Jay Z ‘signs $200m touring deal’

Jay Z has agreed a 10-year touring partnership deal with Live Nation reportedly worth $200 million.

The New York-born rap star – who is expected to announce another big tour later this year – has struck a deal that includes worldwide touring and will mean that Live Nation will produce and promote Jay’s concert events until the age of 57.

In a statement, Jay said: "Live Nation and I entered unchartered territory in 2008.

"Over nine years, we have travelled the world producing historic music experiences. [Live Nation president] Michael Rapino is an industry visionary, and this renewed partnership is a testament to our longstanding relationship and the talented individuals at Live Nation. For the next 10 years, we will continue redefining the live event landscape."

Jay – whose new deal is worth $200 million, according to Variety – has made fewer and fewer albums in recent years, but he continues to frequently tour.

And Rapino is predictably thrilled to have agreed terms with the record-breaking rap star.

He said: "Jay Z is one of the world’s preeminent touring artists. This strengthens the creative and business partnership of someone that continues to expand his touring base and reach."

Since releasing his debut album ‘Reasonable Doubt’ in 1996, Jay has established himself as one of the richest and most influential people in the music industry.

The 47-year-old star – who has been married to Beyonce since 2008 – has previously admitted that his tough beginnings in New York and his early setbacks in the industry have inspired his subsequent success.

Jay previously said: "The thought that ‘this can’t be life’ is one that all of us have felt at some point or another, when bad decisions and bad luck and bad situations feel like too much to bear, those times when we think that this, this, can’t be my story.

"But facing up that kind of feeling can be a powerful motivation to change. It was for me."