Jay-Z Joins Radio Stations For iTunes Deal

[SNaKe]

Jay-Z recently helped hip-hop radio stations Power 106 Los Angeles and Hot 97 New York announce that they have teamed up with Apple's iTunes to offer the first full integration of the iTunes music store into their websites.

With the aforementioned alliance, Power 106 and Hot 97 have become the first two radio stations in the U.S. to incorporate iTunes music stores into their websites.

"This is a big thing," said Jay-Z via a statement. "What I love about it is... 10-15 years ago, they said hip-hop was a fad. When you get something like this happening... It's an amazing thing!"

Both stations' websites will allow listeners to search, browse and buy all of their favorite songs played on Power 106 and Hot 97. Listeners can also acquire countdowns, rare mixes and view the playlists of their favorite on-air personalities.

Both Power and Hot are owned by Indianapolis-based Emmis Communications.

"We will have full control of the storefront itself," said Emmis Interactive vice president Rey Mena via a statement. "Therefore, we can feature any artist we want to feature. Since each storefront represents Power 106 and Hot 97's playlists, they will feature what is relevant to their listeners. If you want to know what Big Boy, Funkmaster Flex or other Power 106 and Hot 97 DJs are listening to you can find it on our websites and purchase it directly from the iTunes Music Stores."

In related news, Emmis is currently fighting eviction of Hot 97 from its Manhattan offices.

As previously reported, the New York District Council of Carpenters, which owns the Hudson Street building that houses Hot 97, filed a lawsuit last week demanding the eviction of the infamous hip-hop radio station after the recent shooting of Brooklyn based rapper Gravy. Gravy (born Jamal Woolard) was shot in the buttocks outside of the station on his way to an interview on at the station on April 26. The rapper conducted an interview with Funkmaster Flex despite being shot. Authorities would later on reveal that that Gravy was shot by a member of his entourage.

Gravy's shooting was the third in five years involving rappers and their entourages in front on Hot 97's studios.

The Carpenters Union lawsuit accused Hot 97 of promoting violence and putting tenants' lives at risk. Emmis fired back by countersuing with a breach-of-contract lawsuit.

On a lighter note, the station recently announced the lineup for its annual Summer Jam concert. This year's event will take place on June 4th and will boast performances by artists including Busta Rhymes, T.I., Three 6 Mafia, Mary J. Blige, Young Jeezy, Mobb Deep, Remy Martin, Sean Paul, Dipset and Jamie Foxx, among others.