Lance “Un” Rivera is asking Jay-Z to retire the lyrics about their 1999 altercation, saying the repeated references keep reopening wounds more than 25 years later.
Rivera spoke after Jay-Z revisited the nightclub incident during a recent freestyle at the Roots Picnic. In an interview with The Art of Dialogue, the former music executive said he no longer wants to be used as proof of the rapper’s toughness.
“He talks about trauma, but what about my trauma?” Rivera said. “What about people who lived trauma? He keeps bringing it back up and back up.”
Rivera had also released an open letter encouraging Jay-Z to use his cultural reach to promote unity rather than return to old violence.
“I thought it was not one of the best bars that he’s had,” he went on. “I think what people need to understand is that most of Jay-Z’s intentions are purely based on marketing rollouts,” Rivera added. “I was part of the rollout for the products that’s going out right now in the streets. So, I fell victim to that.”
The altercation happened at New York City’s Kit Kat Club in December 1999. Jay-Z later pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault and was sentenced to probation.
He added that he has no problem with Jay-Z continuing to make money, but wants a different approach.
“Stop using me to do it,” Rivera said. “Unless you’re going to pay me, send me a check. I’ll be a part of your marketing strategy.”
