Jay-Z: Black heroes are boxed in by fame
JAY-Z cited the downfalls of Tiger Woods and OJ Simpson as he claimed being black and famous in America is like spending your days in a ‘tiny, compressed box’ under water.
The 99 Problems rapper expressed sympathy for the scandal-hit sports stars in a mini-documentary for his new album 4:44.
He said former footballer Simpson, 69, who was cleared of murder before being jailed for armed robbery, ‘got to a space where he’s like, “I’m not black, I’m OJ”.’
And he said Woods had also thought ‘I’m above the culture’. ‘When he’s playing golf and playing great, you’re protected. But when you’re not… that world will eat you up and spit you out,’ the 47-year-old said.
■ GOLFER Tiger Woods has completed a ‘private, intensive’ rehab programme following his arrest in Florida, US, for driving under the influence in May. The former world No.1, 41, tweeted: ‘I will continue to tackle this. I am so very thankful for all of the support I’ve received.’ He told police he had taken prescription pills.
Author: Tom Stichbury
