MINi ROUNDUP: JAY-Z MAKING MORE MOVES / KANYE VENTURES INTO THE TRAVEL BIZ

Thursday, April 3, 2008

In what could be one of the biggest music deals in history, hip- hop mogul Jay-Z is continuing to expand on his already impressive professional empire, reportedly on the verge of signing a landmark deal with Live Nation worth an estimated $150 million.

According to the New York Times, the new the deal is the most lucrative one offered by Live Nation and is set to be finalized by week’s end. The deal will see the rapper/entrepreneur leaving Def Jam to start Roc Nation, a parent company which will house several of Jay’s business ventures.

The terms will include financing for his own entertainment venture, in addition to recordings and touring for the next ten years and will see Jigga splitting profits with Live Nation. The deal is aiming to position Live Nation to compete directly with major labels in the areas of record distribution as well as concert tickets and market merchandise.

“I’ve turned into the Rolling Stones of hip-hop,” Jay-Z said in a interview with the Times. [read more]

Kanye West has reportedly started a travel website, KanyeTravel.com. Kanye Travel Ventures will let Kanye’s fans book airline tickets, cars, and hotel rooms along with, eventually, Kanye concert tickets all in one place.

Kanye Travel Ventures is held through West Brands, LLC, which is a holding company owned by Kanye West.

In related news, Kanye recently started a search engine as well. Check it out at searchwithkanyewest.com.