Rumor: Apple launching Record Label with Jay-Z

So, what do we make of this ? The rumor is that Apple is launching a record label together with Jay-Z according to BSG who say they have confirmed it from a high-up person attached to Jay-Z. We do not have many details as of yet but we can make some assumptions. The deal makes perfectly sense if you consider that Apple already has a very popular distribution model in place which would profit the most from artists that sign under the new label.

I think they will make the records iTunes exclusive on the Internet but sell CDs in stores as well. Correct me if I'm wrong but Apple would be the only music label, a big one that is, that would have a working online distribution model in place. All the other majors depend on other websites to sell their digital music.

This would be in my opinion a huge advantage for Apple. It could also proof worthwhile for the artists because Apple would be more flexible concerning artists cuts because they would own production and distribution thus eliminating the middlemen who are the Record Companies.

We should however wait until we get more details before we begin praising Apple for the move, because it could very well be that Apple is only replacing the Record Companies in a sector which would not be beneficial for artists and consumers alike.

Update: It appears to have been  a rumor and nothing but a rumor after all. Apple, at least for the time being, has not created a record label. It is certainly in the realm of possibility that the company will some day, but for now, it is only in the business of selling music through its iTunes store, not publishing music itself.

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