Jay-Z appeared with a large afro at the Roots Picnic in Philadelphia on May 30, using his set to deliver a freestyle widely interpreted as a response to Drake’s recent Iceman album, per allhiphop.com.
The rapper performed at Belmont Plateau on May 30, dropping the dreadlocks he had worn for years. The new look comes amid renewed speculation about forthcoming music and a reported rebrand to “JAŸ-Z,” echoing his 1990s style. Jay-Z
During the performance, Jay-Z delivered a freestyle that appeared to address several figures, including Drake, Damon Dash and Jaguar Wright. Lines referenced publishing disputes, contracts and claims about his influence, stating: “The crackers got your publishing… in perpetuity is how your contract is worded.”
The verses follow Drake’s May 16 release Iceman, where the Toronto artist questioned Jay-Z’s relevance on tracks “Janice S###” and “Whisper My Name”. The latter alludes to the public debate over choosing N500,000 or dinner with Jay-Z. Jay-Z replied, “The price of the brick is going up. It’s going to cost you a b to even say my name.”
Roots Picnic is an annual festival in Philadelphia founded by The Roots. Jay-Z’s appearance continues a history of high-profile hip-hop performances at the event. He has not released a solo studio album since 4:44 in 2017.
