Antonio Brown called out JAY-Z over his lack of participation in Hip-Hop 50 events last year.
The former National Football League star recently made his feelings crystal clear in a social media post, re-sharing a video of the Roc Nation mogul’s surprise performance at Tom Brady’s Patriots Hall of Fame induction ceremony on June 12.
He wrote, “Jay didn’t perform at any Hip-Hop 50 concerts last year where the fans would have known every word to his songs, but he makes time to ignored by rich white folks. smh.”
Jay didn’t perform at any Hip Hop 50 concerts last year where the fans would’ve known every word to his songs, but he makes time to get ignored by rich folks smh. #CTESPN https://t.co/DZjbl8x5n9
— AB (@AB84) June 14, 2024
Tom Brady was officially inducted into the New England Patriots Hall of Fame, becoming the 35th member to receive this honor. The ceremony, which took place inside Gillette Stadium for the first time, attracted thousands of fans eager to celebrate Brady’s legendary career.
The event featured speeches from Patriots owner Robert Kraft, former head coach Bill Belichick, and former rival Peyton Manning, each highlighting Brady’s unparalleled contributions to the team and the sport. Notably, Kraft announced that Brady’s iconic No. 12 jersey would be retired, ensuring no other Patriot will wear the number.
JAY-Z’s relationship with the NFL began in 2019 when Roc Nation entered into a partnership with the league. The collaboration focuses on advising the NFL on live music events, including the Super Bowl halftime show, and supports the league’s social justice initiatives through the “Inspire Change” program.
The move was controversial, given the NFL’s previous handling of player protests against racial injustice, particularly those led by Colin Kaepernick. JAY-Z’s involvement was intended to bring a fresh perspective to the league’s entertainment offerings while also pushing for systemic changes within the organization.
JAY-Z’s partnership with the NFL has sparked discussions about his broader ambitions, including potential part-ownership of an NFL team, which would align with his long-term goals of increasing Black representation and influence within major business sectors.
Despite initial backlash from some fans and activists who viewed the partnership as a betrayal of the protest movement, JAY-Z has emphasized the importance of moving from protest to actionable change. By leveraging his influence, JAY-Z aims to address social issues from within the establishment, promoting inclusivity and advocating for substantial reform.
