With the rumors spreading faster than a drunken prom date’s legs about what Jay-Z’s post-Def Jam moves, it seems that finially we have something. It’s not Apple Records, nor G-Unit (yet?), but this even better deal comes from an unlikely Live Nation.

Know mostly for throwing the biggest concerts and tours, they’ve struck a deal worth $150,000,000 to fund the brand that is Jay-Z. “As part of the arrangement, Jay-Z would get a $25 million upfront payment, plus advance payments of $10 million per album for a minimum of three albums and $25 million toward concert tours. The company would also pay $20 million in exchange for publishing, licensing and other rights.”

A nice sum of $50 million would go to funding Jay-Z’s entertainment venture, Roc Nation, which is expected to fund a record label, publishing, talent consulting and management. Live Nation, in hopes of competing with shady mega-labels, has also struck recent deals with Madonna and U2, though, not as substantial as this one.

Seeking alternatives to the norm that is the traditional record label is the future of the music industry. The present sales slump proves that you cannot invest in just the music and expect a return.

You must invest in a brand. Jay-Z has built a brand on a basis of music and has expanded to other facets. There may not be a better person to strike such a deal with. Not even Diddy.

This is very big for hip-hop. Imagine that when you purchase a Kanye CD or watch a Beanie Sigel video, the label info says Rocafella/Roc Nation…