roc nation brunch

The History Of The Roc Nation Brunch

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The Roc Nation brunch has been a fixture in the pop culture community since it began in 2011. The pre-Grammy party is a highly coveted event. It extends invitations exclusively to a select few A-listers and prominent figures in the music, film, and sports industries. The event’s exclusivity is so notable that some celebrities are marked with the symbolic Scarlet Letter of never receiving an invitation. This has led popular entertainers like Marlon Wayans to humorously suggest the idea of initiating a brunch for the Roc Nation rejects. Here’s a look back at the history of the exclusive event and the significance the brunch holds to hip hop and pop culture.

Roc Nation Formed In 2008

Jay-Z launched Roc Nation as a multidisciplinary entertainment company. It acts as a record label, production studio, and venture capital firm. The label has signed top-billed artists such as J. Cole, Rihanna, Megan Thee Stallion, and Kanye West. Under Jay-Z’s leadership, the label aimed to be more than just a home for prolific hip hop musicians. It prompted execs at Roc Nation to focus on culture at large. The pre-Grammy Roc Nation brunch tradition formed with the intent of networking with some of pop culture’s most magnanimous socialites. Moreover, it also doubled as a high-class gala. This further allowed media outlets to take note of the lavish ball and the eccentric styles on display.

The event additionally serves as a platform for Roc Nation signees to boost their star power. Securing an invite to this highly-coveted gathering is an exclusive affair. It requires a personal invitation from someone associated with the label. Invitations to the brunch also bill the gathering as “a celebration of the highest elevation of self.” The result is a social ladder thinly veiled as a casual pre-Grammy party. Here, stars lavish attention on their favorite singers, athletes, and executives, while financial backers aim to align talent with their upcoming projects.

A Private Residence Typically Hosts The Event

The Roc Nation brunch has occurred each February since 2011, with the exception of 2021 and 2022 due to COVID-19 safety regulations. The event typically takes place at a rotating establishment of private mansions. This includes those in Los Angeles, New York City, and Boston. The press frequently remains uninformed about the time and location of the brunch. Most individuals learn about the event from celebrities on social media. Once the invites begin flying out, the hottest influencers often share sneak-peak glimpses into their wardrobe and aesthetic before the big day.

Further, throughout the years, Roc Nation has launched partnerships with Universal Music, Three Six Zero Entertainment, and even the NFL, due in no small part to connections formed at the illustrious brunch.

The Event Was Canceled For 2024

After making a significant impact with a return in 2023, the Roc Nation brunch was canceled in 2024. Some sources indicated the brunch would take place on Saturday, February 3, though it was later clarified that hosts Jay-Z and Beyoncé would not be able to attend. The couple apparently decided to attend Clive Davis’s annual gala. They learned that Jon Platt, a long-time creative partner of the Carters and CEO of Sony Music Publishing, would receive the Grammy Salute to Industry Icons Award. With Platt slated to attend the Clive Davis gala, the music magnates agreed to bump the exclusive brunch to join the festivities and honor their friend.

For now, there’s no word on whether this event was a one-off cancelation. Some fear it could be the beginning of the end for the illustrious gathering. The 66th Grammy Awards have just concluded, and Beyoncé currently holds the record for the most wins of all time at the esteemed ceremony. Meanwhile, Jay-Z received the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award, an honor shared only with the eponymous rap icon at this time.

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Snoop Dogg Joked He Hasn’t Been Invited To The Roc Nation Brunch Because Of A Fear Jay-Z Has

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Every year before the Grammys, the Roc Nation Brunch brings together some of the biggest names in music. Some of the biggest artists join together in a special brunch, dressed to the nines at the iconic event organized by Jay-Z and Beyoncé.

While it seems like everybody who’s anybody makes an appearance each year at the Roc Nation Brunch, some of the most prolific acts claim they have never been invited. The latest is Snoop Dogg, who shared his theory as to why he’s never received an invitation during an episode of the F3LLAS PODCAST, with HaHa Davis and BlackBarry.

“I know why they don’t want me to come,” Snoop said. “’Cause I’ma be the sharpest. They know when I walk in, my outfit gon’ turn everything out.”

He continued, laughing, assuring the hosts that it’s all love between him and Jay.

“Nah, it’s all good. I f*ck with Jay — that’s my guy,” he said. “I just ain’t had time to slide through to one of those brunches. Maybe next time we can all go together, we’ll roll up in there together. Just come in there with a linen outfit — I think you gotta have on linen.”

Perhaps next year, Snoop.

Tyler, The Creator Reflects On Diddy’s Son Posing With His BMW

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Tyler, The Creator recently opened up about his experience attending the annual Pre-Grammy Roc Nation Brunch in February. He told Rap Radar Podcast that in attending Jay-Z’s event, he was the only person allowed to park his car in front, while other attendees had to shuttle. He claims that it was one of his “top four moments” of feeling cool. The artist did, however, reveal one downside to having priority parking at the event. He says that Diddy’s son, Christian Combs, flexed with his car at the event, posing for Instagram photos alongside the BMW E30.

“Illest part of the Roc Nation Brunch, I went for three reasons. I always wanted to go just ’cause I never went,” he explained, “Two, I was curious what food they had there. And three, I wanted to see how many times I could be called ‘king.’ I counted nine.” Tyler, The Creator continued, “And the illest part is Jay let me park my BMW right in the front. Everybody else had to shuttle. He let me park it right in front in the hills. Probably top four moments I’ve ever felt cool. Like, the textbook cool.”

Read More: Tyler, The Creator Officially Announces Camp Flog Gnaw Return

Christian Combs Flexes With Tyler, The Creator’s Car

Tyler, The Creator then explained, “My homie sent me two weeks ago Christian Combs’ Instagram and these motherf*ckers had a photo shoot with my car in front of the God damn Roc Nation! And I saw Christian last night and I shoulda told him, ‘N***a, don’t sit on my God damn car!’ I like Christian, I’m just saying, but that was ill.”

During the same podcast appearance, he also discussed his experience working alongside NBA YoungBoy. “Dude, we got Ice cream we went to go vintage car shopping. He’s so nice, He sent his verse back in a day,” the artist revealed. He continued, “At surface level, I guess people wouldn’t expect someone like me to even want to associate with a YoungBoy. But I love that sh*t. He’s a sweetheart, man.”

Read More: Tyler, The Creator Hates Seeing Top Five Rapper Lists

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[WATCH] Marlon Wayans Questions Why Jay-Z Didn’t Invite Him To The Roc Nation Brunch

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Comedian Marlon Wayans chopped it up with Big Boy for BigBoy TV and talked about his new stand-up special and cracked jokes about having a “bone to pick” with Jay-Z fr not being invited to the coveted Roc Nation brunch.

Almost 10 minutes into the interview, the youngest of the Wayans family joked about the brunch snub, saying, “I get in Diddy party all the time. Diddy hit me, ‘Aye, like dat, come through, Ciroc, Deleon, take dat, take dat shot, come have a good time.’ Always! JAY-Z… crickets, crickets. And I be looking at that brunch like, ‘How the hell did he get in there?!’ You be having all these worthless ass people in this damn brunch.”

Wayans continued,  “Jay-Z is a funny dude. He listen to the streets. You ever hear that song, ‘Streets Is Watching?’ Jay-Z be listening to the streets, so all we gotta do is talk about this and I guarantee you next year, I’m going to get an invite to the… and you gon’ be my plus 1.”

The post [WATCH] Marlon Wayans Questions Why Jay-Z Didn’t Invite Him To The Roc Nation Brunch appeared first on The Source.

Jason Lee Recounts Meeting Beyoncé at Roc Nation Brunch: Watch

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While he doesn’t sing, dance, or act himself, Jason Lee has interviewed no shortage of talented celebrities over the years. He recently began his own REVOLT podcast. So far, he’s spoken with guests like Blueface and Chrisean Rock as well as Blac Chyna. He obviously stays booked and busy with his own commitments, but that doesn’t mean the Hollywood Unlocked CEO doesn’t have time to make guest appearances on other shows.

Most recently, the 43-year-old stopped by The Breakfast Club to chat with DJ Envy and Charlamagne. During their discussion, Lee brought up the time he met Beyoncé at Roc Nation Brunch – a moment that was previously caught on camera and has resulted in long-standing rumours that the mother of three was attempting to avoid the gossip blogger at her husband’s annual event. “I’m a huge Beyoncé fan,” he told the hosts. “I’m a fanatic.”

Did Beyoncé Avoid Meeting Jason Lee?

As the story goes, Lee was with his friend Umar, who owns fast-fashion brand Pretty Little Thing, at the party, though he wanted to leave around 4 PM. “I was walking out with him, and when I got to the exit to get in the car, I saw Julius, Beyoncé’s security,” he recalled. Thanks to basic deduction, the media personality realized that the RENAISSANCE hitmaker had to be in the area, and he decided to head back inside in hopes of catching her. Apparently, Lee saw Bey looking his way, whispering the name of his media brand to her team.

“I knew she knew who I was, so I ran around like a kid to the other side to try to catch her and get a photo with her,” Lee went on to explain. At the time, he asked his pal, Indian Teddy Bear, to film the interaction, which explains the awkward footage that subsequently went viral. However, according to the CEO, the clip actually went through edits by another artist’s fanbase to make it appear as though Beyoncé was avoiding him. While he insists that wasn’t the case, others online aren’t so confident. “Nahhh she was dodging son, this harassment 😂😂😂😂😂,” one person wrote in @2cool2bl0g’s comment section. See Jason Lee’s interaction with the vocalist at Roc Nation Brunch above, and check back later for more pop culture news updates.

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Marlon Wayans Says JAY-Z Has Never Invited Him To Roc Nation Brunch

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Marlon Wayans wants to know why JAY-Z has never invited him to the annual Roc Nation Brunch which is held prior to the Grammy Awards. While speaking with Big Boy for a recent interview, the comedian explained that Diddy invites him to events all the time, but that JAY-Z never does the same.

Wayans began by stating that he “has a bone to pick” with JAY-Z. Big Boy agreed, saying “Oh my God bro, I got the same bone.” Wayans continued: “I get in Diddy party all the time. Diddy hit me, ‘Aye, like dat, come through, Ciroc, Deleon, take dat, take dat shot, come have a good time.’ Always! JAY-Z… crickets, crickets. And I be looking at that brunch like, ‘How the hell did he get in there?!’ You be having all these worthless ass people in this damn brunch.”

Marlon Wayans With Megan Thee Stallion

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 27: Marlon Wayans and Megan Thee Stallion attend the 2022 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 27, 2022, in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/VF22/WireImage for Vanity Fair)

He continued: “JAY-Z is a funny dude. He listens to the streets. You ever hear that song, ‘Streets Is Watching?’ JAY-Z be listening to the streets so all we gotta do is talk about this and I guarantee you next year, I’m going to get an invite to the… and you gon’ be my plus one.”

Elsewhere in the interview, Wayans also discussed his relationship with Tupac, his history with Big Boy, and more. Wayans is set to star in Ben Affleck’s upcoming film, Air. The story will follow Nike employee Sonny Vaccaro and recount how he signed Michael Jordan to his first sneaker deal. Wayans plays George Raveling, a former college basketball coach who also served as an assistant coach for Team USA in 1984. Wayans recently explained to KTLA 5’s Sam Rubin that Affleck called him personally to pitch the role. “He talked to me for about 45 minutes about what the role was, and I said ‘Ben, you had me at hello. You did Argo. You’re taking 45 minutes too long. Just say ‘Marlon be in the movie,’” Wayans recalled.

Marlon Wayans Talks To Big Boy

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Coco Jones Thought Busta Rhymes Was E-40 At Roc Nation Brunch: “Mortified!”

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This is a story that many would have never shared, but Coco Jones doesn’t have issues with laughing at herself. The R&B crooner is shaping up to be the music industry’s next “It” girl, and it’s well-deserved. Jones isn’t a stranger to the Hollywood spotlight, as her talents are long-established in the Disneyverse. However, the 25-year-old is ready to take the world by storm as a Def Jam hitmaker—and she’s well on her way. Jones was among a select few invited to this year’s coveted Roc Nation Brunch, but she admitted she caused an embarrassing moment with one of the Bay Area’s finest.

The singer shared her funny—yet humiliating—story with The Breakfast Club. Last year, Jones went viral after she appeared on Wild ‘N Out. While there, Chico Bean challenged her to rap Busta Rhyme’s quick-rhyming verse on “Look At Me Now” with Chris Brown. Chico and Coco impressed a global audience, and Bussa Buss, with their skills. Understandably, Jones was excited when she saw him at the brunch…or so she thought. “I gotta tell y’all a story, you’re gonna scream, laugh, and cry,” she told The Breakfast Club.

Coco Jones Mixes Up Her Rappers

“Basically, Lord, when I was at the Roc Nation Brunch, I saw Busta Rhymes,” the singer said with a laugh. “So, I go up to him and I’m like, ‘You had just seen my cover, my freestyle of my thingabob on Wild ‘N Out.’ And he was like, ‘Yeah…” DJ Envy interjected to say that Busta didn’t attend the Roc Nation Brunch. Jones replied, “Listen! I was like, ‘Remember?’” And then she said she began spitting Busta’s “Look At Me Now” verse right then and there. “He was like, ‘That’s good shawty. That’s good.’ I was like, ‘Alright.’” Jones left the moment confused.

Then, she went over to her manager for clarification. At the same time, she’s looking up the lyrics to “Look At Me Now” because she thinks she might have delivered the lyrics incorrectly. She sees Busta’s photo and asks her manager who she was just talking to. “Girl, that’s E-40,” Jones said her manager told her. “I was like, ‘Oh. No.’… I was so mortified! Y’all! I felt real bad.”

All Cleared Up

Jones also stated that later, E-40 hit someone up and said, “I think Coco thinks I’m Busta Rhymes.” However, the singer’s manager cleared up the entire thing. We’re unsure how, but it makes for a story we would have kept in the vault. Check out Coco Jones spitting Busta Rhymes bars and being a good sport by laughing at her mistake above.

DJ Khaled & Tyler, The Creator Squash Beef At Roc Nation’s Pre-Grammy Brunch

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DJ Khaled and Tyler, The Creator posed for a flick following tension between the two in recent years. Khaled took to Instagram where he shared a handful of pictures from his appearance at Roc Nation’s pre-Grammy brunch. He linked up with Lil Baby, Ari Melber, Lil Uzi Vert, Offset, and more in the photos. However, many began discussing how he and Tyler, The Creator linked up. Though Khaled nor Tyler didn’t mention anything of it, the two posed for a quick picture together, appearing to confirm that there aren’t any issues between them.

The tension between Khaled and Tyler came around the time their albums, Father Of Asahd and IGOR, duked it out for the #1 spot on the Billboard 200 in 2019. Rumors floated that Khaled stormed into Epic Records office and threw a fit because IGOR outsold Father Of Asahd. While it was merely hearsay, many believed this was true after Khaled aired his frustrations at coming in second to IGOR. 

“Here’s the thing, I make albums so people can play it,” Khaled said. “And you actually hear it. You know, driving your car you hear another car playing it. Go to the barbershop, you hear them playing it. You know, turn the radio on, and you hear them playing it. It’s playing everywhere—it’s called great music. It’s called albums that you actually hear the songs. Not no mysterious shit, and you never hear it.”

Though sources close to Khaled denied that he targeted Tyler, The Creator, the Odd Future frontman continued to poke fun at the Miami DJ. He later trolled Khaled, writing, “Who tf listens to Tyler, The Creator?” in the comments of Akademiks’ post. However, he elaborated further and explained that it felt like a personal shot at his artistry.

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 10: Tyler, the Creator performs in support of his “Igor” release at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium on October 10, 2019 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images)

“N***a ego had to deal with that because his whole identity is being number one and when he didn’t get that, that sat with him longer in real life time than that moment. I moved on,” he said. “His whole identity is ‘We the Best, we the Number One’. When the underdog to him took that away from him, that n***a ego was deflated. He’ll probably never admit it and it’s no hard feelings towards him.”

Unfortunately for Khaled, Tyler was not going to allow him to live that down. Tyler referenced the feud in response to his Grammy win for Best Rap Album. “And I know you’re seething and angry and [saying] ‘No one listens to that album,’ these arena tours that are selling out says different,” Tyler said.

Photo Recap: Lil Baby, Kelly Rowland, Daniel Kaluuya, DJ Khaled & More Celebrate Grammy Weekend at the Roc Nation Brunch with D’USSÉ

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A star-studded lineup of special guests joined D’USSÉ Cognac for the annual Roc Nation Brunch event in Los Angeles yesterday, which included music from Roc Nation DJ Harley Viera-Newton.

Attendees at the GRAMMYs hottest celebration included Lil Baby, Lil Uzi Vert, DJ Khaled, Tyler The Creator, 2 Chainz, Miguel, G Herbo, Daniel Kaluuya, Pusha T, Offset, Tems, Shenseea, Machine Gun Kelly, Mark Wahlberg, Chloe and Halle Bailey, DJ Mustard, Swizz Beatz, Kelly Rowland, E-40, Janelle Monae, Moneybagg Yo, Teyana Taylor, Winnie Harlow, Christian Combs, JID, Giveon, June Ambrose, Elliot Wilson, Ari Lennox, Elijah Kelley, Evan Ross, Jacquees, Ella Mai, Vic Mensa, Victor Cruz, Joey Bada$$, Normani, Jameela Jamil, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Jozzy, Anitta, Babyface, Maeta, Ambre, DIXSON, Kalan.FrFr, HDBeenDope, Huey V, and more.

Available to the stars were D’USSE custom cocktails to toast to their celebrations and wins.

You can see the images below.

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Lil Uzi Vert, Beyoncé & Many More Amaze At Roc Nation Brunch

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The Roc Nation Brunch on Saturday (February 4) hosted many of the most notable names in the music industry today. Moreover, some in attendance were of course Beyoncé and Jay-Z, but also Miguel, Lil Kim, and Tems. While everybody dressed to impress as they celebrated before the Grammys, people had their favorites online. In particular, a lot of people showed love to Reginae Carter. “Reginaeeee went to her secret weapon side of the closet lol she looks good,” one user commented. “Reginae ATE ERBODY UP!!!” another affirmed. However, one of the most eye-catching arrivals during the whole event was Lil Uzi Vert and their… peculiar hair.

Furthermore, the Philly artist rocked slicked-back hair, with small little wings coming out near their ears. People might be divided on the look, but they actually predicted such fashion on their Pharell collab from Luv Is Rage 2, “Neon Guts.” “Slick my hair back like I’m Chico DeBarge,” they rapped on the track. Still, despite their vision and clearly unique style, some people weren’t feeling it. Or, at least, they found it too peculiar to not crack a few jokes at. “Uzi got the Vampire In Brooklyn joint,” someone wrote on Twitter. “Lil Uzi hair got me crying real tears,” another added, while others made note of their crazy evolution. “This is NOT the same n***a that made LIR2,” a fan wrote.

“I always had a vision for my style,” they told GQ way back in 2018. “But before, I didn’t really get it. Even when I got money, my style wasn’t all the way there yet. But with traveling the world and seeing different stuff, I get it now.” While their comments certainly hold up, it’s insane to think how much their style has changed over the years.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA- SEPTEMBER 03. The two-day music festival created by Hip-Hop Artist Jay-Z brings together many popular genres of music to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Other cities have music events like Coachella or SXSW, but no music festival has the All-Star backing of a Hip-Hop icon or the musical talent like Made In America does. For a decade, the festival has brought many popular musical acts and up-and-coming artists or bands. This year is no exception. AL DIA gives you front row coverage of the music and its fans.
Lil Uzi Vert. (Photo by Peter Fitzpatrick/ALDÍA News via Getty Images)

Meanwhile, other celebrity attendees at the Roc Nation Brunch included James Blake, Benny the Butcher, and many more. However, even with all the celebrities there, one Instagram user pointed out there seems to be something missing in the pictures… food. “I’ve never seen food at the Roc Nation brunch,” they wrote with a laughing emoji. “Where are the cheese grits?! Chicken and waffles…All I see is alcohol and outfits from Zenon Girl of the 21st Century and Uzi dressed like the Duke of No Hastings.” Still, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest on Roc Nation, the upcoming 2023 Grammys, and whether these stars get fed. Also, check out some more reactions to Uzi’s hair down below.

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