Jay-Z new imprint Def Jam Left

Posted on 09.12.2005

Def Jam president/CEO Jay-Z has plans to start a new imprint next year: "Def Jam Left"

The rapper-turned-exec told Billboard that he is in talks with hip-hop band the Roots, "I’m talking to the Roots right now. I’m confident to put out there that we might make this happen. The label would probably begin at the top of the year, but I hope to have the Roots signed by the time they get off their international tour." The Roots drummer ?uestlove told Billboard that the group was almost finished with their upcoming album, “Game Theory.” Black Star’s Mos Def and Talib Kweli were mentioned as guests on the track, "Where I Come."

The Rootscould well be the first signing to the label Jay-Z refers to as Def Jam Left. In fact, he says he would like to sign the group by the time it completes its international tour.

Meanwhile, Jay-Z says we may see him come out of retirement to record – gasp – a new album.

"You all are hearing things from me — you just haven’t heard an album," he says. "Who knows? I’m still going in the studio, getting on remixes and things like that. But it’s the people. When people want something bad enough, it happens. And they want it bad (laughs). I’m trying to hold out, but I don’t know how long I can."

- Jay-Z also Wants to Be Called Shawn Carter:

Rapper Jay-Z announced he dropped his stage name in favor of his birth name, Shawn Carter. Invited at a party after London’s GQ Awards, the singer issued invitations but refused to sign them with his recording pseudonym.

Journalists were told: "Please make sure that when referring to him in your article, you call him Shawn Carter. It’s how he wants to be known now because he’s exploring business opportunities in the UK."

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