Def Jam bought the Roc and Jay-Z is now president of the company. Let the rumors cease. Today some people are happy about this and some aren't. Let me break down the winners and losers.
Winner Russell Simmons just strengthened his Def brand, and diluted the Roc, which has been his main rival in the urban marketplace.
Loser Damon Dash told Tavis Smiley that he would be successful even if he never hooked up with Jay. Seems dude really believes this, even if no one else does.
Winner Foxy Brown has been yelling for months that Jay-Z has signed her to his label, even though she also claimed last year that Lyor Cohen would rather ruin her than release her from Def Jam. Well, now that doesn't matter.
Loser Cam'ron abruptly left Def Jam this week. Guess why? He claims it's was a lack of promotion for his album, however how much of a push will he get from his next label.
Winner LA Reid wasn't good at dealing with artists more street than his former protégés Usher and Outkast. Now he can pass that to Jay-Z.
Loser Beeni Sigel only went gold once yet Roc-a-fella gave him his own clothing line, two movies, and a total of 4 albums for his State property crew. Def Jam probably won't allow that much of a free reign just because Jay-Z likes the dude.
Also see the winners and losers from ODB's death.
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