The Cold Cut

Probably for the first time ever on The Cold Cut, I get to combine two of my greatest passions: music, and Apple. And before I hear numerous cries of 'Fanboy!', let me state my case. Just a few days ago, Apple's computer market share broke 8%. Their shares now lie at somewhere around $200, when but a year ago they were valued at $80. They've produced some of the most iconic products of the last decade (iPhone, iPod, iMac, Macbook (Pro)). So what's not to love?

As I sit in my room, writing this potentially important post on my Macbook Pro, I can't help thinking what this means for the music industry. If the rumours are true, Apple will be launching their own music label with Jay-Z, possibly at Macworld 08 (15th January onwards). Jay is a great partner - after stepping down as CEO from Def Jam, possibly one of the most successful hip-hop labels in existence- and Apple already hold one of the most important cards: iTunes.

Many music labels already look upon iTunes as 'the enemy', after Apple made music legally available over the net, at low prices. Since online music sales beg an to rise, the format in which music is sold has rapidly changed. Could Apple, and Jay-Z, be the ones to work out the winning formula? Given their track record, almost definitely.

Here's a little celebratory Jay-Z track:

Jay-Z- Encore