Remember how Jay-Z was supposed to have retired from making music? One hundred fifty million dollars says otherwise.

That’s the size of the deal he’s about to close with Live Nation, the concert promoter-cum-industry saving grace, which has already handed out mega-contracts to U2 (~$100m over 12 years) and Madonna ($120m over 10 years).

But Jay-Z, who, like many artists, has seen album sales decline over the last few records, isn’t just signing on for CDs and tours; he’s getting into bed with Live Nation for merchandise, his own entertainment venue, a talent and consulting unit, and endorsement deals. It’s all one neatly packaged deal, including a $25 million unfront fee, a $25 million advance against costs, and $10 million per album for three albums delivered over 10 years. (Live Nation, meanwhile, posted losses of $12 million last year.) Music might be dead, but the cash register cha-ching still tolls.