Just two weeks after celebrating Beyoncé at Made in America, JAY-Z took the opportunity to honor Colin Kaepernick during his headlining set at the Meadows Music and Arts Festival in Queens, New York on Friday (Sept. 15).
During the first of the festival’s three-night extravaganza, Hov showed love for Kap before performing “The Story of O.J.” which references O.J. Simpson while talking about race and financial empowerment.
“I want to dedicate this song to Colin Kaepernick tonight,” said Jigga, according to ESPN. “I want to dedicate this song to anyone that was held back and you overcame.”
According to the report, Hov also dedicated the track to the late Dick Gregory, a beloved comedian and activist who died last month.
Kaepernick has been lauded and criticized for his decision to kneel during the national anthem at football games in protest of police brutality. “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,” Kaepernick told NFL.com last year. “To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.”
The free agent quarterback is currently unsigned and many believe it is because of his stance on injustice.
But JAY isn’t the only MC to celebrate Kaepernick’s advocacy. Last month, J. Cole defended the former Super Bowl quarterback for his efforts. Meanwhile, Cardi B spoke out on his behalf during the MTV Video Music Awards. “Colin Kaepernick,” she said. “As long as you kneel with us, we gonna keep standing for you, baby!”