As of Friday it’s official: Jay Electronica is the newest member of Jay-Z’s Roc Nation team.
"The Wizard," as Jay-Z calls him, joined the Hip Hop legend and entrepreneur last night (November 12) to make the public announcement at New York City nightclub The Box.
“Jay-Z made me an offer I couldn’t refuse,” Electronica said. “And I have the freedom I need too.”
While Jay has yet to release an official full-length, he’s accumulated legions of fans with various mixtapes, EPs, guest appearances and live shows. His mysterious persona is enhanced by the fact that heavy-hitters in the industry have long been anointing him one of the great hopes for the future of Hip-Hop.
The celebration event drew guests including Beyonce and Omarion and included sexy burlesque dancers, an aerial gymnast and a Russian hula-hoop master. Host Jay-Z took the stage dressed to the nines and told his guests about his "goal to reintroduce magic back into Hip-Hop, the love, the wizardry." With that, Jay introduced "Mr. Jay Electronica, the official Roc Nation signee" to the thunderous applause. Watch:
"My name is Jay Electronica and my mama is here so you can’t tell me shit," the MC proclaimed upon taking the stage. However, despite the moment of justified arrogance, Jay Elect politely asked his new boss if he could say a few words.
"Hov, permission to speak freely, sir," he requested, but Hova made it clear the night was all about "The Ghost of Christopher Wallace" rapper.
"This is your show," Jay said. "You better get it."
The latest upgrade in visibility and, presumably, pay comes after Jay Elect spent years building a name for himself on the underground circuit and catching the attention of hip-hop spotlighters such as Nas and Diddy.
Later in the night, the two also previewed their collaborative song, “Shiny Suit Theory” which also features The-Dream and Charlotte Gainsbourg.
With the new deal, Electronica joins Fayetteville, N.C. rep and 2010 XXL Freshman J. Cole on the Roc Nation roster.
New to Jay Electronica? Check out the mixtape, Best Of, So Far: Jay Electronica, right here.
