Now Philly’s at war with Jay-Z
AS controversy continues to rage in Philadelphia over rapper Meek Mill’s probation case — the city’s mayor’s office has moved to boot the popular Made in America festival, created by Jay-Z, founder of Meek’s label, Roc Nation.
A rep for Philly Mayor Jim Kenney dropped a bombshell Tuesday: “This is the last year [the fest] will be held on the [Ben Franklin] Parkway.” That was news to Jay and Roc Nation, as well as the concert’s promoter, Live Nation.
Jay-Z fired back in an op-ed on Wednesday. “We are disappointed that the mayor . . . would evict us from the heart of the city, through a media outlet, without a sit-down meeting, notice, dialogue or proper communication,” the mogul wrote. “It signifies zero appreciation for what Made in America has built alongside the phenomenal citizens of this city.”
Hov also revealed that “this administration immediately greeted us with a legal letter trying to stop the 2018 event” — which Meek and Nicki Minaj are slated to play.
Jay said the minority-owned fest, which has featured Rihanna, Kanye West and Pearl Jam, has brought $102.8 million to the city and paid $3.4 million in rent. Reports said the fest’s contract ended in 2017, but was renewed for a year. A rep for the mayor told Philly.com: “When the festival first started, it was intended to provide a unique attraction . . . on the otherwise quiet La- bor Day weekend . . . Over the years, tourism has grown . . . and the need for an event of this scale at this location may no longer be necessary.”
But Jay-Z asked, “How does an administration merely discard an event that generates millions . . . and employs the city’s people as if we are disposable now that we have served our purpose?” Some speculated the city might be targeting a hip-hop-heavy lineup: A source said Roc Nation “got a call this administration wanted to see the lineup,” but it refused. “What does that have to do with the city?”
In a statement, the mayor called the situation “an unfortunate misunderstanding” and said that Philly “supports” the festival.