Jay-Z, the Grammy Award-winning rap artist and record producer, made known his love for New York City with his now iconic song, “Empire State of Mind.” As an entrepreneur, he’s also shown he’s got an appetite for investing in the town of his birthplace, most notably as co-owner of the Brooklyn Nets.
Now, his entertainment company Roc Nation, partnered with developer SL Green and Caesars, is bidding on one of three available downstate casino licenses slated for New York City. The proposal would have the casino open at 1515 Broadway, right smack in the heart of Times Square.
The proposal goes before its second Community Advisory Committee hearing Thursday. Jay-Z discusses why his casino would benefit the area, how he plans to address pushback from unions, landlords, trade organizations and