Jay-Z can always find a friend in fellow hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs.
Diddy came to Hov’s defense after the billionaire was hit with backlash for signing a partnership deal with the NFL two weeks ago. Critics and fans accused the “4:44” rapper of betraying Colin Kaepernick and using his cause to advance his own bank account. But Jay-Z’s longtime friend Diddy broke his silence Monday morning to defend Hov’s deal and encourage members of the black community to stick together.
“Hov is one of the greatest to ever do it, he has been there more than anybody from the hip hop culture, including me,” the Bad Boy CEO said in a caption. “He always has been so selfless and fights for other people. We as a people can not be divided and conquered at this time!!”
Diddy went on to address those who have been defending Kaepernick against Jay Z and pitting the two against each other.
“I’m so proud of @kaepernick7 and the attention he was able to bring and the efforts he continues to make. I’ll continue to support him in every way possible. ?I’m also proud of my brother JAY Z for showing how it should be done! It’s time to play chess not checkers, I believe he is going to do some incredible things.”
Details of the deal were scarce, but the NFL claims Jay Z was hired to “enhance the NFL’s live game experiences and to amplify the league’s social justice efforts.” Jay Z has since said he plans on furthering the movement Kapernick started when he began kneeling during the national anthem three years ago. Diddy said despite what critics believe, he trusts that Hov’s intentions are in the right place.
“I was just watching everything last week but it hurt me to my heart because I know this man personally. He’s one of the most genuine and intelligent black leaders we’ve ever had. We cannot go against each other, there’s not enough of us. I applaud Jay Z and I applaud the NFL for bringing him in.”
Catch Diddy’s full comments below.
