Jay-Z Responds to Comments From Champagne Brand Director

    NEW YORK, June 14 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to comments made by
 Frederic Rouzaud, the managing director of Louis Roderer Cristal, Jay-Z and
 his upscale sports lounge, The 40/40 Club, have announced that they will no
 longer be serving Cristal Champagne and Jay-Z will further help lead the
 boycott against Cristal Champagne in the world of hip-hop.
     Despite loyal patronage by Jay-Z, his clientele, and the entire hip-hop
 community, Rouzaud said in a special edition of The Economist magazine that
 the company observes its association with the rap world with "curiosity and
 serenity." Even though Jay and other rappers continually support the brand
 by including Cristal in their lyrics, as Jay did in his number 1 hit "Hard
 Knock Life," Rouzaud has labeled the name-checks as "unwelcome attention."
     "It has come to my attention that the managing director of Cristal,
 Frederic Rouzaud views the 'hip-hop' culture as "unwelcome attention." I
 view his comments as racist and will no longer support any of his products
 through any of my various brands including The 40/40 Club nor in my
 personal life," said Jay-Z.
     Just as Rouzaud stated, "I'm sure Dom Perignon or Krug would be
 delighted to have their business," Jay-Z and the 40/40 Club will now be
 serving only Krug and Dom Perignon to their customers seeking high end
 champagne products.
     Jay-Z is available for interview on this topic. Please send all
 requests to Ron Berkowitz at 212-889-5755 and Ron@BerkCommunications.com
     CONTACT:
      Ron Berkowtiz
      212-889-5755
      Berk Communications
 
 

SOURCE  40/40 Club