from The New York Times: Rap star Jay-Z has agreed to become the president of Universal Music Group’s Def Jam Recordings label.
The appointment puts the hip-hop label in the hands of one of rap’s biggest-selling artists. Universal, part of Vivendi Universal, will give Jay-Z, who has little corporate experience, the vacant top job at one of its biggest divisions, granting him authority over everything from album production to marketing strategies, and an artist roster that includes stars like LL Cool J and Ludacris.
“I think it sends a great message out to artists,” said Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter. “If you put enough work in and pay attention, maybe one day you can run a company.”
“That I’m the president of the company may take some getting used to for some artists,” Mr. Carter said. “But I don’t want to say I’m their boss. I’d rather say I’m their consigliere.”
