Jay-Z becomes president of Def Jam

The image of the businessman, of rapper as CEO, is common to hip‑hop videos and record sleeves. Few performers have held that position in real life though, as Jay-Z did for three years. Hired by Island chairman LA Reid to restore some credibility to a roster that had flagged since its heyday, Jay-Z both succeeded – he signed Rihanna – and failed – he signed Lady Sovereign. His initial contract was never renewed and he returned from the boardroom to the recording studio.