Jay-Z's Roc Nation has its fingers in so many pies now that very soon it's going to have to grow a whole new arm. Does that make sense? Sure, you know what I mean. The company's latest venture takes it into the world of book publishing. In partnership with Random House, it is launching Roc Lit 101.
"The goal of Roc Lit 101 is to provide a creative outlet for acclaimed wordsmiths and artists to share their visions with new audiences', says Roc Nation EVP Jana Fleishman. "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".
Random House's Chris Jackson adds: "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 enthral readers, but also illuminate critical issues. But the partnership isn't just about the books – it's also about audiences: we want to find new voices and new stories, but also new readers".
So, all you new readers out there, take note. And then take your pick. Several books are already slated for publication via Roc Lit 101, including a graphic novel by Lil Uzi Vert, plus memoirs from Meek Mill, Fat Joe and music journalist Danyel Smith.