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By Henry Adaso, About.com Guide to Rap / Hip-Hop

Jay-Z Resigns from Def Jam Post

Tuesday December 25, 2007

After three years and a truckload of platinum albums, the Carter administration has finally come to an end. Jay-Z (born Shawn Carter) recently announced his decision to step down as Def Jam president, following a series of failed negotiations. Jay-Z's contract at Def Jam expired, and sources close to the label said he was hoping to renew with bigger financial benefits. Under his old contract, his salary was in the range of $10 million if he met certain financial benchmarks. Having failed to reach a compromise with the label, Mr. Carter decided it was time to go seek greener pastures elsewhere.

"Now it's time for me to take on new challenges," said Jay-Z in a statement. "I am pleased to have had the opportunity to build upon the Def Jam legacy."

CEO of Island Def Jam Music Group, Antonio "L.A." Reid, said: "Jay made it clear to us that he feels the time has come to take on different challenges in his life. While we regret his decision to move on, we certainly respect it." He added: "While he will continue to be one of our signature artists, he will nonetheless be missed in this executive capacity."

Last week, Jay-Z announced that he has one album left under his Def Jam contract as an artist. As Def Jam prez, Jay-Z helped fuel the success of artists like Rihanna, Ne-Yo, Kanye West, and Young Jeezy.

Photo © Stephen Lovekin/Getty

Comments

December 25, 2007 at 5:36 pm
(1) james says:

and president carter will be missed. merry christmas to everyone!

December 26, 2007 at 4:46 pm
(2) Luka says:

I think that this is actually good for other artists under Def jam contract…

December 26, 2007 at 10:41 pm
(3) jonjon says:

yo’ DefJam aint gonna sell more becuz Jigga aint there, how silly.

Jigga came in the game independent, he’s a hustler baby, still #1

December 30, 2007 at 11:51 am
(4) Big Sav says:

It was a cool run for Hov, But he had too much time away from the studio. Get back to what you do best FLOW!!!!!

December 31, 2007 at 9:19 am
(5) Shiban says:

too bad… it seemed like he was enjoying thatjob…o well now he has more focus on his music! and just cause it’s his last album with Def Jam, hopefully it won’t be the jigga man’s last, cause American Gangster was tight! if all his albums gonna belike thatfrom now on, i hop hekeep rappin till he break that record for debuting at number one the most, It’s Hovi Baby!

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