S. Samuel
Although rap mogul Jay-Z no longer has ownership of the Brooklyn Nets, the new head of Roc Nation Sports showed his love for the team by appearing at its first playoffs game last night (April 20).
While his wife Beyoncé was nowhere in sight, Young Hov cheered the Nets to a strong 106-89 win against rival Chicago Bulls in its first playoffs appearance since relocating to Brooklyn this season.
He may have sold his ownership stake in the team, but Jay-Z will be a Nets fan forever. Days after relinquishing his investment, the hip-hop mogul was spotted courtside at the Nets vs. Chicago Bulls playoff game at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on Saturday. Wearing a black Hooligans sweatshirt, gold chain, and backwards Nets hat, he cheered for his home team alongside Roc Nation executive Ty Ty. (Rap-Up)
On Thursday (April 18), Jigga issued an open letter which revealed his departure from minority owner.
“Being a member of the Nets organization surpassed some of my greatest ambitions. It was never about an investment; it was about the NETS and Brooklyn. My job as an owner is over but as a fan it has just begun. I’m a Brooklyn Net forever. It’s been an honor to work with Mikhail Prokhorov, Dmitry Razumov, Christophe Charlier, ONEXIM Sports and Entertainment, Brett Yormark and all the wonderful people involved in making the Nets first class. My sincerest thanks goes to Bruce Ratner, who first introduced the idea of moving the Nets to Brooklyn. A thank you and deepest appreciation goes to the fans. You are the lifeblood of any team.” (Life + Times)
The rap mogul also confirmed NBA restrictions forced him to part ways with the team.
“The Nets have made their mark on the NBA and as they enter a new era, Roc Nation does as well; as we embark on Roc Nation Sports. Our newest endeavor is committed to building the brands of professional athletes as we have done for some of today’s top music artists. For Roc Nation Sports to function at its full potential, NBA rules stipulate that I relinquish my ownership in the Brooklyn Nets. It was a tough decision but as I stated earlier, it’s not about ownership. Congratulations to The Nets on a great season and making the playoffs! I will always be a Brooklyn Net.” (Life + Times)
On his new “Open Letter” record, Jigga addresses the Brooklyn Nets conflict of interest.
“Could’ve brought the Nets to Brooklyn for free/Except I made millions off it, you f*ckin’ dweeb/I still own the building, I’m still keeping my seat/Y’all buy that bullsh*t, you’d better keep your receipt/Obama said chill, you gonna get me impeached/But you don’t need this sh*t anyway/Chill with me on the beach” (“Open Letter”)
