Kanye West's Donda Partners With Roc Nation

Kanye West's creative design and content entity Donda has entered into a partnership with Jay Z's Roc Nation, which will manage all DONDA Music, according to a press release and an official statement on the latter's web site. The alliance will focus on West's international recording brand and touring ventures.

Beginning with a 2009 footwear collaboration with Louis Vuitton, Donda has designed two versions of Nike's "Air Yeezy" sneakers and two capsule lines with Parisian brand A.P.C. The company, named after West's late-mother, was also responsible for the artwork and marketing campaign for the Jay Z/West collaboration "Watch the Throne," the branding, launch, and tour surrounding West's groundbreaking 2013 album "Yeezus" and "Cruel Summer," the short companion film to the 2012 G.O.O.D. Music album of the same name. Currently a subsidiary of Def Jam, West's G.O.O.D. Music imprint will not be affected by the deal with Roc Nation, MTV reported.

Outside of West's personal ventures, Donda assumed creative control over other artists' projects, including the album art for Lil Wayne's "I Am Not a Human Being II," Pusha T's "My Name Is My Name," and 2 Chainz's major label debut, "Based On a T.R.U. Story," in addition to music videos and other content.

Representatives from Donda and Roc Nation were unavailable for comment when reached by Billboard.

In other Roc Nation-related news, the diversified music company officially announced today that Michael Yormak, president & CEO of Sunrise Sports & Entertainment and president of the NFL's Florida Panthers, has been named president & chief of branding and strategy for Roc Nation. Mr. Yormark will focus on marketing, branding, strategic partnerships and business development.*

In addition to acquiring Donda, Roc Nation also has partnerships with global management company Three Six Zero and a recording and distribution deal with Universal Music Group. The company also owns Roc Nation Sports which launched in partnership with CAA Sports in Spring 2013.

Founded in 2008 by Jay Z, Roc Nation is a "full-service entertainment company," with artist, songwriter, producer and engineer manages; its own music publishing company; touring & merchandising branches; a film & television division; a new business venture; and a music label.

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