American rapper and entrepreneur, Jay-Z has finally addressed accusations of being called a sellout after sealing a partnership deal with the NFL.
The business mogul who has come under intense backlash spoke about his partnership with the NFL in the song, “Flux Capacitor”.
The song which comes off his new album, “A Written Testimony” was released late last week.
“Why would I sell out? I’m already rich, don’t make no sense / Got more money than Goodell, a whole NFL bench / Did it one-handed like Odell, handcuffed to a jail / I would’ve stayed on the sideline if they could’ve tackled that s–t themselves,” Jay-Z rapped.
Last year, Jay-Z’s Roc Nation and the NFL, announced a multiyear partnership that will see the billionaire rapper’s imprint assisting with the league’s live game experiences, as well as, helping enhance its social justice efforts, the NFL said in a statement.
Under the partnership, Roc Nation will advise on artiste selection for performances at league events, including the Super Bowl halftime show.
Both brands will also join forces to “nurture and strengthen community through football and music, including through the NFL’s Inspire Change initiative.”
The partnership received a backlash, with many describing it at the time as an act of betrayal – more especially after Colin Kaepernick was blackballed by the NFL for kneeling during the national anthem when he played for the San Francisco 49ers in 2016.
Since then Kaepernick hasn’t played in the NFL.
Responding to the partnership, Kaepernick’s girlfriend, Nessa Diab accused Jay-Z of working with the NFL for money.
“The disappointment in Jay-Z isn’t in the partnership. The disappointment is wrapping it in social justice,” tweeted Diab in August.
“Jay has phenomenal music, he’s done so much nobody’s taking that away from him! Do your business! But don’t talk to me about that League when they’re doing dishonorable things.”
“Don’t you dare call it a social justice reform attempt when it comes to working with that company,” she added. “Don’t mess with my family!”
