The book industry is Jay-Z’s latest business move.
His entertainment company, Roc Nation, is partnering with Random House to start an imprint called Roc Lit 101, according to a joint statement released on Tuesday, Associated Press has reported. The release also noted that Roc Lit 101 will release books that range from memoirs to fiction and promised “books at the dynamic intersection of entertainment and genre-defying literature.”
Initially, Roc Lit 101 will release novels by rappers Meek Mill, Lil Uzi Vert and others. Meek Mill’s book will be on “criminal justice and survival,” while a fantasy fiction is expected from Lil Uzi as well as memoirs from rappers Yo Gotti and Fat Joe.
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A book by baseball legend CC Sabathia titled “Till The End” and a book by music journalist Danyel Smith called “Shine Bright” will also be published by Roc Lit 101.
According to the Executive Vice President of Roc Nation, Jana Fleishman, the new partnership seeks to amplify diverse voices and untold stories. “There are so many untold stories and we consider it a true privilege to be able to amplify diverse voices while exploring the uncharted worlds that are about to open to us,” she said.
Roc Lit will be led by Chris Jackson, the editor-in-chief of Random House imprint One World and publisher of Jay-Z’s “Decade.”
“Our aspiration for the imprint is to create books that draw from the best of pop culture— its most imaginative and talented storytellers, innovators, and literary chroniclers — to create beautifully written and produced works that will entertain and enthrall readers, but also illuminate critical issues,” says Jackson.
Jay’Z’s latest venture comes following the launch of his cannabis brand called Monogram. Monogram seeks to redefine what cannabis means to consumers today.
According to Monogram’s website, the flower is grown in small batches, “allowing for every plant to receive personalized attention from our expert growers.” It adds that “Our batch-by-batch approach and unique potency designation allow us to highlight the nuances in between harvests and tell you the story of every flower.”
The musician first ventured into business when he launched his clothing line called Rocawear in 1999 and later founded a sports bar chain called the 40/40 Club in 2013. In 2015, he acquired the tech company called Aspiro and also launched Tidal, a music streaming services.
Jay-Z also has a stake in French audio tech firm Devialet. The tech firm recently launched wireless earbuds, called Gemini, to rival Apple and Samsung’s dominance in the wireless earphones market.
