This year marks the 10th anniversary of J. Cole’s second studio album, Born Sinner. The album was released on June 18 via ByStorm, Columbia, and Roc Nation. In addition to those labels, Born Sinner was the first album released on Cole’s Dreamville Records. Before he notoriously went Platinum without features for three albums straight, Born Sinner was the last album of his to have features until 2021. The album notably contains features from the likes of Miguel, Kendrick Lamar, TLC, James Fauntleroy, 50 Cent, Jhené Aiko, and more. Like most of his albums, J. Cole produced most of Born Sinner alongside Jake One, Elite, Syience, and Christian Rich.
Born Sinner ranks high among J. Cole’s consistent discography and is currently sitting at 2x Platinum status, making for his second biggest album behind 2014 Forest Hills Drive. Singles like “Power Trip” and “She Knows” remain some of J. Cole’s biggest songs. We’re looking back at J. Cole’s Born Sinner for its 10th anniversary.
J. Cole Reached New Heights With Born Sinner
J. Cole’s 2011 debut album, Cole World: The Sideline Story was a culmination of the artistic potential he showed on his mixtapes. The album spawned multiple hit singles, including “Work Out” and “Can’t Get Enough.” He fulfilled his potential with major cosigns and songs with Missy Elliott and JAY-Z on his major label debut. Born Sinner was a turning point creatively for J. Cole, ending the basketball theme of his albums and mixtapes until The Off-Season.
With an impressive tracklist with high replay value, Born Sinner has it all: introspective tracks, clever rhymes, and catchy hit records. J. Cole’s versatility can be highlighted in the album’s opening bars. He raps, “Sometimes I brag like Hov, sometimes I’m real like Pac / Sometimes I focus on the flow to show the skills I got / Sometimes I focus on the dough, look at these bills I got.” These lyrics come from the song “Villuminati,” which arguably still remains one of J. Cole’s all-time best rap performances.
While Cole World: The Sideline Story is on par with the sound and theme of his mixtapes, Born Sinner can be described as more artistic than Cole World. When promoting the album, J. Cole said that he had more creative freedom making this album than his debut. The album’s title track speaks to the entire album. He raps, “Born sinner, was never born to be perfect.” In addition to the title track, album highlights like “Crooked Smile” also embrace one’s imperfections and look inward to J. Cole’s own personal feelings to spread a powerful message. The music on the album is true to its title as choirs contribute stunning vocal performances on standout tracks like “Trouble,” “Crooked Smile,” and “Born Sinner.”
J. Cole Positioned Himself As A Hip Hop Great
Making a name for himself with a JAY-Z cosign and the hit singles from his debut album, J. Cole had proven himself a promising name, but he positioned himself as one of the greats with Born Sinner. In addition to the quality of the music, J. Cole aligned himself with the legends when he moved his album release date a week early to compete with Kanye West’s Yeezus. He raps about the decision to move the date on “Forbidden Fruit.”
While Kanye did beat J. Cole in first-week sales, Born Sinner continued to climb the sales charts, eventually overtaking Yeezus. Born Sinner featured respected names like 50 Cent, who appeared on “New York Times,” as well as “Forbidden Fruit” with Kendrick Lamar, who only does the hook because Cole had to turn the album in. The project is riddled with classic hip hop samples on tracks like “Forbidden Fruit,” “Land of the Snakes,” and “Sparks Will Fly.”
He Made Nas Proud
One major highlight of Born Sinner is the song “Let Nas Down,” which begins with a sample of “Nas Is Like.” Cole raps about idolizing Nas at an early age before meeting him for the first time. After feeling pressure from his label, J. Cole dropped his first hit with “Work Out” but felt gutted after hearing that Nas didn’t like the song. In the second and third verses, Cole raps about what Nas’s music meant to him and how he is committed to not sacrificing his music for anything, writing from the heart.
As a result of letting Nas down, Cole raps about re-adjusting his target audience on “Villuminati” after trying to chase a hit and losing sight of his core fanbase. Nas’s response to “Let Nas Down” was nothing short of positive, releasing a remix titled “Made Nas Proud,” giving J. Cole the ultimate stamp of approval. Overall, Born Sinner lives up to the hype created by his debut, surpassing it in quality. It was the first glimpse of J. Cole at legend status.
To say that this era of Hip Hop is flooded with new artists is an understatement. At every turn, a fresh voice emerges, an artist with stars in their eyes of becoming the next huge hitmaker in Rap. Bobby Fishscale’s name has been buzzing in the industry for years, but a conversation with the Florida native shows he doesn’t simply want to be viewed as a rapper looking to exploit his talents. There is more to the Roc Nation standout than meets the eye, and in our conversation with the rising star, he emphasized that the streets that helped raise him are only a part of his developing story.
Born Darryl Thomas in Quincy, Florida, Bobby Fishscale grew up far beyond the bright lights of Miami. The Sunshine State’s popular city is a hub for musical talent, and often, artists flock there hoping to make their marks. The successes pouring out of Miami were something that inspired Bobby. Growing up in the projects and getting involved in the street life was how a young Bobby Fishscale survived. However, he knew that it was just a stepping stone to something more significant. These days, he’s taking those lessons and using that as a foundation for his blossoming career.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 28: Bobby Fishscale attends Jay-Z’s 40/40 Club 18th Anniversary at 40 / 40 Club on August 28, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)
In our conversation with Roc Nation‘s latest star, he’s clearly not like his peers. You may find him flexing a bit on social media, but as he tells us, he is more focused on adding his voice to the Hip Hop community rather than involving himself in the ills that often derail careers.
“I was young, trapping, and I went to jail a lot. I made a lot of mistakes. I rap about that to motivate people to do right. But like, I did a lot of good stuff, too. So, it can be balanced out. Now, I know the right path, I learned from my mistakes and all the headaches.”
With co-signs from artists like 2 Chainz, Rod Wave, Lil Uzi Vert, and Kodak Black, it comes as no surprise that the industry has poised him to be next in line. Additionally, Bobby’s “Huncho Fishscale” alongside Quavo has captured attention, and with a new album on the horizon, the industry is zoned in. Most recently, Fishscale returned with his latest single “I Might,” further cementing his placement.
Read through our insightful—and often motivational—conversation with Bobby Fishscale as he details leaving his trap life behind him, making his new hustle his music career, remaining dedicated to his craft, staying humble through the fame, and never making excuses.
This interview has been slightly edited for clarity.
HotNewHipHop: It’s such a pleasure to meet you, we really appreciate your time today. Let’s jump right in—give some insight into your background for those that may not know about your upbringing.
Bobby Fishscale: I started off in the country. You know, being from the country, so we look up to people from like, Miami and stuff. The bigger cities, we always want to get there. So like, you made it to Miami, you got your music to pop in Miami, like, you onto something. All the Trick Daddys, you know, Kodak [Blacks], everybody influenced us. That was the influence and the motivation.
Well, I read that you had used music to get out of the street life. Yet, you also incorporate a lot of that into your art now. Tell us about your developing years as a teen and how that influenced your career.
Oh, yeah, you know, I was young, trapping. So like, the streets, like, I didn’t really choose the streets. I was born in the streets. So, I was young, trapping, and I went to jail a lot. I made a lot of mistakes. I rap about that to motivate people to do right. But like, I did a lot of good stuff, too. So, it can be balanced out. Now, I know the right path, I learned from my mistakes and all the headaches.
I think it’s just really refreshing to hear artists say that. I was going over your interview with Big Facts Pod, and you were talking about how you’re not really in that whole beefing, competition space. It was interesting that you said you share everybody’s music, listen to other rappers, and promote everyone. Why is it important to you to embrace your peers instead of getting into the head-to-head space?
I mean, it gotta be just like the whole growing up in the projects. You know, growing up there—being in my project, it was like 100 apartments. Everybody got like four or five people in there. So, you growing up around 500 people that you really got to like because you got to see them every day. And then, going to jail, having to share a room with somebody you might not know, might not like everything about ’em. Going to prison and having to be in dorms, having to deal with so many people. But, everybody got something that you could like about him. Something you could benefit from.
“Everybody deserves a chance. A lot of the music I listen to, they really got potential.”
Even in the streets, my plug always told me, before I started rapping and stuff, everybody deserves a chance. A lot of the music I listen to, they really got potential. I look at people, the stage they in. When I was at that stage, I wasn’t rapping that good. I wasn’t really taking it that seriously. So, I just feel like everybody deserve a little boost, a little acknowledgment for at least trying. ‘Cause you could be out here robbing people or something. I feel like you’re doing something right, so you deserve a little something, at least.
I really love that mindset for the culture. I’m gonna jump into your music. I heard that you have in your upcoming project is like a hustler’s guide, but the “Fishscale way”? [laughs]
[Laughs] Yeah, the Fishscale way.
Talk a little about that. I also heard that each of the music videos will be a lesson of some sort. What’s that all about?
Well, that was mainly on my team, because my team, they not really in the streets. They never really went through what I went through. So, a lot of the stuff I talk about, the conversations, they really be interested in. They really asked a lot of questions. Even with the music, when I have to do the lyrics, they be like, “What you mean by that?” I have to explain it to them, and they be like, “Oh, okay, okay, okay, you just taught me something.”
So, with the “Fishscale way,” like, let’s start out with the intro, you know. I tell people about my struggle, what I went through. Like, if maybe a friend of yours went to jail or something. You sad and want to give up, maybe your engineer or maybe somebody love, your brother or something, went to jail, and he won’t give up. Maybe he caught six months or two years or something. My brother caught 36 years, so if you’re gonna use that for an excuse, you need to find another excuse.
I went through the same thing, but I overcame it. So, that’s like, one of the rules. And with one of the videos we shot, it was like, don’t get high off your own supply. Even if you’re selling merch, you can’t wear a new outfit every day and lose seven outfits that you sell for $100 apiece. Over a month, you done lost $3,000, and if your profit was only $2,000, you’d have made a whole company lose because you want to wear that merch instead of selling it. So, don’t get high off your own supply. But it’s a lot of knowledge and lessons. And I don’t want it to be just in the drug form because I don’t do that no more. But, I use the same principles from the street Iife. Selling my merch, marketing my music, marketing artists. It’s just guidelines to life.
It sounds like you’ve got a good head on your shoulders. What advice would you give to other artists, either coming up in your space or already established? What is a bit of Bobby Fishscale guidance?
Never not do something. There’s no reason that you can’t do something. I got homeboys like, “Oh, why I ain’t got no beats?” Why don’t you just download a beat off YouTube and then come up with some content, you feel me? Like, excuses only satisfy the person who makes them. So, even if you want it, I’m like, why do you shoot no video? Okay, shoot it on your phone and do the little Triller, the little TikTok. Do that. It’s no reason why you shouldn’t do something. You’re an upcoming artist.
“Excuses only satisfy those who make them.”
Shout out Luh Tyler. He is—one of his first hottest songs, “Law and Order” or whatever, he recorded on Bandlab on his phone. And to this day, he never re-recorded, remastered it, remixed it. It was quality enough to get the world’s attention. So, the studio should never be a reason why you want to say an excuse. ‘Cause ’til this day, I still record on my phone. If I’m on the road, trip, airport—I use GarageBand. I started using GarageBand. I’m on the plugin headphones right now. If I hear a flow or something, I get on my notes, and I do voice memos all day. But just put it in the work. Even now, I gotta do two songs a day mandatory.
I love that you said, “Excuses are…”
Excuses only satisfy those who make them.
That’s it, I’mma take that for me.
Right, no excuses.
This is my last question; I ask it to everyone I interview. So, we know celebrity is an illusion, right? Like people, audiences, fans…they think they know you based on the interviews you do, or the music you make, or whatever they see in the blogs or whatnot.
Right.
There are always these expectations for artists to live up to the standard of what the public thinks they are instead of just being naturally who they are. What is something about you that doesn’t always translate because people have this veil of celebrity around you? Or they think you’re just a Florida rapper, or think you’re just another artist out here trying to make money? What’s something about the heart of you as a person that people don’t often get to see?
The humbleness! Like, you gotta see the humbleness. ‘Cause I could be doing way more flashy stuff. I could be just, out more, but I’m just humble. I just take everything as a blessing. And I don’t disrespect it. That’s one thing about it—you gotta respect the position you in. I don’t just go to regular stores like that, I don’t really want to put myself in a position. I kind of pick and choose everywhere I go, I really don’t look for trouble. If trouble there, I’mma just go the opposite way.
So, people should embrace the humble ones more. It ain’t all about going to jail, the stuff that people glorify. I got homeboys who don’t trap, who don’t rap, who work jobs, who got nice stuff. And you know, I embrace them like they should be, but the world don’t. Even though I say I don’t work a nine-to-five, I respect everybody who do work a nine-to-five. You got no worries, you know.
I just think we need to embrace the hard workers. The engineers, all the people. The interviewers! People like y’all to bring it to life. Y’all don’t get famous too often, but y’all should. Even y’all on this call, I feel like y’all questions is better than a lot of people questions. So, the humble ones should get more glory. But other than that, you know, I’m just Bobby.
As Lil Uzi Vert fans await news of the Philadelphia rapper’s new album The Pink Tape and Uzi makes surprise appearances at Paramore concerts, the genre agnostic, gender non-conforming artist recently appeared on the cover of 032c magazine with a feature that delved into what Uzi’s been up to since we last heard from them. In addition to working on The Pink Tape, they also got sober — an evolution that they credited to Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez, who sent them to seven months in rehab.
“I’m lucky to have people in my life who truly care about me and my well-being,” Uzi admitted. “Specifically, Desiree Perez, who helped me get into this program. I didn’t want to do it, but I had to — and I can say now that it was a great thing to do. I spent seven months in rehab. The first month and a half were hard, but after that, it was easy, because the people there became my family. They showed me so many different outlets and ways to cope with life. We did a lot of group talks, a lot of writing on whiteboards. I was so sure that it wasn’t going to work, but surprisingly it’s pretty effective.”
Perhaps stepping into sobriety is what’s helped make Uzi so productive lately. According to producer Lyle Leduff, they have recorded over 1,500 songs for the project and now have to narrow it down to a reasonable number for an actual release.
Lil Uzi Vert is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
One of Canada’s sharpest wordsmiths has, once again, proven that he’s a beast in his own right. Belly returned with the release of his highly-anticipated new album, Mumble Rap 2, executive produced by Hit-Boy. Marking the follow-up to See You Next Wednesday, Belly enlists a slew of heavy hitters for the anthem. Rick Ross, who Belly describes as one of his favorite rappers, appears on “Cocaine Spoon,” while Gucci Mane joins the rapper on “De La Hoya.” However, the XO presence looms heavily, as well, with Nav appearing on “Just Like Me.”
Perhaps, the most surprising inclusion on the tracklist comes from the late Gil Scott-Heron. The influential poet’s voice appears on “Loyalty v. Royalty,” a bluesy banger with production from Hit-Boy and Scott-Heron’s estate’s blessing. “We reached out. They were incredible, great about it. They just wanted to hear the record, heard the record. They were like, ‘Yeah. Done.’ Signed off on it,” Belly told HotNewHipHop in a recent interview. “Even for me, it was like, shocking because I had never tried to clear something like that.’”
Belly Unveils “Mumble Rap 2”
The latest effort from the rapper comes shortly after he announced that he has three albums left before stepping away from the music industry. Earlier this year, he confirmed that after Mumble Rap 2, he would hit the road before dropping two more albums and heading on a farewell tour. “I love yall with all my heart, sincerely, but this industry has taken it’s toll on me,” he wrote. “MR2 will be the first of my last three albums ever. Mini tour for MR2 then a farewell tour after my next 2.”
At this point, he hasn’t revealed any further details on his last two albums. However, it’s unlikely that we see the long-awaited Jay-Z collaboration land on either. The rapper previously teased a song titled “Midnight Zone” alongside the Roc Nation boss. But, in a recent interview with HotNewHipHop, he revealed the status of the record. “Honestly, I don’t know. I don’t think that’s gon’ be the case,” Belly explained when asked if the Jay-Z collab might appear on his future projects. “Just the fact I was able to get in the studio with Hov and just be in there and just to have him pull up to a couple of sessions – that’s a life-long dream for me right there.”
“Cocaine Spoon” Ft. Rick Ross
In addition to the release of Mumble Rap 2, Belly also unveiled the official visuals for the single, “Cocaine Spoon” ft. Rick Ross. The new video comes after the release of both “American Nightmare” and “Ambiance,” which share a similar aesthetic to his latest video. Check it out above.
Born on January 28, 1985, in Frankfurt, Germany, Jermaine Lamarr Cole, professionally known as J Cole, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer, but what is his net worth in 2023? We’ll be looking at what has helped amass Cole’s impressive wealth and fortune thus far.
J Cole Net Worth
With a net worth of around $60 million as of 2023, according to Celebrity Net Worth, J Cole has become one of the most successful and respected artists in the music industry.
Early Life And Music Beginnings
(Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images)
Growing up in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Cole developed an interest in music at a young age. He started rapping when he was 12 and later learned to produce after his mother gifted him a beat machine. After graduating high school, J Cole attended St. John’s University in New York City, where he studied communications and computer science. It was during this time that he began to make connections in the music industry and work on his craft.
Breakthrough And Success
(Photo by David Wolff – Patrick/WireImage)
J Cole’s journey to fame began in 2007 when he released his debut mixtape, The Come Up. Shortly after, the release of his single “Lights Please” from The Warm Upcaught the attention of Jay-Z, who later signed him to his record label, Roc Nation. In 2011, Cole released his debut studio album, Cole World: The Sideline Story, which debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart and was later certified platinum.
Following the success of his debut album, J Cole released several more successful albums, such as Born Sinner, 2014 Forest Hills Drive, 4 Your Eyez Only, KOD, and The Off-Season. Many of these projects have been critically acclaimed and commercially successful, further solidifying J Cole’s status as a top-tier rapper.
J Cole: Business Ventures And Investments
(Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Roc Nation)
In addition to his music career, J Cole has also ventured into other areas of business. In 2007, he co-founded Dreamville Records, which is distributed under Interscope Records. The label has signed several successful artists, including Bas, Cozz, and Ari Lennox. Dreamville has released multiple successful projects, including the Grammy-nominated compilation album, Revenge of the Dreamers III.
J Cole has also invested in Tidal, the music streaming service founded by Jay-Z. As a stakeholder in the company, J Cole has played a part in its growth and success.
Philanthropy And Social Impact
(Photo by Lorne Thomson/Redferns)
J Cole is not only focused on growing his wealth but also on making a positive impact on society. He has been involved in various philanthropic initiatives throughout his career, such as the Dreamville Foundation. Established in 2011, the foundation aims to improve the lives of urban youth by providing resources and opportunities for personal and educational development.
In 2015, J Cole announced that he also purchased his childhood home in Fayetteville and turned it into a rent-free housing program for single mothers and their children. This initiative further showcases J Cole’s commitment to giving back to his community and helping those in need.
Conclusion/TLDR
With a net worth of around $60 million as of 2023, J Cole has proven that hard work, determination, and talent can lead to incredible success. As he continues to create groundbreaking music and expand his business ventures, there’s no doubt that J Cole’s net worth will continue to grow in the coming years.
From humble beginnings in Brooklyn to becoming a billionaire rap mogul, Jay-Z has managed to accrue an incredible amount of wealth. But how did he amass such a fortune? This article explores Jay-Z’s diverse business ventures, investments, and the music career that paved the way to his immense wealth.
Jay-Z Net Worth
Jay-Z’s net worth has skyrocketed to an estimated $2.5 billion as of 2023, according to CNBC.
The Music Career That Started It All
(Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images/Michael Ochs Archives)
Jay-Z, born Shawn Corey Carter, first stepped into the limelight in the mid-1990s with his debut album, Reasonable Doubt. His unique rap style and storytelling ability quickly caught the attention of fans and industry professionals alike. As of 2023, Jay-Z has released 13 solo studio albums, earning 24 Grammy Awards and selling over 140 million records worldwide. While his music career laid the foundation for his wealth, it was just the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey.
Building a Business Empire
(Photo by George Pimentel/WireImage)
Early in his career, Jay-Z recognized the importance of entrepreneurship and began expanding his business interests. In 1996, he co-founded Roc-A-Fella Records, and later, struck a distribution and partnership deal with Def Jam Recordings. This move allowed him to retain more control over his music and earn a larger share of profits. In 1999, he launched Rocawear, a clothing line that quickly became popular and was later sold for over $200 million.
Diversifying Investments
(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Jay-Z’s net worth continued to grow as he diversified his investments. In 2004, he became a part-owner of the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets, helping to bring the team to his hometown. He eventually sold his stake in the team and the Barclays Center, the Nets’ home arena.
In 2007, he founded Roc Nation, an entertainment company that includes a record label, talent agency, and sports management division. Roc Nation has signed artists like Rihanna, J. Cole, and Big Sean and represents athletes such as Kevin Durant and Dez Bryant.
Tidal And The Streaming Industry
(Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Roc Nation)
In 2015, Jay-Z acquired the streaming platform Tidal for $56 million, aiming to provide a fairer royalty structure for artists. While the platform has faced competition from Spotify and Apple Music, Tidal remains a significant player in the streaming industry and has been valued at over $600 million.
Jay-Z: Expanding Into the Beverage Industry
. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
Jay-Z’s ventures also extend into the beverage industry. In 2006, he invested in the luxury champagne brand Armand de Brignac, often referred to as “Ace of Spades.” Additionally, in 2018, he partnered with Bacardi to produce D’Ussé, a premium cognac brand. Bacardi later bought Jay-Z’s controlling stake in the company. These investments have further contributed to his expanding net worth.
Philanthropy And Social Impact
(Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage)
Beyond his business pursuits, Jay-Z has consistently been involved in philanthropy and social causes. He has donated millions to various organizations, including the Shawn Carter Foundation, which he co-founded with his mother to provide scholarships to underprivileged students. He has also been an outspoken advocate for criminal justice reform and has financially supported initiatives to address racial inequality and police brutality.
Conclusion/TLDR
Jay-Z’s estimated net worth of $2.5 billion in 2023 reflects not only his incredible success as a musician but also his exceptional business acumen and investment strategy. Through his diverse ventures in the music, sports, fashion, and beverage industries, Jay-Z has built an empire that has solidified his status as one of the wealthiest and most influential figures in entertainment.
Beyoncé is flourishing on her Renaissance World Tour, which opened in Stockholm, Sweden on Wednesday (May 10), but Jay-Z is handling business back home.
This morning, May 11, Roc Nation shared an open letter (buying ad space in multiple newspapers) making the case as to why their group should be granted the license to open their desired casino and their intent behind it.
According to Billboard, Jay-Z and Roc Nation’s group is competing with New York Mets owner Steve Cohen, Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, Stefan Soloviev, and John Catsimatidis — all billionaires as well. The publication additionally noted that Roc Nation’s open letter “was placed in The New York Post, New York Daily News, and Amsterdam News.
Read the full letter below.
“IT’S TIME, TIMES SQUARE
Dear New York,
A gaming license is going to be awarded to New York City. A bill was passed in the state legislature confirming it. The question is: which applicant will get the license? Some conflicted parties have attempted to spread misinformation, so we wanted to speak to you, New York City, directly.
The winning group must have a track record of turning words into deeds — of putting New York City and its residents first — people of all races, religions, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations and socio-economic statuses. New Yorkers in every corner of every borough — all of us. The winning organization must have a history of campaigning for fair hiring, representation, and reform. Hate, as well as groups that have a history of oppressing the most vulnerable, have no place in New York.
The winning licensee must always put the well-being of New Yorkers at the top of their agenda and do right by its residents. This is too important of moment in our city’s illustrious history. Times Square, the epicenter of entertainment with palpable energy, is unmatched. Roc Nation and our partners are here to ensure Times Square remains connected to all facets of culture. There’s no better location for a Caesars Palace entertainment destination than the Crossroads of the World.
Our proposal lays out an innovative plan that will not only draw additional tourists to our city but will also enhance the lives of everyday New Yorkers.
Gives back to all surrounding businesses.
Benefits mass transit.
Invests money into sanitation and security from the bowtie all the way west into Hell’s Kitchen.
Develops and delivers a much-needed transportation plan.
Protects the interests of the actors, producers, theatre staff, writers and patrons that represent the true heart and soul of Broadway.
Provides opportunity for all.
Caesars Palace Times Square will benefit all of New York — the hotel and restaurant workers in the area, retailers and surrounding neighborhoods. Our bid commits $115 million for diverse theater programs that include daycare for Broadway workers and their families.
Our bid honors the city of dreams, New York City, and the people that have made this place we call home the cultural and entertainment capital of the world. This is our moment, our opportunity to capture the energy of Times Square and invest in our city. You’re a New Yorker, you get it.
He’s certainly in an “Empire State of Mind.” As his wife, Beyoncé, makes undeniably major money moves with the launch of her RENAISSANCE World Tour on Wednesday (May 10) in Stockholm, Jay-Z and Roc Nation are taking care of business in New York. Previously, in 2022, it was announced that the 4:44 hitmaker and his label have joined forces with a group of investors looking to open a casino in Times Square. In the latest update on their bid, TMZ reports that Hov and co. are taking out full-page ads in various publications across the city this week, which will give locals the opportunity to read an open letter detailing their plans.
“It’s time, Times Square,” they began. “Dear New York, A gaming license is going to be awarded to [NYC]. A bill was passed in the state legislature confirming it. The question is: which applicant will get the license? Some conflicted parties have attempted to spread misinformation, so we wanted to speak to you, New York City, directly.” Jay-Z and Roc Nation went on to point out that the candidate selected must have a strong track record of “turning words into deeds” as well as putting the city and its people first, regardless of their race, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status.
According to them, it will chiefly benefit “everyday New Yorkers” along with various businesses in the city. Reports claim that the mega-project would be built into the top eight floors of an existing Times Square skyscraper. The building is located in the middle of Broadway’s theatre district. It’s worth noting that producers and theatre owners have been markedly expressing disinterest in seeing the casino built. Roc Nation is attempting to counter this by including $115M for “diverse programs” aiding Broadway employees in their bid.
Jay-Z and his team hope to keep the “well-being of New Yorkers at the top of their agenda.” They’re facing off against several competitors for the coveted spot, including Steve Cohen of Wynn Resorts and the Mets. Each bid has proposed a different location for their casino. It’s been said that NY State will likely make a final decision before the end of 2023. Do you think Times Square is a good choice for the father of three’s latest business venture? Let us know in the comments, and tap back in later for more pop culture news updates.
JAY-Z is eyeing a casino in Times Square. TMZ has obtained a letter written by Hov, via Roc Nation, titled “It’s Time, Times Square,” detailing why the entertainment company and its partner Caesars Palace should be allowed to launch a casino in the famed NYC location.
Hov’s proposed casino does not require a new location as it would be build on the top 8 floors of the Times Square skyscraper. Nearby theaters and producers are against the idea, but Roc Nation is offering $115 million for “diverse theater programs” in the area.
Hov and his partners also aim to keep the “well-being of New York”s at the forefront of the new place.
JAY-Z is not alone in the pursuit of a NYC casino as the Wynn Resorts and Mets owner Steve Cohen wants a piece of gambling pie as well.
