Jay-Z has described his multibillion-dollar Times Square casino plans as an “extension of the energy and action that makes New York the city it is,” adding in a new interview that the proposal “makes perfect sense.” In conversation with Ralph R. Ortega for City & State, the Roc Nation founder pointed to the Caesars Palace Times Square partnership with SL Green as a project capable of “shifting culture while uplifting communities.” He argued that the casino would not compete with the existing character of Times Square but would instead complement it.
The bid is part of a competition for three available licenses in the New York area. Jay-Z insists his proposal “makes the most sense” for the city, though he has faced opposition. The No Times Square Casino coalition, which includes the Broadway League association and the Entertainment Community Fund, has spoken out against the plan. Jay responded by emphasizing that his team’s vision is the only one that repurposes an existing building while creating opportunities “without displacing the neighborhood.”
Beyond the casino discussion, Jay reflected on his connection to New York City, eight years after releasing his 4:44 album. Asked about his favorite things in his hometown, he cited “the attitude, the culture, the energy,” describing the spirit across boroughs like Brooklyn, Harlem, and Queens as something that “can’t be replicated anywhere else.”
Through Roc Nation’s partnership with Cadre, New Yorkers will also have the option to personally invest in the Times Square project. Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez told iHeartRadio that the opportunity is unusual, explaining, “It’s not something that normally happens, but it’s something that we’re providing so that the community or anyone in New York City can be part of.”
Jay-Z’s plans add to a business portfolio that includes ventures like Roc Nation and the Tidal streaming service. His music also continues to find new audiences, with his 1997 track “Imaginary Players” recently gaining renewed attention after Cardi B incorporated it into her single “Imaginary Playerz.”
