Jay-Z's words could not ring truer in the face of his recent controversial release, which has critics up in arms.
Its not a new album or music video. Instead, his new line of t-shirts has drawn a lot of media attention and fan criticism.
The 'Occupy All Streets' T-shirt, which capitalizes on the 'Occupy Wall Street' gathering, was sold on Rocawear's website for $22. The catch? All proceeds go straight into Jay-Z's pockets, not to the Occupy movement. Considering the recent music video 'Otis' portrayed the money-loving rapper ripping apart an almost $400,000 car, many fans and protestors alike have criticized Jay-Z.
The T-shirt was taken off the website, yet Jay-Z has not released a statement about the controversy.
Watch the Throne, Jay-Z and Kanye's recent release, has amazing hits and absolutely crowns these rappers as kings of their industry. The album, however, comes at a time when the public has little taste for the absurdly wealthy. Kanye's appearance at the Occupy movement was awkwardly funny. These kings need to take their crowns off and connect with their fans, before it is too late.
In the words of journalist Mark Whittington, "In effect, the rapper has found a way to commit capitalism by capitalizing on an anti-capitalist movement. One can do naught but salute Jay-Z. He is making equal parts money and irony."
In the words of journalist Mark Whittington, "In effect, the rapper has found a way to commit capitalism by capitalizing on an anti-capitalist movement. One can do naught but salute Jay-Z. He is making equal parts money and irony."