Rihanna Leaves Def Jam for Roc Nation

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Artist News, Industry News, Hip-Hop & Rap, Pop,

Rihanna is preparing to release her next album with Roc Nation after leaving Def Jam.

The "Diamonds" singer, who was already being managed by Jay Z's record label, has now inked a deal and her profile on Roc Nation's website has been updated, which lists her as one of their big name acts.

Rihanna first signed her record deal with Def Jam in 2005, when she was just 17, and claims then-label-president Jay Z wouldn't let her out of his office until she put pen to paper. Since then, she has released all seven of her chart conquering albums with the label, including 2011's Unapologetic, despite Jay Z leaving his role to start up Roc Nation in 2009.

Rihanna had already parted ways with her former manager Marc Jordan and signed with Jay's Roc Nation management team in 2010 but it now appears she is also signed to the label.

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Rihanna Working on Eighth Album

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Artist News, Collaborations, Upcoming Releases, Hip-Hop & Rap, Pop, R&B / Soul,

Rihanna is back in the studio working on her eighth album.

The "We Found Love" star is reportedly planning a duet with Katy Perry and has been working with producer DJ Mustard on her next, as-yet-untitled, record. "I'm finally going in [the studio] with Rihanna. I'm just doing what I think she would like, and if she don't like it we'll just figure out something else in the studio, and I'll just keep making beats 'till she figure it out. But she's gonna get one," he said.

DJ Mustard, real name Dijon McFarlane, has previously worked with the likes of Young Jeezy, B.O.B, Meek Mill and Bow Wow and has hinted at a more urban sound for Rihanna's next album.

In November last year, it was announced that the producer had signed with the singer's label, Jay Z's Roc Nation.

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Timbaland Signs with Jay-Z

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Artist News, Collaborations, Industry News, Upcoming Releases, Hip-Hop & Rap,

Timbaland has signed to Jay-Z's Roc Nation label. The rapper and producer - who has worked on tracks for Missy Elliott, Justin Timberlake, Kelly Rowland and a host of other stars - has signed with Jay's label, which is also home to Rita Ora and Alexis Jordan.

Jay posted a picture of them together on his Life + Times blog, with a caption reading, "We would like to welcome Timbaland to the Roc Nation family!"

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See Willow Smith Whip Her Hair in New Music Video

Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Music Videos, Hip-Hop & Rap,

If you’re going to member of the Smith family, there are two things you better learn how to do: act and sing. Fortunately for Willow Smith, she can do both.

At just nine years of age, Willow -- the daughter of actors/singers Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith – has already nabbed roles in several films (I Am Legend, Kitt Kittredge). She also has secured her own record deal. Seriously.

“Whip My Hair,” the first single from Roc Nation's newest artist, is Willow’s way of expressing her individuality. “You can’t be afraid to be yourself and you can’t let anyone tell you that that’s wrong. My mom and I are very strong individuals and I just know that because lots of people don’t act like themselves so they’re not happy,” she explained.

If you like what you heard, you can purchase the song when it hits iTunes on October 26. Until then, make sure you also check out Karate Kid’s Jaden Smith – Willow’s big brother – singing with Justin Bieber.

Read More | Just Jared

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Jay-Z Signs The Ting Tings

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Artist News, Upcoming Releases, Alternative, Pop,

Jay-Z is preparing to give The Ting Tings a career boost in the US. The “That’s Not My Name” duo have just signed with rap superstar’s record label, Roc Nation, for their second album.

“Jay is hoping to lend his production skills to some of the new material,” a source told Britain’s Daily Star. “The Staccato rhythmic style of The Ting Tings sits well with what he does best, so that was the attraction. Jay can make them one of the biggest bands across the pond.”

While the duo are thrilled with their deal, they are unlikely to be happy with the amount of time they will have to spend in America.

The group - made up of singer and guitarist Katie White and drummer and programmer Jules de Martino - recently said despite their huge success, they have been homesick since they started touring the world in support of their debut album We Started Nothing in May 2008.

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Read More | Daily Star

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