NEWS

Jay-Z provides opportunity' for record label artists

16th December 2011

Jay-Z's management philosophy is to allow his "talent to find their way."

The 42-year-old music mogul is one of the founders of Roc-A-Fella records and artist management company Roc-Nation.

With so many musicians under his wing, Jay-Z prefers to take a more supportive role with his artists.

"I think running a label is a bit like having kids," Jay-Z told MTV News.

"When you know someone needs more help, you help them. When you see that someone can make it on their own... you see Kanye or J. Cole, you see that sort of talent you let that talent be. You let that talent find its way."

New Roc-Nation artist J. Cole jumped to the top of Billboard charts in September with his album Cole World: The Sideline Story due to Jay-Z's endorsement.

Jay-Z wants to assist with his artists' success.

"Of course, you're not gonna let any harm befall it. You pretty much let people find their way," he explained.

"I'm just really here to provide opportunity. I'm not here to do anything else. I provide the opportunity, you figure out what you want to say to the world and how you gonna do it."

Jay-Z wants the musicians on his label to authentically express themselves.

"[Signing to my label is] much more than just a 16-bar verse and an endorsement deal; it's an opportunity to let your voice be heard. It's really about you, it's not about me."

Jay-Z's Roc-Nation artists also include Willow Smith, Bridget Kelly and Jay Electronica.

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