In the hip-hop community, selling out means changing your ways or turning your back on your roots, all in the name of success. While this was once a major faux pas for Rappers, it’s become a reality of today’s musical climate. And so we ask: Did these rappers sell their souls for a paycheck?

Black protest and the NFL have long been wrapped up together, ever since the days of all-white teams, segregated stadiums, and fan and player boycotts. In 2016, quarterback Colin Kaepernick added a new notch on the protest belt by choosing not to stand for the National Anthem ahead of a game. He later addressed his decision, stating:

“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color.”

As The Undefeated detailed, Kaepernick started a movement. Though he was essentially blackballed from the league, he inspired protests and helped people elevate a dialogue about systemic racism and police violence and brutality against black people. That’s why it was such a shock when Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, rapper and icon in the black community, teamed up with the NFL.

In 2019, the NFL announced a partnership with Carter. The rapper would help with the league’s social justice efforts, but not everyone was thrilled with the move, according to Vox. Though Jay-Z supported Kaepernick’s efforts in the past, many criticized the rapper for jumping on Kaepernick’s movement without properly acknowledging it. However, Jay-Z later defended the deal by telling NBC News:

“I think we’ve moved past kneeling…I think it’s time to go into actionable items.”

Watch the video to see more Rappers Who May Have Sold Their Souls For A Paycheck.

#JayZ #KanyeWest #NickiMinaj

Jay-Z | 0:17
Black Eyed Peas | 1:24
Macklemore | 2:22
Chance the Rapper | 3:22
MC Hammer | 4:41
Ice Cube | 5:33
K’Naan | 6:30
Travis Scott | 7:32
Nicki Minaj | 8:15
Kanye West | 9:20

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