Live Nation Round 3: Jay-Z
After signing U2, as we reported a few days ago, Live Nation’s next big grab might be rapper cum business extraordinaire, Jay-Z. If U2’s $120 million contract didn’t bring tears to your eyes (why would it), then surely the $150 million price tag on our American Gangster will. Apparently, there’s money to be spent (or is it made?).
The deal will encompass all of Jay’s concerts, endorsements and recordings over the next decade, as well as provide the rapper a platform to launch Roc Nation, Jay’s own label, music publishing and talent managing company. Jay-Z, who previously served as Def Jam’s CEO for three years until he and Universal Music Group couldn’t agree to a new contract, still owes his former label one more album, set for release later this year.
If this trend continues, who knows what Live Nation might pick up next. My guesstimate would be either Bruce Springsteen & The E-Street Band or Green Day. Anything that moves and shakes like those two seem to be lucrative property for the ever increasing media giant.
We’ll let you know though.
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