• View Comments
• Share with Shortlink:

(AllHipHop News) Just when you thought Jay-Z’s sphere of influence couldn’t get any bigger, the Marcy Projects-bred rapper is again reaching new ground, as his lyrics were recently quoted in the halls of the United States Congress.

From his hit song, “99 Problems”, Republican Congressman from Florida, Alan B. Williams inserted lyrics into a debate about a bill concerning search and seizure.

“The debate we were having was about the evidence obtained from a warrantless search of cellular devices and what would be considered unlawful search,” Rep. Alan B. Williams (D-Talahassee) told CBS Local news. “That’s why I connected it to Jay-Z’s lyrics. It was just like what Jay-Z was talking about when he said, ‘I know my rights you’re going to need a warrant for that.’”

Calling on House members to vote in favor of the amendment, Williams said, “If you support Jay-Z, support this amendment.”

Things went to another level when Speaker Dean Cannon (R-Winter Park) corrected Williams, stating that Williams had misquoted Jigga.

“I must respectfully disagree, with a correction,” Cannon replied. “In the song, it was the officer who said, ‘Aren’t you sharp as a tack?’ or something. ‘You should try for lawyer or something,’ so I got you on that. It’s an unspoken rule… if you’re going to invoke Jay-Z, you must get the lyrics correct. I’m not sure Jay-Z would not support this amendment.”

Even Steve Stoute (@SteveStoute) took note of the congressional exchange via Twitter, referencing his recent best selling book, The Tanning of America.

“# tanning!!!! Florida Republican corrects Democrat’s Jay-Z reference on the FL House of Representatives…” Stout exclaimed via Twitter.

While the amendment failed, Williams believes he achieved his goal in the debate.

“We’re in the last days of the special sessions and we try to get a little light-hearted because it gets heated,” Williams explained of the special sessions. “When you’re dealing with so many serious issues in the day, there are a few opportunities to bring some levity to the debate to calm things down.”