Jay-Z’s Roc Nation is partnering with Random House to launch a new publishing imprint, Roc Lit 101.
via: Revolt
JAY-Z’s Roc Nation is venturing into the book publishing business. On Tuesday (Dec. 15), the record label announced it had joined forces with Random House to launch a new imprint called Roc Lit 101, which is set to release novels by Meek Mill, Lil Uzi Vert and more.
“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 told the Associated Press.
According to a press release, Roc Lit 101 will be led by Chris Jackson, who serves as the publisher and editor-in-chief of Random House imprint One World. Jackson and JAY-Z previously teamed up to release the music mogul’s memoir, Decoded, in 2010.
The release adds that Roc Lit 101 books will range from memoirs to fiction and 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,” Jackson said in a statement.
First on deck will reportedly be baseball legend CC Sabathia’s memoir, Till the End, slated for release next summer. A book by music journalist Danyel Smith called Shine Bright is also on the way, which will be about Black women in music.
Artist-written books are set to include a novel by Meek Mill “about criminal justice and survival,” as well as upcoming memories from Yo Gotti and Fat Joe. According to the release, Lil Uzi Vert is also releasing a book that will fall in the “fantasy fiction” genre.
The new venture follows JAY’s breakthrough into the cannabis industry earlier this year. Last week, the rap veteran released the first line of products for his newly launched cannabis company, Monogram.
Devoted to publishing books at the dynamic intersection of entertainment and genre-defying literature, Roc Lit 101 will feature creative work across a wide variety of interests. pic.twitter.com/tvAQXMeu53
— Roc Nation (@RocNation) December 15, 2020
This could be really amazing if Roc Nation uses this to give a voice to Black writers who are often overlooked.
