madeincharlie:

Blast From The Past: Jay-Z Business Ventures At Def Jam And Signing 17 Years Old Rihanna To Def Jam 

Jay-Z’s new boss, Antonio ”L.A.” Reid, wasn’t shy helping praise on his star employee ”Being around Jay is inspirational to people,” he gushed to Billboard magazine in 2006. ”I don’t care if you’re 40 year old executive or a 21 years old intern, having that kind of wisdom, stardom, experience, and level of charm could change your life.” Though he prove to be more than capable as a schmoozer, Jay-Z main task as president was to beef up Def Jam’s sagging musical lineup. One of his first signing was Barbadian singer Rihanna. 

A multiplatinum Grammy winner today, she was a nervous 17 years old when she auditioned at Def Jam’s New York offices in 2005. As soon as she sang ”Pon de Replay” which became her first big hit, Jay-Z recognize  her potential and signed her a record deal the same night. ”The audition definitely went well,” Rihanna recalled in 2007. Jay-Z said, ”There’s only two way out. Out the door after you sign this deal, or through this window.” ”And we’re on the 29th floor. Very flattering.” 

(2006)