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The debate surrounding JAY-Z’s partnership with the NFL and Colin Kaepernick’s protest movement has resurfaced, with activist and rapper Mysonne offering a different perspective on the long-running controversy.
Critics have accused JAY-Z of benefiting from Kaepernick’s sacrifice after Roc Nation entered a partnership with the NFL and became involved in producing the Super Bowl Halftime Show. The conversation intensified following recent JAY-Z freestyles that appeared to reference Kaepernick’s confidential settlement with the league.
Additional criticism emerged after JAY-Z released an exclusive 30th-anniversary edition of Reasonable Doubt through Target while some activists were calling for a boycott of the retailer over changes to its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
During a conversation hosted by Memphis Bleek, Mysonne said his organization was involved in Kaepernick’s protest movement from its early stages, including demonstrations outside NFL headquarters and private planning conversations.
According to Mysonne, communication with Kaepernick suddenly stopped while activists were preparing future demonstrations. He claimed Kaepernick stopped responding to calls and left group conversations before supporters later learned that he had reached a settlement with the NFL.
Mysonne stressed that Kaepernick deserved the settlement but said the activists who supported him should have been informed.
“He deserved the settlement. They owed him that money,” Mysonne said. “But the people who sacrificed with him deserved a heads-up.”
Although Mysonne said he continues to respect Kaepernick and his activism, he rejected the idea that JAY-Z and Roc Nation simply betrayed the former quarterback. From his perspective, some activists felt abandoned when Kaepernick allegedly stepped away without communicating with those who had been supporting the movement.
The interview has generated mixed reactions online. While some viewers believe Mysonne provided important context, others have questioned whether his defense of JAY-Z can be considered fully objective because both he and Memphis Bleek have had professional relationships with JAY-Z and Roc Nation.
🚨 Memphis Bleek Continues Defending JAY-Z & Roc Nation Amid Renewed Colin Kaepernick Controversy, Brings On Mysonne To Share His Side 👀🏈
— Cousin Tino ™️ (@TINOISFUNNY) July 23, 2026
Memphis Bleek is continuing his campaign to push back against long running allegations that JAY-Z and Roc Nation capitalized on Colin… pic.twitter.com/mc2biXinsA
