Philadelphia Mayor Says Made In America Controversy is an ‘Unfortunate Misunderstanding’

On July 18, rapper and business visionary JAY-Z penned an opinion piece in the Philadelphia Inquirer in regards to the city’s choice to move his Made In America celebration from the Benjamin Franklin Parkway after 2018 without taking note. “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,” the mogul wrote.

Presently, a rep for Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney has discharged an announcement because of the contention.

“The City of Philadelphia supports the Made in America festival and is greatly appreciative of all that it has done for Philadelphia. We are committed to its continued success and thank them for their partnership,” a representative for Kenney’s office tells Billboard. “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.”

Hov additionally asserted that the city sent an unsuccessful “legal letter attempting to stop the 2018 occasion,” which is set to occur on Sept. 1 and 2. Main events for the celebration incorporate Nicki Minaj, Meek Mill, Post Malone, and Diplo.

Live Nation has likewise issued the accompanying explanation: “Live Nation wholeheartedly supports Jay-Z and Roc Nation’s bid to keep the Made In America Festival at its home on the Ben Franklin Parkway. We have yet to hear a compelling or plausible explanation for why the festival cannot return to the site where it has successfully been housed for six years and generated $102.8M in positive economic impact to the city. From Billie Holiday to Will Smith, Patti LaBelle, Jill Scott, The Roots and countless others, urban music is an indelible part of Philadelphia’s culture and history. By handicapping Made In America’s ability to bring the best show possible to the best site possible, this administration makes a statement about how it values the arts and plans to protect and expand the city’s vibrant musical heritage.”