Rihanna wants to increase her brand recognition by getting involved in films, fashion, and book publishing. So the Barbados-born star decided to fire her manager, Marc Jordan, and sign with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation.
Jay-Z played a key role at the start of Rihanna’s career and was featured on her first major hit single, “Umbrella.”
However, Rihanna should pay close attention to Jay-Z’s record as a manager. Although Roc Nation did an adequate job of promoting and managing the career of singer Melanie Fiona, the company laid a brick with Washington, D.C., rap artist Wale.
Wale released three acclaimed mixtapes before signing with Roc Nation. And although he had several notable artists such as Lady Gaga and Jazmine Sullivan on his debut album, Attention Deficit, it only sold 28,000 copies in its first week.
Rihanna will sell more than 28,000 records, but her appeal seems to have waned. Last summer, Rihanna was forced to cancel several shows in major cities because of sluggish ticket sales.
As her manager, Jay-Z might have to alter the singer’s image so that fans and major corporations are more willing to buy into her brand. –a.r.
