Kanye West bids adieu to Def Jam

Kanye is independent. The 39-year-old told RapRadar.com that he is now "a completely independent artist" after buying out the remainder of his contract. The star thanked the label's executives and called his time at Def Jam a "unique and fulfilling experience". During his time at Def Jam Kanye had signed on artists like Rihanna and Ne Yo.

He remained with the label after stepping down as CEO last year and struck a deal worth a reported $150m (£95m) with concert giant Live Nation, that includes touring, publishing and albums for the next decade. "Working with Doug Morris and LA Reid has been a unique and fulfilling experience and I respect them immensely," he said. "Doug and I spoke directly and had one of the most unique 'negotiations' ever.

"I thank him for allowing me to be a completely independent artist. Not every artist can say they own or are given the opportunity to own all of their music," he added. Jay-Z has since created a new record label and has been working on a new album, Blueprint 3, with Kanye West since 2008.