Jay-Z becomes president of Def Jam

2004: Number 46 in our series of the 50 key events in the history of R&B and hip-hop musicThe image of the businessman, of rapper as CEO, is common to hip‑hop videos and record sleeves. Few performers have held that position in real life though, as Jay-Z did for three years. Hired by Island chairman LA Reid to restore some credibility to a roster that had flagged since its heyday, Jay-Z both succeeded – he signed Rihanna – and failed – he signed Lady Sovereign. His initial contract was n...

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