Jay-Z Defects From EMI Publishing

One of the world's biggest rappers and best-known music entrepreneurs Jay-Z has taken his – and a chunk of Roc Nation's – music rights from EMI Music Publishing to Warner/Chappell.

The New York Times report that Jay-Z was coaxed over to the Warner Music Group company by Jon Platt, who joined from EMI Music Publishing last year following its purchase by a Sony/ATV led consortium. Platt, who is a prominent figure of the urban music industry, has signed a deal with Jay-Z that will see his future songs, and those from 2008 onwards, be handed by Warner/Chappell immediately. The company is expected to be handling most of his back catalogue by the end of the year.

In a statement Jay-Z said, “The real meaning of success is being in the position to work with an individual you consider a friend. Jon Platt is such a person. He's a man of extraordinary character as well as a remarkably talented executive with an ear for music and an eye for talent. It's great to watch him grow to be one the best in the business.”

A separate deal will also see artists on Jay-Z's label and management company Roc Nation make the switch. That include songwriters and producers such as Bruno Mars and Rita Ora, as well as a number of behind the scenes songwriters with proven track records (they've written hits for Kanye West, Beyoncé and Bruno Mars).

A source told the Times that Platt is also negotiating a deal for Beyoncé to join her husband Jay-Z in moving her songwriting rights from EMI to Warner/Chappel.

Forbes speculate that the move will help finally see Jay-Z take full control of his music rights and master recordings as of 2014.