JAY-Z: Makes a Deal with the NFL

We’re getting more details on Jay-Z partnership with the National Football League.

The New York Times reports that Roc Nation will help the league with social justice efforts and producing musical performances. Jay-Z’s company has been tapped to serve as the league’s “live music entertainment strategist,” a role that involves consulting on the Super Bowl halftime show.

Hov will also be involved with the Inspire Change initiative, a campaign created in response to Colin Kaepernick and other players protesting racial injustice and police brutality by kneeling during the national anthem. In a statement, commissioner Roger Goodell praised Hov as someone who can hold the NFL accountable and teach the league how to do better.

Hot Takes:

  • Jay-Z notably turned down a Super Bowl half-time show offer at Super Bowl 42.
  • And on Everything Is Love, he bragged about saying no to the Super Bowl and how he doesn’t need the NFL because he’s in stadiums, too.
  • Hov did a lot of politicking behind the scenes to try and convince other artists to turn down the Super Bowl, too.
  • Is Hov underestimating the potential backlash around this deal?
  • If he can help bring about real change, it sounds like a win-win for everyone.
  • Is Jay-Z enough to overhaul the entire league — and fix the ratings?