Many never forgave Jigga (OK, I never forgave Jigga) for going ahead with his Barneys capsule collaboration in 2013, when it was clear that the retailer was racially targeting its young African-American customers.
But perhaps, as evidenced by his recent grown-man opus, 4:44, Jay-Z has matured in matters of love as well as social justice (see this, this and this as examples.)
Now The Source is reporting that Jay-Z has turned down the NFL to headline the 2018 Super Bowl halftime show, a coveted spot that promises at least 111 million eyes, if last year’s numbers are any indication.
And though no clear reason was given for the turndown, it may not be a stretch to assume that Jay is taking a stand against a league many black people are boycotting because of its treatment of quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who knelt during the playing of the national anthem before NFL games last year and is subsequently out of a job because of it.
Just last week, Jay showed his solidarity with Kaepernick by shouting him out during his “The Story of O.J.” set at a performance in New York City. Also, he is doing some gigs, because he signed onto Saturday Night Live’s opening show.
If more African Americans of stature follow Jay’s lead and boycott the Super Bowl halftime show, well, that’s when all the beer runs will go down for those who still care to watch.