Jay-Z, Stargate Hook Up For New Label StarRoc

Jay-Z has quietly launched his next venture, a new record label called StarRoc. For the label, Jay will team up with Norwegian production duo Stargate, the masterminds behind Rihanna's "Take A Bow" and Ne-Yo's "So Sick." The record label is only one facet of the huge 360 deal Jay signed with concert giant Live Nation. Merchandise, tours and a music-publishing arm are all involved in the deal that netted Jigga $150 million. The new label will make its headquarters at Hova's Roc the Mic recording studio in Manhattan, and will both release new Jay-Z albums as well as develop new talent. Under the terms of StarRoc, the label is a 50/50 partnership between Jay-Z and Stargate.

Related Stories:
• Jay-Z, U2, Metallica Lead Big Fall Album Release Slate
• Jay-Z and Live Nation Near $150 Deal, New Record Label
• Jay-Z Previews New Oasis-Inspired Track at Kanye West's MSG Show

• 
  MUSIC The Top 25 Teen Idol Breakout Moments
• 
  MOVIES & TV 'Game of Thrones': The Show Vs. the Books
• 
  POLITICS Matt Taibbi: Facebook IPO vs. Shareholders
• 
  VIDEOS Exclusive: Garbage Rip Through 'I Think I'm Paranoid'

Song Stories

“Smells Like Teen Spirit”

Nirvana | 1991

"Smells Like Teen Spirit," named after a brand of deodorant marketed to girls, was Kurt Cobain's attempt to "write the ultimate pop song," he said, using the soft-loud dynamic of his favorite band, the Pixies. Cobain "had that dichotomy of punk rage and alienation," the song’s producer, Butch Vig, told Rolling Stone, "but also this vulnerable pop sensibility. In 'Teen Spirit,' a lot of that vulnerability is in the tone of his voice." Sadly, by the time of Nirvana's last U.S. tour, in late '93, Cobain was tortured by the obligation to play "Teen Spirit" every night. "There are many other songs that I have written that are as good, if not better," he claimed.

More Song Stories entries »

Twitter