Decades after their iconic beef gave the world “Ether” and “Takeover,” Nas has scored another victory over Jay-Z.
According to Page Six, on Thursday (Sept. 25) a board unanimously approved the $5.5 billion expansion of Resorts World Casino in Queens, a project Nas threw his support behind earlier this year. Teaming up with the expansion groups in June, the Illmatic legend said in a video announcement, “The future is not something you wait for. It’s something you build… We’re committed to Queens, and in Queens, the future is now.”
The project also has the backing of former NBA star Kenny Smith, who revealed plans to add a sports and media complex as part of the expansion.
“On behalf of the entire Resorts World team, I want to thank the Community Advisor Committee for recognizing the impact we will have not only on Queens but all of New York City and State,” said Genting Americas East president Robert DeSaliva. “We are incredibly grateful to the large number of residents, partners, and supporters who touted this project, without a single person speaking against it. This is a testament to our mission—solidified over the last 15 years—to be the best neighbor possible here in Queens.”
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards couldn’t resist making it personal, quipping, “Sorry, Jay-Z, we win again.”
The news lands just a week after Jay-Z and Roc Nation’s $5.4 billion plan for a Times Square casino was shot down in a 4-2 vote by a six-member community advisory committee. The proposal, led by SL Green Realty Corp., Caesars Entertainment Inc., and Roc Nation, would have brought a massive 150,000-square-foot casino complete with four restaurants, a hotel, and a theater to the heart of Times Square.
