Roc Lit 101, the publishing division of Roc Nation and an imprint of Random House, announced today it has acquired Lucky Me, the coming-of-age memoir of Rich Paul, the CEO and Founder of Klutch Sports Group and Head of Sports at United Talent Agency (UTA).
JAY-Z said: “Rich has always been wise beyond his years, with a wealth of knowledge gained by his inimitable curiosity. To no one’s surprise, Rich has built a phenomenal business with Klutch Sports. This book is an American tale of “against all odds”—and I believe young people in similar environments will see themselves in “Lucky Me”.
North American, open market rights were acquired by Roc Lit 101 publisher Chris Jackson from Byrd Leavell of UTA.
“Lucky Me is more than my story,” Paul said. Lucky Me is the story of every young Black man who grew up like me. I want to use my story to uplift and inspire those who lived this and educate those who didn’t. I cannot tell you what it means to partner with my friend and mentor JAY-Z on this project. Lucky Me was the name of the book before I even spoke with JAY because his music was my life’s soundtrack.”
“I cannot tell you what it means to partner with my friend and mentor JAY-Z on this project. Lucky Me was the name of the book before I even spoke with JAY because his music was my life’s soundtrack.” – @RichPaul4 #LuckyMe pic.twitter.com/kw7d8RQEyK
— Roc Lit 101 (@roclit101) March 17, 2021
While Paul is best known as one of the most transformative and innovative leaders in professional sports, Lucky Me tells a different story. Before Klutch, Paul was a young man growing up in Cleveland during a difficult era.
Lucky Me tells the story of that street-smart kid trying to navigate the razed landscape of a city in the midst of transformation, grappling with its challenges and gathering its lessons, shepherded by a family and community that refused to let him fail. In many ways, this is also a story about Cleveland: a city facing difficult challenges – drugs, violence, deteriorating schools and neighborhoods.
A city of strivers and hustlers, survivors and heroes, all bound by a legacy of resilience and the toughest love.
Founded in 2012 in his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio, Klutch became a powerhouse sports agency representing some of the biggest athletes across the NBA, such as LeBron James, Anthony Davis, John Wall, Ben Simmons and Draymond Green, with Paul’s unique and personal approach to representing top NBA, NFL and MLB talent by putting athletes first and empowering them to build careers and brands on and off the court.
READ MORE: Rich Paul Holds All The Cards To The NBA’s Next Dynasty
In 2019, Klutch partnered with United Talent Agency (UTA), an evolution that led to the expansion into the NFL. Paul continues to be a leading agent in the space and in 2019 was named GQ’s “Power Broker of the Year” and “The King Maker” on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
Variety recently named Paul to their “Variety500” list of the most influential business leaders shaping the global media industry. He is also credited with driving the reversal of the so-called “Rich Paul Rule,” which would have banned agents without a college degree from representing NCAA student-athletes.
RELATED: The Rich Paul Rule Was Dead On Arrival
Jackson said, “Rich Paul is one of the most influential figures in professional sports today but, to his credit, that’s not the story he wants to tell. Instead, it’s a story of the people who shaped his life on a humble corner of Cleveland, Ohio, and ultimately a story about how we take care of each other.
This will be a pivotal project for the Roc Lit 101 program and we couldn’t be more excited to have Rich join our team.”
Added Jigga: “My long friendship with Rich aside, he has one of the greatest stories of growing up in America’s ghettos and overcoming adversity. On a personal note, the fact that I’m able to release this book with someone who inspires me and I’ve watched grow is most rewarding!”
