Jay-Z’s Roc Nation signs publishing deal with Warner/Chappell

Jay-Z isn’t just making his money touring, buying/repping companies and making music.  He’s taking care of the publishing side of his music too, i.e., the MONEY side. Music publishing is not talked about much–but it should be.  It’s where songwriters either keep or sell ownership rights to their music, which dictates just how they will be paid from here on out every time their song is used anywhere.  Plenty of artists care more about the lights, camera, action and only making a couple cents on each album.  But certain artists, one being Jay-Z, care about their long term behind the scenes money.  And they nab serious publishing deals for their music. The NY Times reports:

Led by Mr. Platt (a 6-foot-8 figure widely known in the industry as Big Jon), Warner/Chappell has signed Jay-Z to a publishing administration deal for his future work as well as his music since 2008. Through a separate deal, Warner/Chappell will also represent the songwriters at Jay-Z’s entertainment and management company, Roc Nation. …. According to two people briefed on the talks, Mr. Platt is also said to be in advanced negotiations with another top EMI Publishing artist who is very close to Jay-Z: Beyoncé, his wife.

“The real meaning of success is being in the position to work with an individual you consider a friend. Jon Platt is such a person. He’s a man of extraordinary character as well as a remarkably talented executive with an ear for music and an eye for talent. It’s great to watch him grow to be one the best in the business.”