by Janee Bolden

June 26, 2025

Black Brilliance Takes Center Stage At 2025 Black Music Moguls Brunch

The affair was a celebration of several music industry notables

Atlanta’s entertainment elite dressed to impress for an incredible afternoon at The Gathering Spot to honor legacy, leadership, and cultural impact at the 6th Annual Black Music Moguls Brunch. Hosted by Liz Smith and Jaleel Thurman, with sounds curated by DJ Jazzy T, the June 22nd affair was a celebration of several music industry notables moving the culture forward both behind the boards, as well as in the boardrooms.

Created by Niya Skyy Hogans, the Black Music Moguls Brunch has become one of the city’s most inspiring and intentional events. “I created this because I wanted to give flowers to people, not only the artists, but the people behind the scenes: the attorneys, the executives, the journalists, the media,” Hogans shared. “To be able to keep it going, year after year, is amazing. I got my start from people behind the scenes, like my mentor Cannon Kent Grant, who presented today. She gave me my first job, so to share the stage with her is amazing and I always want to share that love and celebrate people’s legacy.”

Dressed in semi-formal all-black attire, guests enjoyed Grey Goose cocktails and brunch plates piled with shrimp and grits, turkey bacon, fruit, eggs, and chicken sausage. Sponsored by Grey Goose, MNRK Music Group, Red Bull, and Pronghorn, the brunch struck the perfect balance of elegance and empowerment.

This year’s honorees included a dynamic group of game-changers: Joshua “J1” Raiford, Pandora’s Vice President of Music Programming and Program Director for SiriusXM’s Pandora Now, mixtape pioneer and Generation Now co-founder DJ Drama, producer Zaytoven, and attorney Bernie Lawrence-Watkins.

Joshua “J1” Raiford, known for his radio expertise and trailblazing work in music programming, was deeply moved by the recognition. “I’ve hosted this event the last two years—so being honored is an incredible full-circle moment,” he said. “I always keep God first, work hard, and treat people with respect, regardless of title. The music business is all about relationships—but the most important one is with God.”

Raiford paid tribute to his mother, who was present, and his late father, whose memory fuels his purpose. “If God gives you a dream or a vision, he gave it to you for a reason. Have faith he’s made the provision for the vision, just be flexible with the path it takes to get there.”

Zaytoven, the legendary producer behind hits from Gucci Mane to Usher, was honored with the Visionary Award. In a touching moment, he reflected on his childhood in Mississippi, where his musical origin story began in church. “I never thought me sitting at the organ four or five days a week would lead to this,” he said. “I thank God for my gifts and for giving me a vision, not just to be a church musician, but also to be a Black music mogul.”

He also shared how love and partnership helped shape his journey, shouting out his wife of 18 years, who believed in him from his days cutting hair in barber school: “She told everybody I made beats before anybody knew who I was.”

DJ Drama, a pioneer of Southern mixtape culture and co-founder of Generation Now, accepted the Trendsetter Award. “My journey has always been about going against the grain,” he said. From his early mixtapes with Tip and Jeezy to launching stars like Lil Uzi Vert and Jack Harlow, Drama reminded the audience that belief in your vision is non-negotiable. “As crazy as your ideas may be, they’re what you make them. I’m living proof of that.”

Bernie Lawrence-Watkins, the award-winning entertainment attorney and founder of B. Lawrence Watkins & Associates, delivered one of the most rousing speeches of the afternoon. “In an industry where creativity is currency, legal power is protection,” she declared. “Our work is advocacy. It’s empowerment. It’s legacy building.”

She dedicated her award to every Black law student questioning their place in the entertainment field. “To those who came before me, the legal minds who navigated an industry that didn’t always welcome us, you laid the groundwork so we could walk with confidence. We are not just here to advise. We are here to lead.”

The presence of Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, who appeared via video, further cemented the event’s impact: “Atlanta is a city synonymous with Black excellence. This event strengthens our communities, enhances our culture, and drives economic development.”

Throughout the event, applause rang out as honorees spoke from the heart. Tears were shed, toasts were raised, and photos were snapped, but the focus remained on the message that Black excellence is best achieved through faith, hard work, and community.

Black Music Moguls Brunch began with Niya Skyy Hogans vision to make sure that those often overlooked are seen, heard, and celebrated. She, and executive producer Emma Jackson, expertly executed that mission with Sunday’s brunch. From producers to program directors, lawyers to legends, the event was a reflection of the brilliance that often happens behind the scenes.

by Stacy Jackson

June 26, 2025

Dana Loatman Continues Virgil Abloh’s Legacy To Support Black Creatives

As Executive Director of the Virgil Abloh Foundation, Loatman expands on efforts to advance equity and inclusion for Black creatives.

Chicago-based leader Dana Loatman is carrying on the legacy of late fashion designer and Chicago native, Virgil Abloh, as she leads efforts as executive director of the Virgil Abloh Foundation.

The Foundation announced Loatman as its inaugural executive director in February, an appointment that would move the Foundation into its next phase of upholding Virgil’s commitment to support underrepresented creatives. Established by his wife, Shannon Abloh, and family, the Virgil Abloh Foundation is a creative company built to advance equity, collaboration, and inclusivity within the creative sector. Loatman’s character perfectly fits the position where she oversees the Foundation’s operations, strategic planning, and program development.

Virgil’s aim to cultivate the next generation of creators across disciplines stems from his commitment to community empowerment and innovation. As a creative herself who aspired to pursue dance, “the work is deeply, deeply personal for me,” Loatman told Black Tech, Green Money in a June 24 interview. Programs at the Foundation get students in front of opportunities to work with different collaboration partners, like Billionaire Boys Club, to ensure young creatives understand the industry’s business side before they go off to college or enter the workforce. “Virgil believed heavily in collaboration,” the New York-born creative said.

The Virgil Abloh Foundation offers a 10-month program focused on exposing 17- and 18-year-old Chicagoans from BIPOC communities and first-generation single-parent homes to transformational, hands-on, and behind-the-scenes experience. The program, which is built on Virgil’s idea that “Everything he did was for the seventeen-year-old version of himself,” offers exposure, access, and opportunity. Additionally, students are sent on a 10-day trip to Paris and London to gain experience from ateliers for major luxury brands like Louis Vuitton.

“Virgil was a multi-hyphenate. He redefined what it meant to be a creative in so many ways,” Loatman said of the renowned Off-White founder who died in 2021. “He was also a DJ, an architect, a designer, an engineer by degree, and so really redefined and reshaped what it means to be a creative.” She added, “He was the first in many places but did not want to be the last. And so that legacy for him, when you asked me what is Virgil Abloh’s legacy, it really is continuing the work that he has started to continue his story by investing in young creatives, specifically young underrepresented creatives.”

‘Visionary’ fashion designer Virgil Abloh dies aged 41 https://t.co/5PJiwy7E9B
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) November 29, 2021

Virgil’s philanthropic efforts inspired Loatman’s passion to invest in and ensure that underrepresented communities have the same access to resources and experiences as their counterparts. As executive director, she is dedicated to expanding on the in-person experiences, bespoke programs, online programs, mentorships, partnerships, and collaborations the Foundation has already established for students.

Loatman comes to her new position as executive director of the Virgil Abloh Foundation with years of career experience in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors. Her resume spans leadership and cultural change roles that reflect Virgil’s commitment to elevating Black voices and diverse perspectives. According to LinkedIn, she’s helped secure over $100 million in investments from major companies like Apple and Nike to target racial and gender equality.

Virgil Abloh’s Postmodern Scholarship Fund and the Fashion Scholarship Fund award scholarships and grants to Black students in college and those who study fashion.

by Mitti Hicks

June 26, 2025

The Hidden Home Equity Tax Straining Families For Staying In House Too Long

According to Realtor, roughly 1-in-3 homeowners—approximately 29 million households—have built up more home equity than the federal capital gains tax exclusion protects when people sell their primary home.

Home equity has long been viewed as a safety net for homeowners. Many families consider it a nest egg for future college expenses, inheritance for their children, or long-term care later in life. However, this once financial safety net is changing. Millions of American homeowners face a hidden tax burden they didn’t anticipate due to an outdated federal rule.

According to Realtor, roughly 1 in 3 homeowners—approximately 29 million households—have built up more home equity than the federal capital gains tax exclusion protects when people sell their primary residence. Single filers can exclude up to $250,000 in profit. Married homeowners, or those who file jointly, can exclude up to $500,000. These exclusions are the result of a 1997 federal rule change that fixed headaches for homeowners. Before Congress wrote the rule change, sellers could defer paying capital gains taxes if they purchased a more expensive home. However, they had to keep decades of receipts and were hit with taxes if they wanted to downsize.

“It was a compliance mess,” said Evan Liddiard, the NAR’s director of tax policy. “You had to keep track of the first home that you bought and every improvement in every home over the course of a lifetime to show how much gain you ultimately had.”

The rule change made things simple and opened the door for homeowners to use home equity to fund their retirement and more.

How Americans Are Being Penalized For Staying In Homes Longer

As Realtor points out, there was a significant oversight that Congress did not consider in 1997: inflation and rising home costs.

Home prices have increased by more than 260%, but the tax exemption has remained relatively unchanged. According to research from the University of Illinois, Chicago, if the rule kept pace, the cap would now be around $660,000 for individuals and $1.32 million for couples.

Nationwide, the average potential federal tax bill for homeowners with over-limit balances is around $35,000. However, every state is not the same. In Hawaii, which tops the list, more than 79% of homeowners could be impacted by the $250,000 exclusion limit. The average capital gain excluded in Hawaii is more than $400,000. In Washington State, more than 65% of homeowners are at risk of foreclosure. States like West Virginia and Mississippi are experiencing the least impact, with fewer than 10% of homeowners affected.

This means homeowners are sitting on equity they cannot unlock without incurring a significant cost. It’s also creating a strain in the housing market. Fewer people are likely to sell or downsize to avoid the tax, where the supply is needed the most. Instead, homeowners are staying in place until they pass away. If they hold the house, their heirs receive a stepped-up basis and avoid the capital gains bill altogether.

“Many people don’t consider their home as a capital asset that they have to pay tax on,” Liddiard adds. “And now, we’re suddenly getting to the point where a whole generation is finding out from their accountant that if they sell their house, they’re going to have to pay $80,000 or $200,000 or whatever it might be in capital gains tax. And they’re saying, ‘What? I had no idea!”

What Needs To Happen Next To Save Home Equity Advantages

By 2030, the number of people expected to have more home equity than the federal capital gains tax allows is expected to grow to 56% of homeowners. Without action, the hidden tax is expected to continue growing.

Industry advocates say the solution is for Congress to move forward with the bipartisan proposal, “The More Homes on the Market Act.” The proposal doubles the current exemption to $500,000 for individuals and $1 million for couples.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 26, 2025

Pharrell Sues E-Commerce Company For Selling Fake Billionaire Boys Club Products

Pharrell Williams files a $14 million lawsuit against a company behind counterfeit BBC products.

Pharrell Williams is going after an online print-on-demand company for allegedly selling counterfeit replicas of his Billionaire Boys Club company.

The music and fashion mogul’s BBC Ice Cream LLC filed a $14 million lawsuit against online retailer Spreadshirt, All Hip Hop reports. Williams is seeking damages and a court order to stop the alleged infringement of his coveted streetwear brand.

The complaint alleges Spreadshirt enabled unauthorized sellers to upload and sell counterfeit BBC merchandise, handling printing, packaging, and shipping, while hiding its involvement in the operation through “white label” packaging. Spreadshirt is accused of willfully participating in the counterfeit scheme by failing to implement safeguards to prevent intellectual property theft from which it profited.

“[Spreadshirt’s] conduct continues unabated, and the manufacture, publishing, advertising for sale and sales of counterfeit and infringing Products persist,” Williams’ attorney Richard J. Pocker said. “BBC brings this action to put a stop to this ongoing unlawful conduct and to hold [Spreadshirt] accountable for their actions.”

The lawsuit charges Spreadshirt with violating federal trademark laws, including counterfeiting, trademark dilution, and false designation of origin. In response, BBC is seeking injunctive relief, compensatory and punitive damages, attorney’s fees, and an immediate halt to the counterfeit sales.

Founded in 2003 by Williams and Japanese designer Nigo, Billionaire Boys Club & Ice Cream marked Williams’ first foray into fashion at the height of his success as a sought-after music producer and artist. The brand quickly rose to prominence with its bold designs and silhouettes that blended luxury fashion with skate and hip-hop culture, cementing its place as a global streetwear staple.

With flagship stores in New York and Miami and retail partnerships with Nordstrom, END, Ssense, and Selfridges, Billionaire Boys Club has built its reputation on blending streetwear with luxury. Williams has leveraged his music career and star power to elevate the brand, featuring it in music videos and most recently in his Lego-animated biopic, Piece by Piece. At its core, BBC continues to champion its guiding motto: “Wealth is of the heart and mind, not the pocket.”

by Kandiss Edwards

June 26, 2025

Employee Sues Truist Bank After Coworkers Trigger PTSD With Chucky Doll

Debra Jones filed suit against Truist Bank, May 21. Jones claims employees at the Rocky Mount branch discriminated on her due to her disabilities.

A North Carolina bank employee is suing for “discrimination” after a manager allegedly placed a Chucky doll on her desk and mocked her disability.

Debra Jones filed suit against Truist Bank on May 21. Jones was an employee at the bank’s Rocky Mount branch.

Jones is diagnosed with multiple conditions, including major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and an autoimmune disorder, vitiligo. According to the Plaintiff, her training manager, Matthew Korr, attempted to trigger her by placing the doll of the horror movie character on her desk.

“Korr placed a Chucky doll — the doll that kills people– in Plaintiff’s office chair, which interfered with Plaintiff’s training. Korr’s actions caused harm to Plaintiff’s disabilities, worsened her medical condition, and caused Plaintiff to seek immediate medical attention. Plaintiff further contends that Korr laughed when he saw Plaintiff’s reaction to the Chucky doll.”

The incident caused Jones distress. Consequently, she received treatment from a medical professional. The woman was also placed on medical leave for eight weeks following the incident. She claims she was also diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Once she returned to work, Jones was under the supervision of a different employee, Jennifer Briley. She says the harassment did not end. Instead, the insensitive treatment continued with offensive comments made by Briley. She details a November 2024 incident in the lawsuit.

LAWSUIT | NC woman accuses Charlotte-based bank of discrimination after manager leaves Chucky doll in her chair.

Details: https://t.co/IRiFLIKKNp pic.twitter.com/j3wSvTf8E3
— Queen City News (@Queen_City_News) June 17, 2025

Jones’s suit contends that on or about Nov. 15, 2024, Plaintiff discovered a fraudulent check. After the discovery, Briley made a joke in the presence of Plaintiff and Briley’s team that Plaintiff was always a fraudulent vigilante. Briley and the team laughed at the joke even though Plaintiff was doing her job when she made the fraudulent discovery.”

Further incidents detailed include Briley allegedly speaking to Jones in an “aggressive loud tone” about her approved early departures and later, Briley allegedly imposed stricter lunch break rules and questioned her use of anxiety as an “excuse.” Jones contends these actions led to panic attacks and another medical leave.

Jones asserts that she was routinely subjected to discrimination and retaliation due to her disabilities and that Truist Bank failed to take effective remedial action despite being aware of the alleged misconduct. The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages, back pay, and other relief for pecuniary and non-pecuniary losses, including emotional pain and suffering. A jury trial has been demanded.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

June 26, 2025

The Cover Letter Is Dead, Create A ‘Brag Doc’ Instead

The "brag doc" takes the traditional resume and cover letter up a notch in a competitive job market.

For those at their wits’ end with the job market, a “Brag Doc” may be the solution to your dream offer.

A “Brag Doc” essentially lists all of one’s career wins to showcase what they bring to the table. Maddie Machado came up with the idea at the advice of a colleague. Now, she has founded SkillScript, a resume platform to help others make their own.

“No one’s reading cover letters,” Machado said to CNBC. “Even when I was a recruiter for so many years, I can count on maybe one hand how many times I actually read a cover letter.”

Through SkillScript, Machado uses four components to develop a reimagined resume that showcases the best in a candidate. Starting with “corporate superpowers,” this category outlines exactly what roles and responsibilities feel second nature to a potential employee.

Next, this “brag doc” details how these superpowers yield results. Emphasizing what one delivered in their previous roles can showcase the value of their employment. Machado advises focusing on what would not have happened without you in the role, and how you directly contributed to this vital measure.

Machado added, “It’s hard to see on your resume the amount of impact and the things that you owned and are actually proud of.”

However, no “brag doc” would be complete without boasting about monumental success. Inserting one’s major accomplishments showcase how they stand out among a sea of competitive candidates. Machado believes that including ways one saved the company money or boosted efficiency beyond the typical processes can seem like a significant asset to employers.

Finally, tailoring the “brag doc” to fit the company’s values, standards, and desired role can greatly benefit you. Understanding the core mission and drive for the company can showcase an extra attention to detail and commitment to fulfilling this purpose.

The “brag doc” can also serve as a reflection for you. Reminding yourself of your strengths and capabilities can boost your morale as you enter the job search. Furthermore, when it comes to offer negotiations, knowing exactly how you’ve transformed departments or entire companies can persuade employers to say yes to a salary bump fitting your expertise.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 26, 2025

Sheila Bridges’ Harlem Toile Takes Center Stage In Season 3 Of ‘And Just Like That…’

Sheila Bridges' Harlem Toile was amplified in season 3 of "And Just Like That...".

Harlem Toile, the popular wallpaper turned housewear and lifestyle design company, was front and center in scenes throughout season 3 of HBO Max’s And Just Like That… .

Sheila Bridges, author, interior designer, and the creative force behind Harlem Toile, shared her excitement on Instagram on June 24, celebrating the spotlight her distinctive brand received in the hit scripted series.

“And Just Like That, my Harlem Toile x @wedgwood fine bone china tea cups, saucers, and mugs made a few cameo appearances on the latest season of @justlikethatmax in the hands of actors @cjack930 @nicoleariparker and @iamkristindavis!” Bridges wrote. “So delighted to see some of our colorful designs included!”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sheila Bridges (@harlemtoilegirl)

Harlem Toile has steadily gained recognition and popularity since Bridges created the brand in response to her search for the perfect toile for her home—a search that came up empty. What began as a wallpaper line quickly evolved into a full lifestyle collection, including fabrics, bedding, tableware, umbrellas, and apparel.

Her work has been showcased in prestigious institutions such as the Studio Museum in Harlem, the Museum of Arts and Design in New York City, the Musée de la Toile de Jouy in France, and the Museum of the African Diaspora in San Francisco.

In a recent appearance on Elle Decor’s Design Tea hot seat, Bridges shared her favorite room styles and interior design pet peeves. A proud Harlem resident, she uses her social media to highlight her rich family history and deep-rooted connection to design and tailoring, evident in vintage photos of her mother and grandfather, both of whom seemed to step out each day dressed to perfection.

“Since the theme of the much anticipated 2025 Met Gala this evening is Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, this post is dedicated to my stylish maternal grandfather, Edward Corbett Winfrey, born in Virginia in 1899,” Bridges shared in a photo homage of her grandfather. “Photos were taken in Philadelphia and Atlantic City, NJ ( love his saddle shoes and socks at the beach).”

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A post shared by Sheila Bridges (@harlemtoilegirl)

The Harlem Toile shop on Bridges’ website offers a wide range of products, from wallpaper and window shade fabrics to tea cups, silk scarves, and puzzles. For those wanting to sample the bold, eclectic designs before committing, free swatches are available.

by Sharelle B. McNair

June 25, 2025

National Association Of Black Accountants Convention Struggled With Sponsors Amid DEI Pushback

The National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) recruiting event suffered a massive loss of sponsors due to the political pressures from the Trump administration to terminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives throughout corporate America, Fox Business reports.

Serving Black accountants and accounting firms, the annual event, held June 3-6 in Las Vegas, convenes for recruiting purposes for financial institutions and advisory firms. However, a report of the 2025 convention was marked as “a litmus test of the impact of Donald Trump’s executive orders attacking what he calls ‘illegal DEI’” due to the absence of major corporations known to sponsor.

Deloitte LLP, Wells Fargo & Co., and JPMorgan Chase & Co. were listed as traditional sponsors, and PwC and the Internal Revenue Service appeared. However, companies like American Express Co., Meta Platforms Inc., and Walt Disney Co. not being in attendance spoke volumes. “Attendance was down from last year, when almost 4,000 students and industry professionals took part,” the report read.

“Deloitte, the title sponsor, kept press out of the sessions it underwrote and declined to make featured panelist Lara Abrash, the chair of Deloitte US, available for interviews.”

Anti-DEI policies are making it difficult for the accounting industry to sustain itself, in addition to struggling to attract individuals into the profession. NABA’s CEO, Guylaine Saint Juste, said the political climate of the country has prevented minorities from being recruited in efforts to address the employee shortage. “The political climate has made changing that a challenge,” Saint Juste said, who has been CEO since 2021.

The accounting industry is filled with predominantly white professionals. Only 2% of partners and Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) are Black. KPMG Chief Executive Officer Paul Knopp supported Saint Juste’s sentiments, calling the lack of support “a brewing crisis that will impact accounting firms and corporations.” Since President Donald Trump signed an executive order to end DEI policies, corporate support has been challenging for various industries and spaces.

Juneteenth celebrations saw a dent in support from corporations, according to Meetings and Conventions. In Denver, a dozen companies backed out of the Juneteenth Music Festival, one of the city’s largest celebrations. A similar incident occurred in Colorado Springs, forcing its Juneteenth celebration to move locations due to fewer sponsors and a decrease in city funding.

by Kandiss Edwards

June 25, 2025

Study Reveals AI Hiring Tools Exhibit Bias Toward Black Men

AI models like GPT-3.5 Turbo tend to rank Black male applicants lowest in simulated hiring scenarios placing them at a career disadvantage.

Emerging studies have raised serious concerns about the fairness of artificial intelligence used in hiring. A new study reveals that specific large language models (LLMs) show a preference for women while penalizing Black men, even when job qualifications are identical.

According to research published in “Robustly Improving LLM Fairness in Realistic Settings via Interpretability,” advanced AI models, such as GPT-3.5 Turbo, tend to rank Black male applicants lowest in simulated hiring scenarios.

In contrast, white and Black female candidates were more likely to advance in the process. The study measured the scores AI assigned to applicants. Then the technology simulated an 80 out of 100 threshold for progressing to the next hiring stage. At this cutoff, Black women had a 1.7-point increased chance of moving forward, and white women saw a 1.4-point gain. However, Black men were 1.4 percentage points less likely to advance.

The report suggests that while these models may appear to promote gender diversity, they also risk deepening racial inequities, particularly for Black men. The disparities persisted despite all candidates’ credentials being equal.

A separate study by VoxDev also examined how names affected AI screening decisions. Names commonly associated with white individuals were selected 85% of the time, whereas names typically tied to Black applicants were advanced only 10% of the time. These results mirror decades-old patterns of hiring discrimination, now seemingly replicated and expanded by automated systems.

University of Washington researchers added that male-associated names were preferred over female names in more than half of the simulations.

Taken together, the findings emphasize the risk that AI hiring systems may mirror societal bias. AI hiring systems may reinforce and intensify the biases. As AI becomes more integrated into human resources, experts urge employers to carefully evaluate these tools to avoid replicating harmful patterns.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 25, 2025

Is JAY-Z Possibly Performing at 2026 Super Bowl?

The Brooklyn rapper taking the stage at Beyonce's Paris stop for the Cowboy Carter tour is leading to wide speculation

After Brooklyn billionaire Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter recently performed with his wife, Beyoncé, in Paris, many wonder if this is a preview of the rapper showcasing his lyrical skills at the next Super Bowl Halftime show?

According to Rolling Stone, JAY-Z took the stage on Beyoncé’s Paris stop for the Cowboy Carter tour. While Queen Bey was performing the married couple’s hit record, Crazy in Love, the Hard Knock Life rapper came on the stage to perform his lyrics for the song in front of the screaming audience. As he and his wife appeared on stage, with Beyoncé trailing him on the stage’s walkway, she vacated the platform as he completed his part of the song. As her husband stayed front and center, the music to his hit song with former friend Kanye West blared in the background. He continued with his verses from the song, N**gas in Paris.

the carters perform ‘crazy in love’ x ‘n***** in paris’ at the cowboy carter tour in paris 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/GTUa3j1q5G

— BEY-Z (@beyzhive) June 22, 2025

With the excitement of seeing JAY on stage, AllHipHop reported that the rapper may be taking his talents to the site of next year’s Super Bowl. There was no clear indication or word from the Roc Nation camp, but speculation is building after Nicki Minaj’s verse on a recent Lil Wayne remix that may have gotten something going in JAY’s mind. Minaj is still upset that last year’s Super Bowl performance was awarded to Kendrick Lamar as if the football championship taking place in New Orleans meant an automatic berth for her mentor to play the halftime show.

In her verse, she advised the NFL to fire some people (seemingly JAY-Z and his team, since they take part in picking the Super Bowl halftime performers) in an apparent diss to the Brooklyn emcee. Without any confirmation or even proof that JAY may place himself in the spotlight, the rapper hasn’t released any songs (he appeared on a song or two in the past few years) or an album, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t any planned.

But, for now, with the internet buzzing with the possibility, the speculation has taken on a life of its own.

We shall see.