An independent Blueprint

It cost him (a reportedly) $5 million, but Jay-Z is finally independent. The rap star confirmed to Rap Radar that he bought out the remainder of his contract with Island Def Jam to officially become an independent artist (according to deal he signed with them, he owed them one more album before he could join another label). Jay-Z has his new album,The Blueprint 3, in the works and he plans to release it on his very own Roc Nation label. Jay-Z left Island Def Jam on good terms, telling Rap Radar “I can honestly say, working with [Island Def Jam’s] Doug Morris and LA Reid has been a unique and fulfilling experience and I respect them immensely. I thank [Doug] for allowing me to be a completely independent artist. Not every artist can say they own or are given the opportunity to own all of their music.” Hopefully, with all the negotiations now worked out, we will start getting some more information about Blueprint 3, originally set to be released last winter. With songs like the Santigold-sampling “Brooklyn Go Hard” and hit song “Swagga Like Us” rumored to be included on the album, we hope the start of Jay-Z’s new independence will also be the end of The Blueprint’s delayed release.

-Laurie Moot

Currently listening to: "Lady on the Water," by Blitzen Trapper

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