Jay-Z clashes with the Mayor of Philadelphia after ‘Made In America’ festival is forced to move location

"We are disappointed that the mayor of the city of Philadelphia would evict us from the heart of the city".

Jay-Z has clashed with the Mayor of Philadelphia, after it was confirmed that his ‘Made In America’ festival won’t be able to take place in the same location next year.

The festival has been traditionally held at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway since 2012, but officials say that mounting costs and congestion will prevent it from occurring in 2019 – despite Roc Nation traditionally footing fifty percent of the bill.

The official confirmation came in local publication Billy Penn, prompting Jay-Z to hit back Mayor Jim Kenney at the lack of communication.

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“We are disappointed that the mayor of the city of Philadelphia would evict us from the heart of the city, through a media outlet, without a sit-down meeting, notice, dialogue, or proper communication”, Jay-Z confirmed in a passionate op-ed.

“Since 2012, Made in America, one of the only minority-owned festivals, has had a positive $102.8 million economic impact to Philadelphia, and the festival has paid $3.4 million in rent to the city,” he continues.

“Made in America employs more than 1,000 Philadelphians each day and 85 percent of our partners are Philadelphia-based companies.

“Made in America has donated $2.9 million to the United Way of Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey.”

Now, Kenney has responded more – claiming that a lack of “proper communication” is to blame for the initial situation.

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“The City of Philadelphia supports the Made in America festival and is greatly appreciative of all that it has done for Philadelphia,” a statement released on Kenney’s behalf states.

“We are committed to its continued success and thank them for their partnership. We hope to be able to resolve what has been an unfortunate misunderstanding.  We are working with Roc Nation and Live Nation to resolve this issue and we are committed to continuing our partnership with the Made in America festival.”

It is yet to be revealed whether an alternative location is being considered.

Jay-Z’s response comes only days after the OTR II tour with Beyonce concluded its European leg in Nice.

Their penultimate show came in Paris, which saw the couple showing the World Cup final before arriving on stage.

 

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