Jay Z has expanded his Roc Nation roster as he's signed Rapsody. The North Carolina rapper announced her alignment with Hov during her set at the 2016 Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival, which is conveniently being streamed by Jay Z's Tidal service.
"I'm Jamla/Roc Nation," Rapsody said during the livestream. It's unclear at this time in which capacity she has signed to Roc Nation. There's the label division for artists directly signed to Roc Nation, which includes J. Cole, Jay Electronica, and Rihanna. There's also a management division. Some of the artists on that tier are Fabolous, Big Sean, and Meek Mill.
Regardless, this is a huge look for Rapsody, who has been putting in work in the rap game for about a decade, first as a member of Kooley High and later joining 9th Wonder's independent label Jamla. She released her debut album The Idea of Beautiful in 2012 and has kept her pen game sharp with a string of projects that include She Got Game and Beauty and the Beast.
Kendrick Lamar nabbed Rapsody for a standout appearance on "Complexion (A Zulu Love)" off To Pimp a Butterfly, which many consider to be one of the best verses on the critically acclaimed album. At the time, Rapsody spoke with Complex about linking up with Kendrick for the project.
RAPSODY IS ON ROCNATION. #cray
9th Wonder also celebrated the new deal on Instagram, writing, "To new beginnings..... #WelcometoJamRoc."
We reached out to a rep for Roc Nation and will update when available.
