Jay-Z recently discussed his battle to reclaim his masters in a new interview, revealing it was “the fight of his life”. Speaking to CBS news, he opened up about his time as President and CEO of Def Jam from 2004 to 2007 and the legal process of getting back the rights to his masters in 2014.
He expressed his understanding of why some artists choose to hand over their masters, but for him, it was a personal quest. “I want my kids to see my work and if they decide to sell it, then it’s up to them,” he said.
In 2019, Forbes estimated Jay-Z’s back catalogue was worth $75 million (£61 million). The rapper recently also made a return to the stage, performing a remix of the classic ‘Empire State of Mind’ which interpolates Gil Scott-Heron’s 2011 track ‘New York Is Killing Me’. The remix was debuted at an event sponsored by the Louis Vuitton Foundation and Tiffany & Co in Paris.
Jay-Z also recently revealed that Hype Williams once quoted him $1.8 million (£1.4 million) to direct a music video, something he refused. The rapper has been working hard to protect his legacy and it’s paid off.
Leave a Reply