By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices

Is Jay-Z making exit plans to leave historical hip-hop record label Def Jam?

Some roads are pointing in that direction.

According to 'MTV Radio Networks,' rumors are circulating that hip-hop mogul may be jumping ship as the head of Island Def Jam to head over to Columbia Records.

A source close to Hov (as he is known on the streets) confirmed to the 'New York Daily News' that Jay-Z (legally known as Shawn Carter) is in talks with the Sony-owned musical empire, which is the longtime home to his girlfriend Beyonce Knowles.

The label also boasts a roster which includes John Legend, Bow Wow, Amerie, Mary Mary, John Mayer and music legend Bob Dylan.

Why would he leave?

Not only is he one of the richest men in music and hip-hop fashion, Jay-Z's association with Def Jam just makes the most sense, from a branding standpoint.

Def Jam original co-founder Rick Rubin is helming Columbia these days -- and reportedly looking to shake things up.

Some insiders hinted the recent talks are in response to the arrival of hip-hop super-producer Jermaine Dupri, who was appointed President of Island Urban Music Division last February.

"There isn't room for two kings at one label. Why would Island bring in another power-hitter urban guy? ," the source said to the paper.

Well, technically Antonio "L.A." Reid is the real king of the label -- since both of them report to the former LaFace Records founder and Arista Records president.

Though it's not the fabled hip-hop label it once was -- where rap ruled the scene -- Def Jam has scored big time with pop friendly releases from the likes of Mariah Carey, Kanye West, Rihanna, Ne-Yo and Hollywood hip-hopper Ludacris.

Atlanta-bred bad boy Young Jeezy and Brooklyn rhymesmith Fabolous have maintained steady sales with their latest releases.

But what about rap pioneers LL Cool J, Method Man, Redman, and Ghostface Killah? Their latest releases on Def Jam have gone unnoticed by the record buying public.

Even Jay-Z's former rap rival Nas, who initially did great numbers with his much buzzed about Def Jam debut 'Hip-Hop Is Dead,' experienced a sales slump and has not been certified platinum.

Does this mean they are not relevant?

Only God and the Devil knows the answer to that question.

But did their albums get the same marketing push as some of the newer releases?

No way Jose!!!

Not sure how well he will fit into Columbia's corporate and conservative culture, but hey this buzz is a great negotiating tool.

When reached for comment tonight, Jay-Z's a staffer at Def Jam said the 'Daily News' "story" was the first they've heard of any pending negotiations.