Jay Z.Rapper Jay-Z is poised to sign a $150m deal with concert promoters Live Nation, mirroring a similar ground-breaking contract signed by Madonna, it has been reported.The New York Times is reporting that Jay-Z would part company with long-time backers Def Jam after agreeing a multi-pronged 10-year contract with Live Nation covering future recordings and tours.The decision of yet another A-list star to eschew a deal with a traditional record label in exchange for an all-encompassing commercial contract reflected the "anarchy" sweeping the music industry, the Times report said. Analysts say the trend is a consequence of falling CD sales which has left music industry players seeking to secure wide-ranging deals that allow them to tap into multiple revenue streams, such as concert ticketing and merchandising.The Times report said the Jay-Z deal would be finalized later this week. If confirmed, it will represent another coup for Beverly Hill-based Live Nation, which signed Madonna to a $120m 10-year agreement last year and this week announced a 12-year deal with Irish super group U2 that will cover the band's merchandising, touring and website. Live Nation was not immediately available to comment on the Times report.
