Jay-Z’s decision to partner with the NFL has been described as “cold-blooded”.
Mark Geragos – the lawyer of American football player Colin Kaepernick – told ABC News that the deal “crosses the intellectual picket line”.
Last week, the NFL announced that Jay-Z and his label Roc Nation had teamed up with the league for entertainment events and to promote social activism.
Kaepernick’s been in a long dispute with the NFL and doesn’t have a team.
The deal
The league will work with Roc Nation on its entertainment performances such as the Super Bowl half-time show – but also to “strengthen community through football and music” and the NFL’s Inspire Change initiative.
Inspire Change was created after discussions with players who protested the national anthem – a movement sparked by Colin Kaepernick.
Jay-Z says “this partnership is an opportunity to strengthen the fabric of communities across America.”
And NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says he was looking “forward to making a difference” and driving social change.
So what’s the controversy?
There is anger because Jay-Z has teamed up with an organisation that some – such as Kaepernick’s girlfriend Nessa – feel is “actively” keeping him “unemployed”.
She wrote on Instagram: “So really, how can Jay-Z and the NFL utter social justice in their partnership while keeping Colin unemployed because of his social justice work?”
Kaepernick has been without a team since 2017, with allegations of team owners colluding to keep him unsigned – in a lawsuit that’s now been settled.
And according to Mark Geragos, both the NFL and Jay-Z did not contact Kaepernick during discussions about their deal.
“The deal was already done prior to any conversation that [Kaepernick] had with Jay-Z and he certainly didn’t have any conversations with the NFL,” the lawyer said.
But Jay-Z says “we’ve moved past kneeling and I think it’s time to go into actionable items” and that this partnership can “inspire” and “educate”.
What does Colin Kaepernick say?
He’s not directly addressed the issue but has tweeted in support of those who continue to protest:
https://twitter.com/Kaepernick7/status/1163145201852006401
And in a recent interview with Paper Magazine, he spoke about why he decided to protest in the first place.
He says the police shooting death of 26-year-old Mario Woods in 2015 pushed him to protest police brutality and injustice, and led to his decision to kneel during the national anthem.
He adds that along with Nessa, they decided to set up Know Your Rights Camp, a youth-empowerment initiative.
It aims to provide a safe space for young people – primarily black youth aged 12-18 – and help them “gain legal knowledge for navigating all-too-common violent encounters with police officers.”
“This movement needs all types of people,” says Kaepernick.
“From athletes to healers to poets and artists to scholars and lawyers, we need everyone to contribute to the struggle.
“The struggle is affecting all of us. Period.”
Radio 1 Newsbeat has contacted Jay-Z and Roc Nation for comment.
RUAN-Badkid.96 is a Nigerian recording artist whose music refuses to live inside a single genre. Blending Afrobeat, Afrofusion, trap, hip-hop, melodic rap, R&B, and global influences, he creates records that move effortlessly between raw street energy, soulful storytelling, and infectious melodies. Whether delivering hard-hitting bars, emotional love songs, or rhythm-driven African records, his sound is defined by authenticity rather than limitation.
Inspired by both African culture and international music, RUAN-Badkid.96 embraces the confidence and ambition of global hip-hop while staying deeply connected to his roots. His lyrics explore love, heartbreak, betrayal, friendship, social injustice, hope, and the everyday realities of life. He doesn’t create music to follow trends, he creates music to reflect truth, emotion, and human experience.
Behind his fearless image is an artist who believes in kindness, equality, justice, and genuine human connection. His appearance may be intimidating, but his message is rooted in compassion and authenticity. Every record carries a piece of his journey, proving that strength and vulnerability can exist in the same voice.
For RUAN-Badkid.96, music is more than entertainment, it’s a language, a testimony, and a lifelong mission to connect with people through honesty, versatility, and unforgettable sound.
Entertainment Gists
Meet the Man Who Turned Hype Into a Science: Emmy Blaq, Nigeria’s G.O.A.T. of Hype
If you have ever been at a Nigerian event and found yourself on your feet before the main act even stepped on stage, there is a good chance a hype man was responsible. But not just any hype man. Emmy Blaq, born Ikechukwu Emmanuel Chima and raised in Auchi, Edo State, has spent the last few years quietly becoming the most talked-about name in that profession, and the Nigerian press has taken notice. Punch, Vanguard, The Guardian Nigeria, The Nation, and Independent Newspaper have all sat down with him, and every conversation leads back to the same thing: this man does not just make noise; he makes moments.
What makes Emmy Blaq different is the journey behind the energy. Before the stages, the collaborations with Waje on her “Waje 2.0” album, DJ Consequence, and DJ Kaywise on the massively streamed “Joor Party Mix” series, he was repairing generators, cutting hair, and sewing clothes in Auchi. His first professional hype gig happened at a local fast food spot called Valchi, and the crowd response that night changed everything. He told The Nation directly: “My passion for entertainment and desire to make people happy led me into the craft.” Punch also captured his bigger mission when he said that hype men deserve more than what they currently earn, a statement that sparked a real conversation across Nigerian entertainment circles.
With over 1.7 million TikTok followers, 23.6 million TikTok likes, a viral “Wife Material” challenge that landed on Pulse Nigeria’s top ten social media moments of 2021, and an international performance at the Cameroon International Music Festival that Cameroonian media described as electrifying, Emmy Blaq is not building toward something. He is already there. The G.O.A.T. of Hype is not a title he gave himself and hoped would stick. It is one the rooms keep confirming every single time he grabs the mic.
MANAGER PROFILE
Uncle Wisdom is a Lagos-based music executive and visionary leader known for blending structure, strategy, and creativity in artist management. With a background in Mathematics and Statistics from UNICROSS formerly, Cross River University Of Technology. He brings analytical precision into talent development, positioning artists for both creative excellence and commercial success.
CAREER JOURNEY
Began his career in 2017 as an event coordinator for Eksu Olofofo, where he gained foundational experience in live events and audience engagement. By 2018, he transitioned into full-time artist management, driven by a clear goal to build a more structured and results-oriented system within the music industry.
In 2019, Started working as a road manager for Barry Jhay, gaining hands-on experience in touring, logistics, and artist operations, a refined career and mental awareness coach . He was also instrumental behind Barry Jhay’s 2025 sold-out homecoming concert, a key moment that fueled momentum for a successful UK tour, including sold-out shows in London and Birmingham.
PHLOX MGMT
Founded from the ground up, Phlox Mgmt is a forward-thinking management company focused on Career coaching, A&R, artist development, and strategic positioning. The company is built on a clear philosophy:
Develop the sound. Define the brand. Position the artist to win.
Phlox Mgmt has connections with @Roadgod_of Roadgod Agency and connects artists with top-tier producers, engineers, and creatives, ensuring a refined sound and strong market presence. The company continues to grow as a trusted platform for emerging and established talent.
INDUSTRY NETWORK & COLLABORATIONS
Uncle Wisdom has built valuable relationships across the industry, working with and alongside talents such as:
Barry Jhay • Asake • Ceeza Milli • Berri Tiga • Laime • Spellz • and many others
LEADERSHIP APPROACH
John Wisdom operates with a long-term vision, focusing on structure, consistency, and execution. His approach goes beyond traditional management he builds systems around artists that support sustainable growth, strong branding, and global competitiveness.
CONTACT & SOCIALS
Instagram & X: @Johnwisdm @phlox_mgmt
TikTok: @unclewisdom7
Email: phloxentertainment@gmail.com
Phone: 08038448478 | 09015668027
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