What If: Jay-Z & Young Money Entertainment

By: Alex Harris

After Eminem’s 6th studio album Relapse was released in June, one thing has become clear - Young Money Entertainment is the only label that is making notable progress within hip-hop today.  Sure, Roc-A-Fella and Aftermath/Shady continue to feature prominent artists, but with a super-star in Lil Wayne, and a once-in-a-lifetime talent in Drake, only time will tell what the future holds for YME. So, before letting that time elapse I’ve taken the liberty of thinking toward that future and asking the question: What if Jay-Z buys YME?

Before we delve into this exciting possibility, there are some key factors that need to be considered.  Jay-Z, former CEO of Def Jam records will reportedly step down after completing The Blueprint 3 later this year, which will facilitate the completion of his talent contract.  Jay-Z will then enter his contract (signed in 2008) as the first artist signed by Live Nation, inking a deal worth a whopping $150 million.  Because Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter can seemingly do whatever his entrepreneurial mind desires, two new record labels recently came into fruition, one being RocNation, and the other being StarRoc which was created last year by Carter and Norwegian songwriter/producer Mikkel Eriksen.  These advances hint at a future of heightened profitability for the multi-faceted rapper.

So, with these two newly-established labels under Jay-Z’s control, and a single off The Blueprint 3 featuring Aubrey Drake Graham titled “Off That” that is expected to be released within the next couple of months, it’s clear that Jay-Z has shifted his focus from the hardwood and Lebron James to Toronto, which is Drake’s hometown.  With rumors circulating on the Internet regarding a possible appearance by Jay-Z and Drake on a nation-wide tour being held by Lil Wayne and Young Jeezy, it only makes sense for these two behemoths to combine forces.  We all loved Mr. Carter off The Carter III, and we’re all bound to enjoy Off That, even if it is the poorly-edited YouTube version.

To me, the prospect of hearing Kanye West, Jay-Z, Drake, and Lil Wayne collaborating with the likes of Jadakiss and Beanie Siegel (not to mention Rihanna) over tracks produced by Just Blaze and DJ Clue is absolutely ridiculous.  Rap enthusiasts will never forget the past, but for the first time in a long time, they may have something to look forward to.