Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter has had quite a career thus far. Since debuting in 1996 with hip-hop classic Reasonable Doubt, he has sold over 50 million records worldwide. He’s parlayed his musical success into lucrative businesses in the realms of fashion, cuisine and advertising (for more, check out my new Jay-Z book, which hits stores next week). Last year he earned $63 million, tops among hip-hop artists for the third time in four years.

Rick Ross is not the only Def Jam artist signing rappers these days as his hip-hop rival Young Jeezy has officially inked rap newcomer Freddie Gibbs to Corporate Thugz Entertainment.



Details of the signing landed online over the weekend.

 Young Jeezy, 2Eleven, Slick Pulla and Boo Rossini will drop their new album this fall.

Though his oft-delayed album Thug Motivation 103 is still without a release date, Young Jeezy isn’t keeping quiet. His group U.S.D.A has announced the release of its new album The After Party, releasing November 15th via SMC Recordings.