A recent development in New York’s casino dramas has reignited tension between two hip-hop titans. Jay-Z’s desire to open a casino in Times Square was rebuffed, and now Nas has landed what looks like a major win — and some are using that moment to take shots at Jay.
Earlier this month, a community advisory board rejected Jay-Z’s proposal to build a casino in Times Square, citing concerns for the Broadway district and local livelihoods. The board argued that preserving the character of Broadway was essential for both residents and tourism, and that a casino “can go anywhere, but Broadway only lives here.” In response, Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez expressed disappointment in how the decision ignored certain politicians’ commitments to New Yorkers.
Not long after, Nas scored a major victory: the city approved his $5 billion plan to transform Resorts World New York City into a full-scale casino. The approved proposal includes a 350,000-square-foot casino floor, 3,000 units of workforce housing, over 50 acres of new parkland, and direct transit connections to JFK and Manhattan.
Following the unanimous approval vote, one member of the committee couldn’t resist a little dig. “Sorry, Jay-Z, we win again,” they remarked, according to a post by DJ Akademiks. The moment seemed to underscore the notion that Nas had one-upped his rival.
While Jay-Z’s casino ambitions were blocked, Nas now moves into a bold new phase of urban development—with some critics saying the approval sent a message.
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