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Jay-Z, Stargate form label, publishing company

Jonathan Cohen
Thu Sep 25, 2008 6:54pm EDT
Jay-Z performs during the Heineken Open'er Festival in Gdynia, Poland, July 5, 2008. REUTERS/Kacper Pempel

NEW YORK (Billboard) - Hip-hop performer and entrepreneur Jay-Z and Norwegian songwriting/production duo Stargate have joined forces under the StarRoc banner, which will encompass a record label and music publishing company under Jay-Z's Roc Nation venture with Live Nation.

According to the principals, "the focus is to find new talent and develop artists through mutually beneficial global partnerships which include music distribution, publishing, touring and merchandising."

Stargate (Tor Erik Hermansen and Mikkel S. Eriksen) has been behind several big hits for artists Jay-Z nurtured while president of Def Jam, including Rihanna and Ne-Yo. The duo is currently represented on the Hot 100 singles chart by Ne-Yo's "Closer" (No. 7), Rihanna's "Take a Bow" (No. 27) and Jennifer Hudson's "Spotlight" (No. 41).

Stargate work will be heard on upcoming albums from Lindsay Lohan, Beyonce, Monica, R. Kelly and Keyshia Cole. As for Jay-Z, his new album, "Blueprint 3," is expected before year's end. It's his last release under his contract with Def Jam before he begins recording for Live Nation.

Reuters/Billboard


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