Jay-Z Doesn't Believe "Cancel Culture" is Stopping Anytime Soon

Jay-Z recently gave a rare Zoom interview with The Times. 

Over the weekend, The Times published a rare interview with rapper/mogul Jay-Z. Joined by Puma CEO Bjorn Gulden, the legendary MC spoke with journalist Louis Wise about their new Only See Great campaign, life during the pandemic, and more.

During their conversation, the conversation moved to social media. As an artist who seldom uses any social media platforms, Jay was asked if he'd be a more active user if he was 20 years younger and just entering the music industry. "No," he quickly replied. Wise then asked Jay if he believed "cancel culture" might end anytime soon.

"Er, no," he laughed. "You can't give someone a microphone for 24 hours a day and [have them] not think they have to use it! These kids, it's unbelievable. Imagine having a microphone and you’re asked about social justice questions at 18 years old? It’s like, ‘What? I’m meant to know the answer, and if I don’t answer the correct way, if I don’t say everything right, even if my intentions are right, and I don’t say the same right thing, it’s going to be everywhere.’”

Jay also revealed that through Gulden he met with Tommie Smith, who sparked global conversations after a silent protest during the 1968 Olympic Games for the Only See Great campaign. The display has become one of the most well-known sports protests in United States history. "He did it at a time when it was not popular," he said of Smith's actions. "Today you can see the support--back then you're risking your life, risking everything, you know?"

To date, Jay-Z has posted just 266 times from his Twitter, which currently has over 3 million followers while following no other accounts. Stay tuned for further updates on Jay-Z and the Only See Great Puma summer campaign.