Industry rap giant Jay-Z has joined the ranks of those boycotting high end champagne company Cristal, in response to the negative comments made by Frederic Rouzaud, managing director of Louis Roderer Cristal.
In a special summer edition of The Economist magazine, Rouzaud commented on the Hip-Hop community’s patronage of the champagne brand in an article titled “Bubbles and Bling.”
Rouzaud stated that he observed the rap community’s constant patronage of the pricey drink with “curiosity and serenity.”
Rouzaud further stated that other brands like Dom Perignon and Krug “would be delighted to have their business.”
Jay-Z has announced that he will no longer support or distribute Cristal champagne at his 40/40 sports bar/restaurant.
“It has come to my attention that the managing director of Cristal, Frederic Rouzaud views the ‘Hip-Hop’ culture as ‘unwelcome attention,'” said Jay-Z. “I view his comments as racist and will no longer support any of his products through any of my various brands including The 40/40 Club nor in my personal life.”
Jay-Z, Sean “Diddy” Combs, and several of the Hip-Hop industry’s biggest stars have supported Cristal through patronage and homage in rap lyrics.
Jay-Z and his popular 40/40 Club will now be serving only Krug and Dom Perignon to their customers seeking high end champagne products.