When Jay-Z takes the stage at New York’s Radio City Music Hall Sunday to celebrate the 10th anniversary of his album Reasonable Doubt, don’t expect to hear the word "Cristal" fall from his lips, as every mention of the product in his lyrics will be removed.
Jay-Z spokesman Ron Berkowitz said: "You can bet that Cristal will not be in Jay's lyrics on Sunday. What will replace it, only he knows at the time, because he rhymes on the fly - so don't be surprised to hear something different."
The Def Jam president will come out of rap retirement for one night to perform the entire Reasonable Doubt album in honor of the classic album’s 10th birthday. But, due to recent comments from Cristal exec Federic Rouzard lamenting the company’s unsought association with hip hop, the performer will take out references to the expensive drink from the songs "Can't Knock the Hustle," "Dead Presidents," "Feelin' It" and "Brooklyn's Finest."
After taking offense to Rouzard’s statements, which appeared in The Economist magazine, the mogul decided to remove the bubbly from his 40/40 Clubs in Manhattan and Atlantic City.
"The response from our customers at 40/40 has been incredible," Jay-Z said. "This weekend, we sold more bottles of Krug and Perrier Jouet than [ever] and we expect that trend to continue. They are great products and we are glad they have embraced us with open arms."
In other Jay-Z news, the artist has reportedly scheduled five concerts in the UK to take place in September. According to NME, he’ll play Manchester MEN (September 21), Glasgow SECC (22), Birmingham NIA (23), London Wembley Arena (24) and Dublin The Point (26).
So much for the retirement. Tickets go on sale at 9 a.m. today. For ticket availability, go to www.NME.COM/Gigs.
Jay-Z spokesman Ron Berkowitz said: "You can bet that Cristal will not be in Jay's lyrics on Sunday. What will replace it, only he knows at the time, because he rhymes on the fly - so don't be surprised to hear something different."
The Def Jam president will come out of rap retirement for one night to perform the entire Reasonable Doubt album in honor of the classic album’s 10th birthday. But, due to recent comments from Cristal exec Federic Rouzard lamenting the company’s unsought association with hip hop, the performer will take out references to the expensive drink from the songs "Can't Knock the Hustle," "Dead Presidents," "Feelin' It" and "Brooklyn's Finest."
After taking offense to Rouzard’s statements, which appeared in The Economist magazine, the mogul decided to remove the bubbly from his 40/40 Clubs in Manhattan and Atlantic City.
"The response from our customers at 40/40 has been incredible," Jay-Z said. "This weekend, we sold more bottles of Krug and Perrier Jouet than [ever] and we expect that trend to continue. They are great products and we are glad they have embraced us with open arms."
In other Jay-Z news, the artist has reportedly scheduled five concerts in the UK to take place in September. According to NME, he’ll play Manchester MEN (September 21), Glasgow SECC (22), Birmingham NIA (23), London Wembley Arena (24) and Dublin The Point (26).
So much for the retirement. Tickets go on sale at 9 a.m. today. For ticket availability, go to www.NME.COM/Gigs.
