The Carter-Knowles family keeps making moves. On Wednesday, Jay-Z signed his Roc Nation label to a music deal with Warner Music Group’s Warner/Chappell Music. The deal gives the #1 music publishing company rights to all of Jay-Z’s future projects and his music dating back to 2008.
Warner/Chappell Creative President Jon Platt was considered a key broker in the deal because of his close relationship with Jay-Z and released a statement praising the Roc brand.
“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. 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.”
Up until last year, Roc Nation’s publishing was represented by EMI, the company Platt, 47, left in June. The deal explains last year’s rumors that Platt would be joining Roc Nation after leaving EMI.
Jay-Z also released a statement citing Platt's influence on the finalized deal. “The real meaning of success is being in the position to work with an individual you consider a friend. 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.”
According the The New York Times, Platt is also said to be in advanced negotiations to closing a deal with Jay’s wife Beyoncé.
EMI, the Big Four recording company that previously catalogued Roc Nation's music has been absorbed into Sony/ATV Music, shrinking the amount of major music labels from four to three.
