JAY-Z Is Now President Of Puma’s Basketball Operations
A little over a decade ago, JAY-Z finished four years as the President of Def Jam Records. Shawn Carter helped give the label that distributed his Roc-A-Fella Records releases a face-lift and was part of signing a new regime that included Rick Ross, Jeezy, The Roots, and Ghostface Killah, among others. In the last 10-plus years, Jay has launched a new record label, purchased a stake in an NBA franchise (which he later sold), become a licensed sports agent, redeveloped parts of Brooklyn, and found the time to release a handful of albums.
Less than two full days since he and wife Beyoncé released EVERYTHING IS LOVE (as The Carters), Jay announces a return to the corporate world—outside of his own companies. Jay is assuming the role of President of Basketball Operations for the apparel company Puma, according to Complex.
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The position will entail making strategic partnerships with basketball stars, just as Nike did with Michael Jordan nearly 25 years ago. Puma, based in Herzogenaurach, Germany, is aiming to make a return to basketball. According to The Associated Press, Puma has added projected top hoops pick Deandre Ayton of Arizona, Marvin Bagley III of Duke, and Zhaire Smith of Texas Tech to its roster of sponsored athletes.
Currently, Puma has partnerships with track star Usain Bolt, Houston Texans linebacker Jadeveon Clowney, and golfer Rickie Fowler.
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In Hip-Hop, for the last 30-plus years, the company founded by Rudolf Dassler (brother to Adidas founder Adolf Dassler) has made partnerships with artists ranging from MC Shan to Meek Mill to famed photographer Ricky Powell.
Great MCs continue to permeate fashion. André 3000 is a Creative Director for Tretorn, Joey Bada$$ is doing the same for Pony, and A Tribe Called Quest has collaborated with Vans: