We knew it wouldn't be too much longer before Jay-Z joined the hip-hop fragrance deal fray.
Like his longtime lover Beyonce Knowles, and his longtime ally Sean 'Diddy' Combs, the super-rich rap music mogul will get into the retail cosmetics business.
The BV Newswire has learned that Iconix Brand Group, Inc. – new owners of the Rocawear brand -- has entered into an exclusive global licensing agreement with beauty giant Elizabeth Arden for the development, marketing and distribution of men's and women's fragrance, cosmetics, and skincare products.
The debut fragrance is planned to launch in the fall of 2008."We are excited to partner with an industry giant such as Elizabeth Arden," Jay-Z (legally known as Shawn Carter) said. "The combination of their expertise in fragrance and our ability to affect popular culture will produce some incredible products and breathe excitement into the category."
"This is a significant step in the evolution of the Rocawear brand and a large long term growth opportunity," Iconix honcho Neil Cole added. "The excitement and advertising surrounding the launch next fall will make Rocawear more visible than it has ever been and benefit the entire brand franchise."
As previously reported by The BV Newswire, Iconix purchased the Rocawear brand in March of 2007 for nearly $250 million.
Rocawear, which is recognized as a leading lifestyle apparel brand, reportedly has retail sales of over $700 million, annually.
The line was founded by the hip-hop icon turned Def Jam Records president, and his former Roc-A-Fella Records partners Damon Dash and Kareem "Biggs' Burke in 1995.
Jay-Z has remained an integral part in the Rocawear -- heading up all product development, marketing and licensing for the brand.
Elizabeth Arden, which recently launched a fragrance line with best-selling pop diva Mariah Carey, brands itself as a "global prestige product company."
"The Rocawear name connects with the customer we want to attract," said Arden's CEO and Chairman E. Scott Beattie. "Adding Rocawear to our lineup of lifestyle fragrance brands allows us to further diversify our multi-dimensional brand portfolio and expand our reach to a young, modern consumer."
Comments: (49)
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By: LIA on 11/06/2007 9:52AM
I hope that Jay and Bey throw poor Kelly a bone and let her be the name and face of the new perfume/cosmetic line, cuz this solo thing just ain't workin for her.
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By: Andrea on 11/06/2007 6:32PM
Jay-Z continues to amaze me with his excellent business savvy.
Work At Home Jobs:
http://www.jobs-from-home.com
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By: Dee Dee on 11/06/2007 6:45PM
Way to work those power moves, Jay! I'm a huge fan, so I'll be first in line when it comes out- but just make sure it smells YOUNG and FRESH. Because honestly, when I think of Elizabeth Arden I think of old white ladies and that old school perfume they used to make called "Blue Grass" that my grandmama used to wear to church on Sundays.
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By: ikrazydelitei on 11/07/2007 8:27AM
LOL! @ NUMBER 1. But Jay is so hardworking and dedicated. I can say I'm proud.
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By: Rita on 11/07/2007 8:44AM
You know they are making several comments about Kelly and her solo career not doing very well! She's a very talented singer and actress, if she leaves the eye lib of pop Knowles then she can be sucessful!!!!!!!!!!! She needs to do her own thing and stop looking for Beyonce to co-sign everything for her! As for Jay and his new venue!!!!!!! He needs to stop snuffing his boy Dame and heal the wombs!!!!!!!!!! Jigga done got to big for his pants and furthermore business may be business!!!!!!! But friendships should see through it all!!!!!!!!!!!! Heal the womb Jay don't be a sell out to your friends!!!!!!
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By: Bezo on 11/07/2007 10:19AM
Jay just keeps moving forward and that's a beautiful thing. Honestly, the fragrance thing was long overdue. I knew it was coming. I admire this kid alot. We came from pretty much the same type of life-style. I personally know Kareem "Biggs" Burke, we grew up 2gether, rather me and 2 of his brothers grew up 2gether and he was around alot. I don't know if Jay, Dame or Biggs will read this, but y'all need 2 get ur team back 2gether. When y'all came out, me along with other people y'all knew was and still are today, "Day 1 Roc-A-Fella Fans". I don't know what went wrong and really don't care 2 know but y'all need 2 get y'all back. I mean without the things y'all accomplished legally y'all would still be, on the block, out of town, dead or in jail. Why does $$$$$$$$$ along with pride have 2 ruin what y'all established 2gether? Friends are hard 2 come by. I mean Jay ur the Godfather of "Boogie" Dame's son. You and Dame been out of town when y'all 1st started and was on the grind "TOGETHER" and u both know it wasn't easy. Y'all did it thought because y'all believed in "Each Other". Pushing that music and that label like when crack 1st hit the market. It's sad and I really hope all 3 of y'all can come back 2gether as "MEN" and accomplish more of what y'all set out 2 accomplish. Jay, as far as I'm concerned, ur the best rapped alive, but u wouldn't be where ur at regardless of how u look at it without Dame and Biggs. Dame, ur very bright, out spoken and arrogant as hell. Good way 2 be in 2days markets, but u wouldn't be where ur at without Jay and Biggs. Biggs, u don't say much, but u wouldn't be where ur at without Jay and Dame. Regardless of how y'all look at it, y'all needed each other 2 see even a quarter of what u have now. Get it 2gether and get the "Rock" back. Your "FANS" as awhole r still here, ur true Day 1 Roc-A-Fella Fans!!!!! Holla........
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By: LaRonne on 11/07/2007 10:21AM
i think it's cool that Jay is doing his thing, but what ever happened to rappers being entertainers and not walking clothing/album/video game/cell phone/fragrance commercials? ah well...and btw #5...thats wounds not wombs...wombs are were babies come from...
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By: I LOVE REAL ESTATE on 11/07/2007 11:25AM
JAYZ HAS PROVEN ONCE AGAIN, WHAT CAN BE DONE BY USING THE POWER OF LEVERAGE.
NEW YORK REAL ESTATE:
WWW.RONBUNN.COM
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By: Chuckdeezul on 11/07/2007 12:16PM
HOV is doin' it! Mad love to the brotha!
BROOKLYN S T AN D U P
Cooper Park
50 Debevoise Ave
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By: Chuckdeezul on 11/07/2007 12:25PM
Also, Rita (#5), sometimes you have to let the dead weight go(Go on and Brush ya' shoulder off!). Dame has not done much that has kept the 'hood interested. Maybe some stuff underground but nothing to Jigga about. Dame messed up when he (supposedly) made Cam'Ron part CEO of the R O C. How this fool gon' make Pinky Tuskadairo CEO of an established company? Cam'ron is the clown shucker of the game. Jay did the right thing. Dame is the one hurting and HE should aplogize to Hov for tryin' to make a mockery of the ROC.
BROOKLYN S T A D U P
Cooper Park
50 Debevoise Ave
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