It looks like rapper/entrepreneur Jay-Z’s involvement with a project slated to create a multi-billion dollar racino, race-track and casino, in Queens may in fact be questionable. A new report by the New York Post claims that Aqueduct Entertainment Group (AEG), the company behind the project, is now being questioned due to its selection process for partners.
According to the New York Post, rapper/entrepreneur Jay-Z may have been added to the racino project by AEG solely to win the favor of New York Governor David Patterson. Initially, Wynn Resorts Limited’s Steve Wynn was expected to take part in the project but pulled out due to the lengthy review process and rules.
“[Gov.] Paterson directly told Wynn he needed to have a minority partner, so he went and got Jay-Z,” a source told the New York Post. “But when Wynn pulled out, Jay-Z was without a home.”
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When contacted by the Post, a rep for AEG denied choosing Jay-Z because of his ties with Governor Patterson.
“Given [Jay-Z’s] superstardom and his long and deep connection to New York, the partners thought he could bring a unique perspective to shaping a facility that would truly be an entertainment destination,” explained AEG spokesman Jonathan Rosen. “The partners were looking to bring in someone who could bring marketing and community advice to the team.”
Jay-Z has yet to respond publicly to the allegations against AEG and the current investigation.
