S. Samuel
R&B singer Rihanna is going to strengthen her ties to Jay Z's Roc Nation entertainment company by reportedly upping its services from management to distributing her music.
According to reports, RiRi’s days at iconic powerhouse Def Jam are behind her.
Rihanna has fulfilled her deal with her longtime label, Def Jam, and is now signed with Jay Z’s Roc Nation, a source at Def Jam, has confirmed with MTV News. Rumors about RiRi’s change of scenery began swirling online on Monday (May 5), when Complex pointed out that Def Jam’s website listed her under the “Legacy” artist section, and Roc Nation’s said that the singer was not only managed by the outfit, as she has been since 2010, but also on the label. (MTV)
Reports also suggest the huge label jump may have taken place a year ago.
MTV News has learned that the label change occurred in April 2013, when Hov partnered Roc Nation with Universal Music Group. According to our source, Def Jam will still play a role in the marketing and promotion of the pop star’s music, but she is technically a Roc Nation artist and it is unclear whether the Def jam logo will appear on her next release. (MTV)
The R&B diva spent nearly an entire decade at the star-studded record company.
Rihanna was signed to Def Jam by Jay Z in 2005 while he was president. She released seven albums through the label including most recently Unapologetic in 2012. In February, Variety reported that Rihanna was working on a concept album based on the animated film Home. (Rap-Up)
The R&B diva announced a huge Roc Nation Sports signing last Thursday (May 1).
“I am proud to say that JAMES YOUNG is the newest member of the #ROCNationSports family!!! WELCOME HOME!!! http://rocnation.com/sports/james-young/,” RiRi wrote May 1. (Rihanna’s Instagram)
