Says JAY-Z’s Halftime Selections Are “DEI” Hires


2017 CMT Music Awards - Show
Supply: Jeff Kravitz / Getty

Child Rock has discovered a brand new hill to yell from — and this time, JAY-Z is in his crosshairs. The rocker is accusing Hov’s Tremendous Bowl halftime work of being pushed by “DEI hires,” and the web is responding precisely the way you’d anticipate.

As per Far Out Journal, Child Rock lately took intention at JAY-Z, claiming the artists chosen for the Tremendous Bowl halftime present since Hov partnered with the NFL are the results of variety initiatives reasonably than benefit. With out providing a lot proof past his personal frustration, Child Rock framed the league’s latest halftime decisions as political reasonably than cultural — a take that rapidly landed him on the mistaken facet of public opinion.

In an unique interview on Fox Information’ The Ingraham Angle, Child Rock shared his unfiltered ideas on JAY-Z’s function overseeing the Tremendous Bowl Halftime Present. Whereas discussing his personal efficiency on the rival “All-American Halftime Present,” the rocker mentioned, “Nothing in opposition to JAY-Z, I respect him for his hustle and his music, but it surely looks like there’s a bit little bit of a DEI rent occurring there,” suggesting (with out proof) that Rap legend was introduced in by the NFL as a variety choose reasonably than on benefit. The comment, aired throughout the Feb. 9 interview with host Laura Ingraham, sparked widespread response on-line given Hov’s lengthy observe document and industrial success as halftime curator.  

The irony, in fact, is difficult to overlook. Since JAY-Z and Roc Nation grew to become concerned in curating the Tremendous Bowl Halftime Present, the spectacle has seen a renaissance — from record-breaking performances to lineups that truly mirror the sound of recent America. As a substitute of legacy rock acts trotted out on autopilot, the halftime stage has embraced hip-hop, R&B, and world pop in a manner it hadn’t for many years.

Child Rock’s feedback learn much less like a critical critique and extra like a well-recognized grievance dressed up in culture-war language. Whereas he suggests requirements have dropped, the scores, social buzz, and cultural impression say in any other case. JAY-Z hasn’t lowered the bar — he’s widened the lens.

For his half, Child Rock has an extended historical past of leaning into controversy, significantly when conversations flip towards race, politics, or inclusion. This newest jab suits neatly into that sample, even because it ignores the fact that halftime exhibits beneath JAY-Z’s watch have delivered a number of the most celebrated moments in Tremendous Bowl historical past.

Whether or not Child Rock likes it or not, the halftime present has moved ahead — and JAY-Z helps be certain that it really appears to be like and sounds just like the tradition. You may see him focus on the Tremendous Bowl beneath.

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