Who Does Jay-Z Sign With? Record Label History & Current Deal
Jay Z is currently not signed to any record label as an artist. Instead, he owns his own record label, Roc Nation, which he founded in 2008. This marks a significant shift from his previous label affiliations throughout his career.
Earlier in his career, Jay Z was signed to several notable record labels. He started with Priority Records and Payday Records in the mid-1990s before founding Roc-A-Fella Records in 1995 alongside Damon Dash and Kareem Burke. Under Roc-A-Fella Records, which was distributed by Def Jam Recordings, he released multiple platinum-selling albums.
In 2004, Jay Z became president and CEO of Def Jam Recordings, where he served until 2007. During his tenure as an executive, he was also signed to the label as an artist. After leaving Def Jam, he founded Roc Nation, which operates as a full-service entertainment company, including record label operations, talent agency, touring, merchandise, and more.
Today, Jay Z releases his music through Roc Nation, maintaining complete control over his artistic output and business ventures. His last album, "4:44" (2017), was released through Roc Nation with distribution support from Universal Music Group.
Timeline of Jay Z's major label affiliations: - 1995-1996: Priority Records/Payday Records - 1996-2004: Roc-A-Fella Records/Def Jam - 2004-2007: Def Jam Recordings (as both artist and executive) - 2008-present: Roc Nation (as owner)
This independent status has allowed Jay Z to maintain creative control over his music while building one of the most successful entertainment companies in the industry. Through Roc Nation, he not only manages his own musical career but also represents numerous other prominent artists and athletes.