Cyrus Langhorne
Maybach Music Group's Wale has reportedly decided to take his talent elsewhere after a long run at business mogul Jay Z's Roc Nation.
While details are still emerging, reports claim Wale exited the start-studded company on good terms.
Wale has left Roc Nation, his longtime management home, a rep for the D.C. MC confirmed to XXL, with sources saying that the split was amicable. The Maybach rapper had been signed to Jay Z’s management company since 2009, when he was still in his label deal with Interscope. Going forward, Wale will be managed by 77 North Management, composed of Leonard Brooks, Maverick Carter and Rich Paul, who also help make up the management team of LeBron James. (XXL Mag)
Back in June, singer Bridget Kelly revealed her stint at Roc Nation had run its course.
“Honestly we needed to part ways. You outgrow situations sometimes. I still feel their love. They’re still people I confide in and people that I have a really strong personal relationship with, so in order to keep that intact we needed to just go our separate ways.” (Rap-Up)
Last year, Roc Nation’s Melanie Fiona called Jay Z a top adviser at the growing label.
“It was pretty crazy! I was actually one of their first signees. When they approached me about management, they set up a meeting. I had no idea that Jay Z would actually be in the meeting, so it was nerve racking and exciting all at the same. Having his support as a manager and as an artist is pretty cool, in business and as far a street credibility goes! He’s brilliant and having him as a resource for advice is definitely helpful along the creative path. Soon after I signed to them, Jay picked me as the face of the Rocawear Women’s line. They put a massive billboard of me from the campaign right in the middle of Times Square! Crazy!” (The Coveteur)
Back in 2011, Jay discussed Bridget Kelly’s slow progress with her music hitting the mainstream.
“J. Cole is pretty close, he’s coming out in September,” Jay told Angie Martinez on August 1st. “He’s got a great album. Jay Electronica is working on a great album as well. He’s pretty close. Bridget Kelly just released — her debut song, ‘Thinking About Forever’ — For me, if you’re gonna come sign to Roc Nation, just realize it’s going to take a second. I’m into artists. I’m not really into putting a single out. It takes a minute to build artists. It’s just true. You can’t come off the street and make a classic. Rarely does that happen. Lauryn Hill was in the business for 700 years before she put out the Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. She had to go through some things. You have to go through some things.” (Hot 97)
