Jay-Z’s New Album “The Blueprint 3” and Star Roc!

Jay-Z has launched a new record label.

The ‘99 Problems’ rapper has set up Star Roc, a 50/50 partnership between his company Roc Nation and Norwegian songwriting and production duo Stargate.

The label will be based at the hip-hop star’s Rock The Mic studio in New York.

Artists on the label will be developed via a 360 deal, similar to the one Jay signed earlier this year with Live Nation, where the label will receive a portion of everything from album sales to merchandise from their signings.

The venture will also have a music publishing division.



Stargate have previously worked with Jay-Z’s wife Beyonce Knowles and ‘Umbrella’ singer Rihanna.



Jay-Z is currently gearing up to release ‘The Blueprint 3’, his 11th and final album for his current label Island/ Def Jam, who he stepped down as president of last December.

Earlier this year, the rapper signed a reputed $150 million deal with Live Nation.

Jay-Z - who joins Madonna and U2 at the company - secured financing for Roc Nation, while Live Nation acquired the rights to his recordings, merchandise and tours for the next 10 years. The deal also reportedly included financing for a label, music publishing, talent consultations and management services.

Jay-Z Ordered Watermelon Shaped Breasts

Jay-Z demanded a watermelon carved in the shape of wife Beyonce Knowles'
bust during his stay in Africa.

The rapper wanted the bizarre sculpture to be displayed in his
$5,000-a-night hotel room where he was staying ahead of his performance at
the THISDAY Festival in Nigeria on Friday.



A source told Britain's Daily Mirror newspaper: "One giant watermelon was
split in two and ornately carved into a mold of Beyonce's breasts. Two
cherries were used as nipples."

The rapper - who controversially headlined Glastonbury earlier this summer,
despite claims from Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher that hip-hip wasn't right
for the festival - performed a duet with Rihanna at the concert, dubbed
Africa Rising.

The pair performed the Barbadian beauty's number one hit 'Umbrella' before
Jay-Z went solo for a rendition of his duet with Beyonce, 'Crazy in Love'.

The concert - which aims to find sustainable solutions to the economic and
political problems facing the continent - also featured performances from
Mary J. Blige, Usher and a speech from model Naomi Campbell.



Tinseltown’s newest attraction opening next year is the $55 million Madame Tussauds Hollywood launched with the newly created wax figures of singer Beyonce Knowles and Oscar winning actor Jamie Foxx.

Beyonce Raging Mad After Jay-Z’s Insult

Beyonce Knowles had a furious row with husband Jay-Z over one of her biggest
hit singles.

Beyonce, who is believed to have married the hip-hop mogul earlier this
month, reportedly lost her temper at a concert when Jay-Z told the DJ to
stop playing 'Crazy in Love' - a track which also features the rapper.

Jay-Z allegedly said: "F**k that. Sorry Beyonce but f**k that, lets play
something else."



The concert, which was held at Los Angeles' Hollywood Bowl, was organized in
support of US Presidential candidate Barack Obama.

A source told Britain's Daily Mirror newspaper: "Beyonce had been side stage
for most of the night, dancing and singing along. Jay-Z meant it as a joke
but she didn't see it that way. After he came off stage, she confronted him,
demanding to know what the hell his comments had been about. She was
gesturing wildly and not looking happy.

"Later, peace was restored and they were smiling and looking happy again."




Usher and Jay-Z leaving Katsuya Restaurant in Hollywood together (04/17/08).

No wedding ring? No Beyonce.