Rita Ora has signed a new deal with Atlantic Records following her long legal battle with Roc Nation.
Ora had been embroiled in a contract dispute with Jay Z’s music firm since last year (15), but after settling the lawsuits out of court earlier this month (Jun16), Ora has found a new home at Atlantic Records.
The 25-year-old inked a worldwide recording contract with executives in New York City on Monday (20Jun16), and sang her new bosses’ praises in a statement which reads: “Music is my first love and I am looking forward to getting my new songs released. I’m thankful to my new Atlantic Records family for all their support and encouragement. The next chapter is going to be incredible.”
Ben Cook, president of Atlantic Records UK, added, “Rita is a rare talent and a true global star. First and foremost she’s a great singer who’s hugely passionate about music and I’m delighted to welcome her to Atlantic Records. We look forward to getting in the studio with her and making an incredible album.”
She is expected to release a new album later this year (16).
The star signed to Roc Nation in 2008, but only one record, 2012’s Ora, was released over the course of seven years. The company’s executives decided to sue the singer for breaking her recording contract and failing to deliver the albums she was supposed to produce for them.
Roc Nation bosses were seeking $2.4 million (£1.7 million) in the lawsuit, claiming they spent that amount on marketing and development for the star’s second album, which is still unreleased.
She subsequently requested a declaratory judgement, claiming the contract she signed in 2008 at the age of 18 was unenforceable and violates California law. Ora also alleged execs had lost their focus on her, putting the welfare and future of professional athletes and other ventures, like Jay Z’s streaming service Tidal, ahead of her music career.
Both parties subsequently settled their lawsuits.
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