now (he's a spokesman for Hewlett Packard, I believe)
I am not sure about creating a label with a RAP twist, but a music label in general maybe a strike of Genious.
Apple would likely return a lot more to the Artists, so they would flock like birsds to sign up.
Most Artist are getting ripoff by the current labels.
Apple would likely return a lot more to the Artists, so they would flock like birsds to sign up.
Most Artist are getting ripoff by the current labels.
Can I again state how unreal this sounds.
I thought Apple (Records) Deal was precluding Apple entering the Music Business. Or did that get tossed out the window when they paid Apple off last year?
SP
I thought Apple (Records) Deal was precluding Apple entering the Music Business. Or did that get tossed out the window when they paid Apple off last year?
SP
www.applemusic.com
Check this out...
It was updated on 14Jul 07
http://reports.internic.net/cgi/whois?whois_nic=applemusic.com&type=domain
Sounds interesting and this domain belongs to apple
Check this out...
It was updated on 14Jul 07
http://reports.internic.net/cgi/whois?whois_nic=applemusic.com&type=domain
Sounds interesting and this domain belongs to apple
Jay Z and Beyonce PR piece - simply ridiculous
This sounds like a placed PR piece and it's almost as good as the one about Morris Levy and Steve Ross putting together a new deal. Then again, I'm sure there's still a few people stupid enough to forget the past. If beyonce and Jay get the direct association with Apple, great for them; it'll give them entree to a series of new demographics and opportunities; one's they will clearly use for only themselves. However, it'll be bad for everyone else. Actually, bad is the understatement of the year. Hey, let's have another "Hit and Run".
This sounds like a placed PR piece and it's almost as good as the one about Morris Levy and Steve Ross putting together a new deal. Then again, I'm sure there's still a few people stupid enough to forget the past. If beyonce and Jay get the direct association with Apple, great for them; it'll give them entree to a series of new demographics and opportunities; one's they will clearly use for only themselves. However, it'll be bad for everyone else. Actually, bad is the understatement of the year. Hey, let's have another "Hit and Run".