Jay Z Talks Harry Belafonte, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, & Politics with Bill Maher
From “The Breakfast Club” to “Real Time with Bill Maher,” Jay Z has been covering all territory as he promotes Magna Carta… Holy Grail. Prior to the debut of his performance art film “Picasso Baby,” he joined Maher and the panel on his HBO show to discuss social, political, and pop culture issues.
Maher brought up his song “Tom Ford,” asking, “I’m sure some people are thinking, why is he on some white gay designer’s dick?” to which Jay responded with a “pause.”
He also addressed Harry Belafonte’s comments about him not doing enough for his community. “I didn’t think it was the correct venue. If it was a real problem, I’m not very difficult to find,” said Jay. “I didn’t appreciate that, especially dragging my wife into it was a bit of a low blow.”
He will be eligible for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in seven years and wants President Obama to induct him. “He owes me a couple,” joked Jay.
He also debated with politician Barney Frank about the presence of police in the inner city. “I don’t really want to scare America, but the real problem is there’s really no middle class, so the gap between the have and have nots is getting wider and wider,” said Jay. “It’s gonna be a problem that no amount of police can solve because once you have that sort of oppression and that gap is wide, it’s inevitable that something’s gonna happen.”
Watch the full conversation below.
[MWP]