Jay Z Remarks On Rihanna’s Album Delay & Label Move

Published: Wednesday 7th Oct 2015 by Sam
jay-z-rihanna-r8-thatgrapejuice

Jay Z is in quite the position.

On the one hand, he’s married to one of the industry’s most prolific stars, while on the other he’s helped create the career of her rival.

Of course, the latter refers to Rihanna – whose success (or current lack-thereof) has been the subject of much debate this year.

The campaign for her eighth studio album has been muddied and marred by under-performing singles and endless delays.

Still, in attempting to help his prized project keep up appearances, the Roc Nation mogul has offered his insight to the latest goings on in her career.

Speaking in the starlet’s latest Vanity Fair feature, Jigga muses on the her new record label, Westbury Road (which Roc will distribute), as well as Rih’s recent acquisition of her past and future master recordings. He also offers his stance on the incessant push-backs of ‘R8.’

His words below…

Jay Z On Rihanna’s New Label & Owning Her Masters:

“What took me 15 or 20 years to get has taken her 10, and will take the next person 5 years. It’s great to be able to help fight that fight.”

Jay Z On The R8 Album Delay:

“She wants it to be perfect”

Jay Z On Rihanna’s Success Story:

What makes Rihanna special—outside of the music—is that she is someone who is genuinely herself. People connect with her. You are seeing the authentic version of who she is. You can see her scars and her flaws…. She’s gone through things that everyone’s gone through—dysfunctional relationships, things that played out in front of everyone’s eyes—and she’s done a real good job of keeping her life private, but just living her life as a young person … unapologetically. You have to have a tough skin in this business; you’re going to hear some things about yourself that you’re going to think, What?? Are you crazy? {Source}

[Photo credit: Getty / Wireimage]

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  1. Cici fan October 7, 2015

    FLOPPPPP

    • You tried ??????!? October 7, 2015

      “She has kept her life PRIVATE” -was the only thing that stuck out to me?????? Lol come on Jay ! I normally ride with him but AUTHENTIC?? Being herself??? Then to put ur own foot in your mouth by saying she’s basically an open book “People can relate … She has went through things PUBICLY… Then… Keep her life private”??? I love that fact that he’s “protecting his investment! Son! She’s no icon.. It doesn’t take a person that contribute nothing but her vocals to a body of music(Album) the writers are DRIED out of ideas and every Idea they bring forward the EXECS must be saying NO TOO

      • Cupid October 7, 2015

        I don’t think he’s contradicting himself…. She has exposed what could clearly be ovserved from looking at anyone’s life from the outside looking in. I’m sure there are a lot more content that goes on behind the scenes. In realty you can be an open book as far as your views, openions, and even the way you carry yourself may be a little out there but still remain a private person. Hard to explain

      • Amanda D. October 7, 2015

        @You tried, I couldn’t have said this better even I tried!????????????

    • Grande October 7, 2015

      She will do more than 19k that’s for damn sure lol

    • When Rihsus Says Yes… October 7, 2015

      Your “mother” is the definition of a flop. Ciara could never, sis, and you know that.

  2. HailBeysus October 7, 2015

    He speaks the truth tho. Although i really don’t see anything in this article about her album, besides a little comment saying ‘she wants it to be perfect’. Leaving me to believe no one knows where R8 is…. (sigh)

  3. Arianator Barb October 7, 2015

    All he said is she wants it to be perfect… y’all make it seem like it was something important or deep. #clickbaitinghoez

    • Anastasia Beaverhousen (aka T.I.T.S.) October 7, 2015

      LMAO!

  4. Stephy. October 7, 2015

    Ugh, it’s making me mad how she’s delaying & taking forever. If I was Rihanna, this is what my discography would look like by now:
    —————
    Rihanna: 2005 (2,000,000+) WW (1,000,000+) US
    .
    A Girl like Me: 2006 (4,000,000+) WW (2,000,000+) US
    .
    Good Girl, Gone Bad: 2007 (12,000,000+) WW (5,000,000+) US
    .
    Rated R: 2009 (5,000,000+) WW (2,000,000+) US
    .
    The Red Album: 2010 (10,000,000+) WW (4,000,000+) US
    .
    Rebellious: 2011 (7,000,000+) WW (3,000,000+) US
    .
    Unapologetic: 2012 (6,000,000+) WW (2,000,000+) US
    .
    The #1’s: 2014 (8,000,000+) WW (2,000,000+) US
    .
    R8: 2015 (3-4,000,000+) WW (1-2,000,000+) US
    —————
    In a perfect world, that’s how her discography (with it’s DESERVING SALES) should look like. But, noooooo. She wanna waste time & model/smoke N s***. Come on Rih, get back on your grind. She was doing soooo good. Her run between 2007 – 2012 was perfection. F*** that modeling s***, get back to that great pop music.

    • King Mark111 /.\ October 7, 2015

      What are you talking about? I seen you type this a few time and again, you make no sense.

  5. Indie October 7, 2015

    Janet took 7 years before she released a new album and delivered a MASTERPIECE, back in the day artist used to take 2-3 years before the next album would be released, they lived, had new things to say and feel and then would deliver greatness, in this popcorn generation of instant hits albums come out yearly and are good but hardly ever GREAT! If Rihanna wants to take her time so she can make an album that she is truly proud of then good for her!

    The public has no right to give her a deadline she can do whatever she wants and take as much time as she wants we don’t own her!

    • Sarah October 7, 2015

      Rihanna is not that type of artist! She is a microwave pop artist! November would make it three years since she released an album. This generation has ADD and moves on to the next best thing very quickly. I will admit that a lot of artists are going the Rihanna route and releasing albums every year. I know a few artists including Mariah did it back in the day but Rihanna brought it back to this generation, Rihanna cares about numbers so she needs to release SOON!

    • You tried ??????!? October 7, 2015

      @Indie
      Have a seat .. “Back in the day”??? Real artist are doing it now BEY only have 5 solo albums which she put out since 2006 it’s 2015 … Alicia keys???? Adele??? Shall I go on? Rih in her 7years has 7 albums! This press to make her look good cause the King has spoken but it’s not Rihs time anymore she has been shelved! Sorry Navi but everything makes her look bad! That was her BRAND! Singles fast albums.. Naked pics ! Big promos awards shows and her fav SOCIAL MEDIA controversy

      • HailBeysus October 7, 2015

        Um beyonce has been putting solo albums out since 2003 lol not 2006 you tried tho. P.S Rihanna’s been around since 2005 so 10 years haha…

      • You tried ??????!? October 7, 2015

        @HailBeysus
        MY POINT EXACTLY lol I meant to say 2003-2015 5 albums BUM ASS TRIED TO COME FOR ME BUT ONLY MADE MY POINT “MORE VALID” U TRIED IT U IGNORANT CLOWN LMAO

    • RihYonce October 7, 2015

      True but like damn it’s been 3 years already the time has now expired lol it’s time to release if that was the case she should’ve stay her ass away & release music now & not early in the year getting people’s hopes up like a album was coming earlier than attended

  6. Taylor Tart October 7, 2015

    Taylor issszssss that artist who took 5 🙂

  7. Stephy. October 7, 2015

    No shade, but I don’t particularly like artist that take 3-5 f****** years to release new music. That’s the only thing I don’t like about Janet, Whitney, Michael etc… So annoying waiting all them damn years for new material, even if it was “worth the wait”.
    .
    It really irritates me that Whitney Houston (possibly the GREATEST vocalist in pop/contemporary music history), wasted her PRIME vocals on WHITE WASHED CORNY POP/BALLAD MUSIC. And, then Clive had the nerve to make her release music every 2-4 years (and even stopped her from duet-ing with MJ, WTF?). Shoot, with a voice like that, you needs to be releasing albums EVERY DAMN YEAR! I believe in striking while the iron is hot & making as much use of your prime years as possible, just in case you become washed up, before it’s time. Whitney should’ve had about 3-4 albums already released BEFORE, the 1980s ended. And, about another 5 albums in-between 1990 – 1996 (imo). A Jazz, Christmas, Acoustic & maybe a Broadway type album. It irks me, Nippy didn’t reach her full potential as an ARTIST. Cause, she definitely reached her full potential as a vocalist (imo). The Bodyguard should’ve been recorded by her ONLY. Them idiots be trying so hard to discredit that as just a “soundtrack”, and not her album. So, she can’t get the title of “Best Selling Album By A Female Artist”.
    .
    Now, with artist like Madonna, Mariah, Barbra, Aretha, Prince etc… I really LOVE their catalogs, cause it’s sooo soo soo soo sooooo much to choose from, WHY? Because, they released as much as possible during their primes, that’s how it’s suppose to be. Give your fans an abundance of music! Shoot, SOMETHING is better than NOTHING.

    • B**** I I Can’t Even Spell Welfare October 7, 2015

      But Rihanna already has 7 albums, Madonna only has 13 studio albums for her entire career (yes, she has other projects as well). Rihanna has been a machine when you think about it.

      Prince’s (my favorite male artist of all time) output during the 80’s is absolutely crazy and you’re right, taking advantage of your prime years is paramount. From 1978-1989, he released 11 albums. Most of them classic and it remains my favorite period from him.

      But Rihanna is a different kind of artist. She has to assemble the right team (writers, producers, etc….) to give her the best product possible and I’m glad she taking her time with this one.

      I agree with you about Whitney though. We needed SO much more from her. 🙁

      • Stephy. October 7, 2015

        Yes, I guess it’s best that Rihanna takes her time, I keep forgetting she’s not really the actual person making her music. But, shouldn’t that be all the reason as to why she shouldn’t be taking this long? I mean, it’s not like she’s some producer/writer. Who knows… But, YES! Prince is amazing. His prime years SLAYS me so much. I love his era’s between 1981 – 1991, just perfection.

    • Amanda D. October 7, 2015

      I disagree w/ you entirely. It’s irritating af when an artist releases an album every 1 or 2 yrs. (think Prince & Madonna) because they usually HAVE NOTHING TO SAY & they’re just flooding the market w/ mediocre material. I prefer an artist take, 3, 4, 5 (or even 7) and, blow everybody away w/ a f****** masterpiece (think Janet)!!! With a fast food, manufactured pop star such as, Rihanna to take this long to release a record, it usually means that the label doesn’t think it’s gonna sell and, that’s the God’s honest truth!!! But, I do agree that MJ & Whitney wasted alotta time years and, potential by focusing on bs outside of music and waiting so, long to release new music.

  8. B**** I I Can’t Even Spell Welfare October 7, 2015

    As a huge fan of Sade, Erykah Badu, Maxwell, and my seven year wait for Janet, I’m used to waiting lol! but I understand that Rihanna fans are used to getting music every year.

    I became a die hard Rihanna fan during the “Rated R” era. It didn’t sell as much because it was dark. So what. It’s her best work. This album proved that Rihanna has a masterpiece in her & I think we should give her time to make the absolute best album she can make. This is album #8. It is time for a Rihanna masterpiece, sales and charts be damned.

    Her “The Velvet Rope” is coming.
    Her “Ray of Light” is coming.

    Give her the time.

  9. shakira stan October 7, 2015

    Wasn’t jay z in love with rihanna before that Jezebel Beyonce blackmailed him to marry her with a fake pregnancy .

  10. Taylor Tart October 7, 2015

    It would have been more interesting or fun if he said”what took Bey 15-20 years to get took Rih 10 years to get”
    the ending would’ve been historic if he said “the next artist will take 5 years”………”I mean Look at Taylor” says Jay Z……….

    • HailBeysus October 7, 2015

      First off Beyonce’s solo career consists of about 12 year’s.
      Second Rihanna has no where near the same power as Beyonce does. True tea honey. Beyonce may not have her master’s but that’s more of a business move. I mean owning your own master’s makes you solely responsible for how your music is handled. Its obvious Rihanna hasn’t done a great job with that lately. Beyonce sure as hell controls what she puts out and how the media perceives her. Rihanna can’t even do that.
      Third. Taylor Swift has been in the game since 06 so she’s only 1 year behind Rihanna. Plus does Taylor even own her Master’s???

  11. Stephy. October 7, 2015

    “Taylor issszssss that artist who took 5 :)”
    ————–
    Speaking of that h**, my friend got tickets to her show in Atlanta, October 24th, and I was invited to go. So, I’ll be seeing Taylor live in a couple of weeks. Hopefully, I won’t regret it.

    • Arianator Barb October 7, 2015

      good luck girl, I’ll pray for God to give you strength

      • Stephy. October 7, 2015

        Bayyybeee! Honey, I’ve seen this one vine on Twitter, of her lip syncing & “dancing”… I was like, OMG! But, I’m not paying for these tickets, and I’m not turning down a free concert show either. But, I know she’s basic. I’ma still try to have a good time.

    • Taylor Tart October 7, 2015

      Yes sis I can guarantee u, you won’t regret it……. And since Taylor always brings out artist you better pray and hope i’ts one of your faves

      • Stephy. October 7, 2015

        … I don’t like her at all, and she’s basic. But, I’m still not gon’ turn down a free ticket. I’m not gon’ lie tho, I will probably get my life during “We Are Never Getting Back Together”. I actually like that song.

    • AnnaliseKeatingsNewWig October 7, 2015

      Don’t sis ????????????????, I’m still trying to recover from the KII-IA read you served yesterday #IsYouHawngrey

      • AnnaliseKeatingsNewWig October 7, 2015

        Chile I’m HOLLERING! *removes my wig and hands it to you*
        ___
        I heard she performs for cornbread and mac’n’cheese ????????

  12. DEL BEY October 7, 2015

    This site has become stale af, I won’t lie, I used to come here all the time, it was always popping, now all ya’ll talk about is Beyonce, Rihanna, Nicki, Mariah, Janet, Tamar and the Real Housewives. This is becoming Sam’s ratchet online burn book

  13. Arianator Barb October 7, 2015

    I do honestly believe this will be her magnum opus. I also believe she was inspired by Beyonce self titled album which I believe is her magnum opus. Not necessarily sonic or thematically inspired but instead by the fact that it changed our perception of Beyonce the artist, she talked about things she never did before, let us see part of who she really is that strayed from her former “perfect diva”image. Rihanna’s doing the same thing, songs and sounds she’s never done before and a whole different side from what the public is used to seeing. Idk, that’s just what I think

  14. .::Centurion::. October 7, 2015

    “What makes Rihanna special—outside of the music—is that she is someone who is genuinely herself. People connect with her. You are seeing the authentic version of who she is.”
    ————————————————————
    Rihanna is real. That’s why I like her, besides her chart slaying music. I honestly can’t stand fake people…. and thieves. We honestly don’t need these celebrities with multiple personality disorders like Beyonce, either do our children.

  15. Taylor Tart October 7, 2015

    Yes sis I can guarantee u, you won’t regret it……. And since Taylor always brings out artist you better pray and hope i’ts one of your faves

  16. S****** Blonde October 7, 2015

    She’ll be fine.

    • Stephy. October 7, 2015

      Le besa en la mejilla, le encanta Paul.

      • S****** Blonde October 7, 2015

        You mean “Te gustan los besos en la mejilla”, the answer is yes!:-D

      • Stephy. October 7, 2015

        No, I meant what I typed the fist time. BYE

  17. JanStan October 7, 2015

    I love Rihanna and admire her desire to release a perfect project but she needs to be honest. She’s released 3 singles and its coming up on a year since the first. This project was done. She’s pushing back the release out of fear that it won’t perform well on the charts. If she wants longevity shes going to have to take risks, some of which will work and some that will fail miserably. If she defines herself by chart positions she is in for a rude awakening whenever she is up against the next big superstar which in this day and age seems to be every other week.

    • B**** I Can’t Even Spell Welfare October 7, 2015

      This is absolutely true. She pushed the album back because of the charts & I hated to see that. For the masterpiece that she wants to release, like you said, she must take some risks. And what’s crazy, you could see her trying to push herself when she dropped the lead single and then “American Oxygen.” I personally was very excited about the album but the charts dictated her moves. Then her fans started to shame her. It spooked her.

      “If she wants longevity shes going to have to take risks, some of which will work and some that will fail miserably.” -every upcoming artist should have this posted on their walls.

      • JanStan October 7, 2015

        I was loving what I was seeing too! While it wasnt my favorite stuff from her I was excited at the directiom she was going. It was mature and I will be here for it when I finally does drop. My fear though us that she’ll revert back to the EDM dance pop she’s been doing which would be a shame.

    • Amanda D. October 7, 2015

      ????????????????

  18. Grande October 7, 2015

    Rihanna should’ve never released any singles because now it makes her look AFRAID to release out of fear of flopping. She released 3 singles and it’s coming up on a year (January) and still no album. Where they do that at?

  19. RihYonce October 7, 2015

    I just think that Rihanna should’ve just waited until now to release music if that was the case, because honestly people are losing interest , they should’ve started off the Era with a single in October then album November, I understand she wants it to be perfect but damn she should’ve thought this through before making a comeback at the Grammies this year

  20. RihYonce October 7, 2015

    I really had hopes of enjoying a Rihanna album before Bey’s comeback smh

  21. ugh okay October 7, 2015

    when sam writes a rihanna post…
    .
    how long is this running like that tho. the drag fest. some years too… huh? 😀
    .
    nothing of interest here tho. i mean… if it’s her’s we know already what it’s about. we’ll see how perfect it is when it’s done. something else matters?
    .
    clock’s ticking.

  22. RihAmerican (hives scared of R8) October 7, 2015

    “She wants it to be perfect” let’s leave it as that.Rihanna has never been scared of the charts.You idiots and your f****** theories make me sick.If anything she took a risk with Rated R, not caring if flopped or not.In the end it managed to became her best work. If this album will be anything like Rated R, I’m willing to wait. I don’t care what anyone says, AO,BBHMM,45 sec
    We’re not meant for the charts yet they managed to outsell most of your fav’s efforts.Did you really expect something to happen with those 3? If Rihanna wanted to shut the game down she would’ve released another dance track. “Lean On” was her rejected track. Not one dance track was released this era. She saved your favs.

    • JanStan October 7, 2015

      Either youre not being honest or your delusional. Most albums have 13-14 tracks. She’s released 3 already. When she does release she’ll HAVE to release a few more to support it. At most she can get away with 2 more singles and hope that they’re HUGE. Otherwise there will be no reason to buy the album as the public has already heard half of it and for the most part been unimpressed.

    • Florida Evans October 7, 2015

      She absolutely took a risk with Rated R and I was so proud of her but when Loud was released, THAT became a dangerous album for her because her fans kept screaming “We want another Loud. We wanted another Loud.” Rihanna is a risk taker but she has to drown out all of the noise and release the album SHE wants to release win or lose. If it doesn’t perform well commercially, so what! I just want her to bring the music on her own terms.

      I personally loved the 3 songs she released. I hope her artistic vision for the album is absolutely the same.

      • JanStan October 7, 2015

        I agree with you completely! That was my point! This album, based on the first singles, is the biggest risk in my opinion as the songs aren’t chart ready, and that’s fine. My point is that she should stay in that lane and release the album already. Experimenting is healthy. Releasing single after single is not imo

  23. Kelendria October 7, 2015

    Jay has his d*** so deep in her p**** that he can’t even tell the truth

  24. Slay_Hive October 7, 2015

    The excuses for her being scared to release an album, after a year ( almost) and three singles, are endless. Lol Let’s just be honest, let’s just be real.

  25. bria October 7, 2015

    Beyonce and this fictitious power

    No masters
    No best selling
    That girl got hype on lock

  26. Slay_Hive October 7, 2015

    ” Rihanna is a risk taker but she has to drown out all of the noise and release the album SHE wants to release win or lose”
    .
    It any of this were true, the album would have been released MONTHS ago. Excusesss. Lmao

  27. Oscar October 7, 2015

    the only flaw is that she released too many singles too early

  28. DIABETES UNBOTHERED October 7, 2015

    PARKWOOD ENTERTAINMENT >>>> WEST SH!!TYY ROAD. JOINT CUSTODY >>> RL8ATE.

  29. Carry on October 7, 2015

    Again…..Why Jay always lying… he always lying Ugh…mmmmmhh..mmmmmrr Why he f’in lying? He always p!mpin h0es… He making it hard for me.

  30. King Mark111 /.\ October 7, 2015

    Rih’s recent acquisition of her past and future master recordings.
    .
    Wait, PAST and future. So she owns ALL of her masters?! Weren’t the pest just saying that she don’t own any of her #1’s? Hahahaha, mo eggs on the hive’s faces.
    .
    Janet owns her masters, so does Rihanna. Heck even Aaliyah owned her masters. When will the roach queen? #SonySlave

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