Though it shouldn’t come as a surprise by now, the music business sure loves the cannabis industry. From the myriad of rappers and music executives who have tipped their toes into the marijuana money pool, it seems that everyone is eager to embrace the financial possibilities of going green. Now Jay Brown joins weed company Medmen.
Yes, According to Variety, the latest figure to add his name to list is Jay Brown, the co-founder and CEO of Roc Nation, a.k.a. the record label Jay-Z started. Brown, a 20-year music veteran, will join the Board of Directors at MedMen, the biggest brand name in marijuana retail stores that often receives comparison to Apple or Starbucks. Adam Biernan, co-founder and CEO of MedMen, announced that Brown’s arrival will match the company’s approach to selling marijuana.
“Marijuana today is less about smoking a joint, and much more about culture,” Biernan said. “It is about healthier, safer choices for mind and body, and community. For more than two decades, Jay Brown has had his finger on the pulse of pop culture. We are honored to have him on our Board and look forward to working with him as MedMen continues on its mission to mainstream marijuana.”
Make no mistake — this is a huge boon for MedMen. Brown ‘s partner at Roc Nation is Jay-Z, and together they’ve developed the superstar careers of Rihanna, J. Cole, and DJ Khaled. His move copies those of other music icons like Willie Nelson, Snoop Dogg, and Melissa Etheridge in finding a foothold within the cannabis industry.
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“Over the years, I’ve met great talent and passionate people who helped shape our view of the world through music,” Brown said. “I see that same intensity in today’s emerging cannabis industry and MedMen is definitely at the head of the pack. I believe in their mission and I believe in their ability to execute.”
Whatever specific opportunities this will open for MedMen and Roc Nation remain to be seen, but the cannabis company is surely celebrating its connection to one of the biggest record labels in hip-hop music.
