Roc Nation has officially shut down rumors of a new Jay-Z album being on the horizon. Following comments from music executive Ray Daniels, who claimed that the legendary rapper’s next LP was “completely done,” the Roc moved quickly to quiet the speculation surrounding the project.
“‘Album done’ … Fake news,” Roc Nation wrote in a post to the company’s Instagram Story on Monday (Aug. 10).
The statement appeared to be a direct response to claims made by Ray Daniels on a recent episode of his Ray Daniels Presents podcast. “His album is done,” Daniels stated regarding the follow-up to 2017’s 4:44. “It’s completely done. We might get it if somebody partners with him. If nobody partners with him, it’s not coming. He is not playing about his brand. Somebody called and confirmed it for me.”
While Daniels has held prominent executive positions at labels including Warner, Universal, Interscope, and Epic Records, his comments were swiftly refuted by the company founded by Jay-Z. Fans have been eagerly awaiting a new solo project from the Brooklyn icon, especially as he has maintained a visible presence this year, including a performance at the Roots Picnic and a three-night residency at Yankee Stadium in July.
During a March interview with GQ, Jay-Z discussed his creative process and the pressure to release new music. “Forget the landscape of music. I don’t know what I need to create currently that’s going to fulfill me and make me happy because that’s most important,” he said. “I know I just got to be honest about what I feel and where I am. Maybe I’m overthinking it. Maybe I’m stopping myself from just creating.”
He added, “Whatever it is, it just needs to be a true representation of how I feel. Trying to create something that people like is where I think a lot of artists get jammed up. And people can feel that because it’s not authentic. I just got to make something timeless that I really love and that’s really honest and true to who I am.”
While a new solo album remains unconfirmed, Jay-Z continues to celebrate the 30th anniversary of his debut, Reasonable Doubt, with upcoming shows in London, Paris, and Los Angeles scheduled for later this year.