Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter has teamed up with Random House to launch his very own book publishing imprint called Roc Lit 101. Through his Roc Nation brand, Carter will work with fellow artists to tell their own stories through literature. Thus far, best-selling artists Meek Mill, Fat Joe, Yo Gotti and Lil' Uzi Vert have signed on to release books through the imprint.
“There are so many untold stories and we consider it a true privilege to be able to amplify diverse voices while exploring the uncharted worlds that are about to open to us,” Roc Nation Executive Vice President Jana Fleishman said.
Carter is no stranger to the book publishing business. More than a decade ago, he collaborated with Chris Jackson to publish his own bestseller called Decoded. Now, Carter hopes that his own publishing imprint will help fans and entertainers meet “at the dynamic intersection of entertainment and genre-defying literature.”
“Our aspiration for the imprint is to create books that draw from the best of pop culture— its most imaginative and talented storytellers, innovators and literary chroniclers — to create beautifully written and produced works that will entertain and enthrall readers, but also illuminate critical issues,” Roc Lit 101 executive Chris Jackson added.
World Series Champion C.C. Sabathia will be the first author to publish work through Roc Lit 101. His book, Till The End, will be released in the summer of 2021. He will be followed by accomplished music journalist Danyel Smith. Her book, Shine Bright, will honor Black women in music.
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