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Russell Simmons Defends Jay-Z After Accusations of Anti-Semitic Lyrics on New ‘4:44’ Album
We don't know if you've heard but, JAY-Z's got a brand new album, and as is usually the case, a new Hov project—this one titled 4:44—has sparked a lot of conversation. A few days ago, that discussion focused on a set of perceived anti-Semitic lyrics. Now, Def Jam co-founder Russell Simmons has stepped forth to defend the Roc Nation boss. Before we get to that, though, let's take a look at the lyrics in question.
“You wanna know what's more important than throwin' away money at a strip club? Credit/You ever wonder why Jewish people own all the property in America? This how they did it," Hov raps on his 4:44 cut, "The Story of O.J."
Simmons' defense of Hov came by way of reinforcing someone else's. In a recent Instagram post, Israeli American talent manager Guy Oseary explained his belief that Jay was simply exaggerating the stereotype of Jewish people being business savvy to make a point about the importance of building and maintaining generational wealth.
“Jewish people do NOT ‘own all the property in America.’ Jay knows this. But he’s attempting to use the Jewish people in an exaggerated way to showcase a community of people that are thought to have made wise business decisions. As an example of what is possible and achievable,” Oseary explained. "In my opinion, Jay is giving the Jewish community a compliment.”
Simmons, who worked with Jay in a PSA speaking out against anti-Semitism 11 years ago, used his Twitter account to support Oseary's claim, saying Hov used the stereotype to promote "good business and financial well being [as] a guiding light to the black and specifically the hip-hop community."
Check out all of what Simmons had to say in the gallery below Oseary's Instagram post.
Russell Simmons Defends JAY-Z After Accusations of Anti-Semitic Lyrics