Jay-Z and NFL to Extend Super Bowl Halftime Partnership: A Positive Collaboration
Bloomberg reports that Jay-Z and the NFL are set to continue their partnership.
During the NFL owners’ meeting in Atlanta on Tuesday, October 15, Commissioner Roger Goodell stated, “It’s been a mutually positive relationship. I’m not sure either one of us really spends much time talking about contracts. Jay is happy. Desiree Perez is happy. I’m happy, so we’re all good.”
As noted by ESPN, their previous agreement was worth $25 million over five years. This deal included Roc Nation’s involvement in the Super Bowl Halftime Show and support for the league’s social justice initiative, Inspire Change, which has allocated $375 million in grants.
However, the partnership has faced its share of controversies. Since the announcement in the summer of 2019, Jay-Z has been criticized for collaborating with a league that allegedly blackballed former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick for kneeling during the national anthem to protest police brutality. More recently, some in the rap community expressed discontent when it was revealed that Kendrick Lamar, rather than Lil Wayne, would headline this season’s Super Bowl in New Orleans.
Under Jay-Z and Roc Nation’s direction, the Super Bowl Halftime Show has featured a lineup predominantly comprised of hip-hop artists, including Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, The Weeknd, Dr. Dre and friends, Rihanna, and Usher. This year’s performance is particularly anticipated as Lamar looks to cap off an already impressive year.
Billboard has reached out to both the NFL and Roc Nation for further comments.
Source: Billboard.com
