Jay-Z: The Art of the Deal (Samsung Galaxy x Jay-Z)

Jay – Z is writing the new rules. According to hip-hop mogul and icon Jay-Z, “The internet is like the wild wild west.” So he has linked up with Samsung Galaxy to release his new album Magna Carta Holy Grail 72 hours before it actually releases to the world on July 4. The album comes pre loaded as an app that can be downloaded from the Google Play store.  Samsung has bought 1 million copies of the album at $5 per album according to Complex magazine.  This looks to be one of the most innovative collaborations that have been seen in recent years. However, as of 6/21/13, Billboard has decided not to count the 1 million copies that Samsung “bought” as actual sales. Billboard magazine editor Bill Werde wrote: “ it wasn't as simple as you might think to turn down Jay-Z when he requested that we count the million albums that Samsung "bought" as part of a much larger brand partnership, to give away to Samsung customers. True, nothing was actually for sale.”

(Watch the Video Below)

The commercial for the album was unveiled during half time of game 5 of the NBA finals. Jay has chosen a select group of producers to work on the album with him. He is shown with Rick Rubin, Pharrell, Timbaland and Swizz Beats. In the commercial Jay-Z talks about his vision of what he hopes the album will bring to the table. The listener is being taken on a journey of how Jay-Z deals with his success, failures and still remain himself at the end of the day. (Below are screen shots of the app)

So whether you are a fan of Jay-Z or not, you must admit that this deal is one of the most creative innovate ways to get people talking about album sales again. The record industry has taken a nosedive in the record sales department. According to Hypebot.com, the new releases of Kanye West, J. Cole and Mac Miller this week mark the first time 3 hip hop albums have sold over 100,000 copies the first week (in the same week) since 2006. Maybe Jay-Z is on to something. Do you think the record sales from the first 1 million apps should be counted? Why or Why not?

-O.T. Griffin