Cyrus Langhorne
Maybach Music Group's Wale has stepped forward and spoken out on his publicized decision to leave business mogul Jay Z's renowned Roc Nation after five years.
According to Wale, the company’s evolution into Roc Nation Sports contributed to his motivation to find another management team.
“I mean, I don’t really need no help on the music side. It’s like the brand stuff is what I’m on right now – I have a job with the Washington Wizards – brand ambassador,” Wale explained in an interview. “It was hard because I was [at Roc Nation] when that joint was S. Dot Enterprises. That joint was brand spanking new. It was hard for me [to leave]. But to me personally they’re going in another direction. They’re sports.” (“The Breakfast Club”)
Wale reveals what sports stars he helped get signed to Roc Nation Sports in this video clip…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=QSqMVecu-88
Details about Wale’s unexpected exit, emerged last month.
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)
Of course, they are gonna focus their attention at their athletes instead since they will get them more money for their investment in the long run
It’s funny how he leaves roc nation to join lebron’s management and uses “sports” as the reason.