Vengeful former Roc-a-Fella artist Beanie Sigel is receiving public support from fellow Philly native and boxing legend Bernard Hopkins, who verified the rumored police incident that ignited the Jay-Z/Beanie Sigel feud.
The former middleweight and light-heavyweight champion revealed in an exclusive appearance on AllHipHop Radios Eric B. & Friends Morning Show yesterday (November 23).
According to Hopkins, who appeared in Beanie Sigels State Property 2 film, Jay-Z had dozens of cops and dogs on hand to accost Sigel and remove Sigel from an October Powerhouse concert in Philadelphia.
He had K9s smelling, they said everybody had to move to the side to escort Beans out, Hopkins told AllHipHop Radio. Im coming like yo what are all these police for? See youre the man, you shut this sh*t down, its your show!
Host Eric B attempted to defend Jay, rationalizing to Hopkins that Jay-Z has the same police presence at all his concerts, and the Sigel situation was likely just a security overreaction.
In Jays defense, I think thats John Menially {Jay-Zs manager] and them, because Jay dont really know whats happening behind the scenes, Eric B explained. Thats them overreacting and then they blame Jay and say he knows exactly whats happening. Bernard thats like when you come to the ring, you dont know what happened at the ticket booth, or with security, but ultimately youre responsible.
Hopkins remained skeptical of the explanation, and confirmed Sigels side that authorities targeted him specifically on direct orders.
This was set up beforehand because they didnt want Beans or none of the bulls in there. I didnt want to get into it too deep, but there was more to it, Hopkins maintained. It was in and out, and they were looking for hammers and everything. I understand this wasnt a regular show, but this was a whole different look, on some assassination bullsh*t. If that didnt happen, I could probably agree with you [about Jay]. But when they go look for one dude, and tell him he got to leave? Maybe Im wrong. Beans thing on the radio shows is that nobody was real with him.
The Powerhouse incident, along with perceived shots on Jay-Zs blockbuster Blueprint 3, prompted Sigel to lash out with several diss songs over the past month: Average Cat, How I Could Kill Jigga Man, and Think Big.
Additionally, Sigel publicly proclaimed his signing to 50 Cent, who in the weeks leading up to his latest LP (Before I Self Destruct) unsuccessfully tried to bait Jay-Z into a battle.
To date, Jay has not officially retaliated to Sigel or 50 Cents attacks.
However, fans have speculated that Jay-Zs tongue in cheek rendition of his Men lie, women lie, numbers dont phrase at the American Music Awards was a veiled reference to 50 Cents rumored subpar 1st week numbers for Before I Self-Destruct.
Bernard Hopkins is scheduled to make his return to the ring on December 2 against Enrique Ornelas.
The fight will air on the Versus network. If victorious, Hopkins will face longtime rival Roy Jones Jr in a PPV rematch on March 13.
video platformvideo managementvideo solutionsfree video player