Jay-Z Parts Ways With Def Jam
May 22nd, 2009
Jay-Z has officially left Def Jam records after a decade and will now continue his recording career as an independent artist on his own label.
The rapper wrote the following message to RapRadar.com confirming his departure:
“I can honestly say, working with Doug Morris and LA Reid has been a unique and fulfilling experience and I respect them immensely. I’ve been in the family for almost my entire career.
Doug and I spoke directly and had one of the most unique “negotiations” ever. Doug won the toss but, we both won in the end..
I thank him for allowing me to be a completely independent artist. Not every artist can say they own or are given the opportunity to own all of their music.”
Jay-Z and Kanye West have been bunkered down in a studio recording his latest album, Blueprint 3, which will now be released on his Roc Nation album.
