Next to GaGa‘s Troy Carter, Rihanna‘s manager Jay Brown stands tall as one of the only managers to get it right…all the time.
Sure, while very little can mask the shortcoming that is the hit maker’s singing voice, the last few years have seen Brown turn Rihanna into a force even her most talented of competitors consider a threat, turning her commercial fish sticks into Caviar.
Now, in what now makes him a staple on the annual list, Billboard have celebrated Brown for his genius- making him one of their top ’40 under 40′ music industry Power Players.
Good news below…
Also steering Elijah Blake‘s ship to fruitful shores this year, Jay was announced as one of the first ten honourees today- commended for his work atop Roc Nation which now houses M.I.A, Rita Ora, Shakira, Kylie Minogue, Calvin Harris and his aforementioned priority, Rihanna.
An excerpt from Billboard’s piece on him below:
“We’re true entrepreneurs, creating things we love,” Jay Brown, 39, told Billboard earlier this year. “The challenge is to keep thinking outside the box.” Roc Nation definitely takes that credo to heart. Year to date, the #newrules company broke ground with the Jay Z/Samsung Magna Carta . . . Holy Grail pact, signed a multiyear worldwide partnership with Universal Music Group, appointed Jason Iley president of Roc Nation Records and celebrated No. 1 releases by label acts J. Cole and the head man himself. While welcoming producer Timbaland and artist Kylie Minogue to its management roster, the burgeoning conglomerate—which also houses a music publishing division—launched Roc Nation Sports. Next: After summer stadium shows with Justin Timberlake, Jay Z will helm the second annual Made in America festival (Aug. 31-Sept. 1).”
Putting sales aside, Brown’s winning streak no doubt marks one of the industry’s greatest success stories- picking up acts and moulding them into market leaders.
Indeed, after watching Rita Ora‘s ascent in the UK, the slow but potent push behind Elijah and Rihanna’s undeniable run at the top, it’s safe to say Roc Nation write the rules all should be following…but unfortunately don’t.
Think about it.
How better off would many a struggling act be if they had Mr.Brown in their arsenal?