Magna Carta Records Magna Carta Records Magna Carta Records is an independent record label located in Rochester, New York. Magna Carta was formed in 1989 and is owned by Peter Morticelli and his partner Mike Varney. The label, named for the 1215 English document advancing democracy, the Magna Carta, has a diverse line-up consisting of musicians from many different genres, but is best known for many of its progressive rock/metal acts. Among the artists featured on the label are OHMphrey, Alex Skolnick Trio, Dave Martone, Kris Norris, and Doug Pinnick (of King's X). As of June 1, 2009, Magna Carta began working with
Magna Carta Holy Grail for Jay's collaborative album with Kanye West, "Watch the Throne". West wanted the two songs to appear on "Watch the Throne", however Jay-Z chose to keep them for "Magna Carta Holy Grail". After "Watch the Throne" was released, Jay-Z chose to go on a worldwide concert tour instead of devoting more time for the album. Following the end of the tour, the main bulk of recording sessions for "Magna Carta Holy Grail" took place at Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz' Jungle City Studios in New York, where Justin Timberlake and Beyoncé Knowles were also working on their albums at the