Once again Jay-Z has used the power of his microphone to spark a cultural conversation. This time the insanely famous rap mogul has fans debating about gentrification. After doing a freestyle tribute to slain rapper and icon Nipsey Hussle, Jay left some fans scratching their heads and debating whether he got it right this time.
During a performance on Saturday, Jay teamed up with Nas to pay tribute to Hussle during the B-Sides 2 concert in New York City’s Webster Hall, News 18 reported. In video clips shown on Complex, Jay rapped:
“Gentrify your own hood before these people do
it.
Claim eminent domain and have your people move in.
That’s a small glimpse into what Nipsey was doing.
For anybody still confused as to what he was doing.”
Social media lit up with commentary.
Some slammed Jay for suggesting gentrification since it means renovating an area and pushing out lower-income, indigenous residents to attract middle and upper-class residents.
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Others defended Jay, saying it was a play on words and the rapper was merely suggesting Black and brown people buy back their blocks so they can keep their communities intact. Supporters said he was encouraging people to follow Hussle’s plan for economic revitalization for Blacks.
Still others questioned whether or not Jay even understood what gentrification and eminent domain meant. Then there were those who suggested since Jay-Z is one of America’s wealthiest celebrities, he is out of touch.
