“Pay us like you owe us for all the years that you hoe’d us. We can talk, but money talks, so talk more bucks!”
Music legend Shawn Carter, aka Jay Z, has always spoken truth in his rhymes. No disrespect to “mumble-rap,” “pop-rap,” or any other rap, but “facts-rap” should always be a thing. And Jay Z will always be its king.
With his new, $200 million dollar, touring-only deal with Live Nation, Jay has not only given us a glimpse of the future. He has again confirmed what he’s said to us in his music: “I’m not a business-man, I’m A BUSINESS, Man!”
Just as his expiring 2008, 360 deal with Live Nation (worth $150 million) was pioneering for artists, the fact that his latest deal is exclusively for touring is another small step for the Jigga-man and a giant leap for all Hip-Hop. Basically, in between running Roc Nation, Tidal (which also secured a $200 million dollar investment from Sprint), Roc Nation Sports (“Scott Boras, you over, Baby!”) and living it up with Beyoncé and their children, Jay will be paid $20 million a year—for 10 years—just to hit the stage and deliver what he has always delivered: the best live show in Hip-Hop.
“Over 9 years, we have traveled the world producing historic music experiences,” Jay Z said in a statement. “This renewed partnership is a testament to our longstanding relationship and the talented individuals at Live Nation. For the next 10 years, we will continue redefining the live event landscape.”
This new deal is a big sign we should be hearing new Jay Z music soon. Although Jay has hits for days, it’s highly unlikely Live Nation is paying $200 mil for more “Hard Knock Life” performances. It also means we will probably see another joint tour with Beyoncé, as Live Nation was the promoter for the wildly-successful “On Tha Run” tour. (“When you’re in them big meetings for them mils, it takes me just to compliment the deal!”) We see you, too, Bey!
New deal, more tours, fresh music. As always, Jay Z gets the champagne (or the D’usse). . . But we are all winners.
“I do this for the culture…”
And The Culture thanks you, Big Homie.
