After starting his own sports agency, rapper Jay-Z made his first signing: Yankees second-baseman Robinson Cano.
His entertainment company, Roc Nation, announced Tuesday it will start up Roc Nation Sports, which will provide sports management. Jay-Z, born Shawn Carter, will oversee the company.
“Because of my love of sports, it was a natural progression to form a company where we can help top athletes in various sports the same way we have been helping artists in the music industry for years,” said Carter in a statement.
Cano said that during “this point in my career, I am ready to take a more active role in my endeavors both on and off the field.”
Creative Artists Agency will co-represent Cano.
“I am confident that the pairing of Roc Nation Sports and CAA Sports will be essential in helping me accomplish my short- and long-term goals,” he added. “I am making this important decision now so I can keep my focus on helping the Yankees succeed in 2013, while minimizing any distractions for me and my teammates.”
Cano was a member of the Yankees’ World Series title run in 2009, a four-time Silver Slugger Award winner, and a two-time Gold Glove winner.
A photo from Roc Nation’s Twitter account showed Cano signing with Carter.
