S. Samuel
Rap mogul Jay-Z has continued to build a strong force behind his Roc Nation management/record label by adding hip-hop artist Jay Electronica to the roster.
Jay made the announcement during an event last night in New York City (November 12).
Another “Jay” has been added to the Roc Nation roster. It was announced yesterday (Nov. 12) that New Orleans rapper Jay Electronica signed with Jay-Z’s personal imprint, joining acts J. Cole and Willow Smith at the recently formed label. And to celebrate, Jay-Z threw a lavish party at New York club The Box that neither Jay E, nor anyone else in attendance, would soon forget. The event — which kicked off at about 10:15 pm and drew head-turning guests like Beyonce and Omarion — was a three-ring circus that included sexy burlesque dancers, an aerial gymnast, a Russian hula-hoop master and a girl whose “talent” was having men shoot arrows at balloons that were strategically positioned over her privates. (Billboard)
Jay later described his motivation to bring Jay Elect to the Roc.
“I hope with all of this to bring the magic back into hip-hop, all of the love, the wizardry,” said Hov. He then explained the real reason he gathered everyone in the room. “This next wizard that I am about to introduce is very exciting. He goes by the name of Jay Electronica.” The big news–Jay Electronica is the newest member of Roc Nation. The suited rapper then proved why, stopping often to repeat himself slowly so that everyone would listen. (Rap-Up)
Jay also shared his reaction to being inked to Hov’s company.
Diddy has been mentoring and courting Jay for over a year, in the hopes of signing him as well. Electronica insists he values everything Puff contributed and hopes to have him involved in his career, but said “Jay-Z made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. And I have the freedom I need too.” (Miss Info TV)
Last month, producer Sean Garrett talked about joining Roc Nation, a company which also recently signed Willow Smith and Rihanna.
“I’m so misunderstood when it comes to the music man,” Garrett told VIBE less than 24 hours after announcing his signing to Roc Nation/Columbia. “I’m not afraid to say that I’m a true genius with my craft. This isn’t something I do for the money…I think I’m the modern-day Lionel Richie. I just want my fans to really know who I am and get to know me from the inside and out. You’ll be seeing a lot more of me on your TV–not just in music videos. Right now, it’s time to open myself up to the world…Roc Nation understands that my movement is way bigger than just my deal. The only thing that I could have asked for is an opportunity, and that’s what I was blessed with. Jay’s building a new Dynasty and it feels like family to me. No matter how much success I’ve had, I’m still humbled by the opportunity to still be creative and just be myself.” (VIBE)
Check out footage of Jay Electronica at the event below:
