Hiphopsportsreport.com came into existence, in part, because of the endless parallels that are found between the hip-hop and sports arenas and their fans. But occasionally, the two intersect in such a way that both worlds stop and take notice.
This would be one of those instances.
Yesterday it was announced that New York Yankees superstar second baseman Robinson Cano was parting ways mega-agent Scott Boras and linking up with Jay-Z and Roc Nation. No, Cano isn’t droppin a mixtape this summer. He’s become the first major signee of Hovito’s new joint venture into the athlete representation game as Roc Nation unveiled a partnership with Creative Artists Agency.
This move really shouldn’t come as a surprise to any Jay fan. He’s made his appreciation for sports known on numerous occasions and — in case you’ve been living under a rock (no pun intended) for the last several years — he owns a minority stake in the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets, and was instrumental in the Nets’ move to BK. However, the ramifications of this decision by Jay-Z (and Cano) can be far reaching.
The first thing I, and many others, thought when they heard this news was the precedent that was set years ago when Master P’s sports agency negotiated then New Orleans Saints running back Ricky Williams’ contract. If Master P’s foray into sports taught us anything, it’s that there is no limit on failure for a rapper in a sports environment.
Sidebar: Remember this?!
But this is Jay-Z we’re talking about. Jay-Z!
To steal a phrase from one my a favorite comedians, Bill Burr, “This guy has been in a zone for over four decades! Four decades…nothing…but…net!!!”
Everything Shawn Carter has touched has turned to gold (except Amil) and the partnership with CAA looks to be another in a long line of savvy business moves for the man from Marcy Projects. According to ESPN, CAA Sports’ baseball division has negotiated $1.1B worth of Major League contracts, including Buster Posey’s new deal. So Jigga isn’t walking into this blindly; his Roc Nation group certainly has some credibility with CAA in the fold.
However, it’s still uncharted waters for Jay-Z, who (according to sources) plans to become certified to represent athletes himself in baseball, then in basketball and football. Although, representing NBA players would serve as an obvious conflict of interest given his ties to the Nets. Therefore, he would be forced to surrender his stake in the team in order to make this latest dream a reality.
And that raises an interesting point.
Suppose Hov actually goes through with this alleged plan of becoming the black Arli$$ Michaels, wouldn’t that say something about Jay’s loyalty (a loyalty that has been called into question for years by people ranging from childhood friends he used to run the streets with, to Beanie Sigel and Damon Dash)? After all that went into bringing professional sports back to Brooklyn, would fans be okay with Jay leaving Deron Williams & Co. behind to pursue a new passion for helping players sign lucrative contracts with teams that are (presumably) not the Nets?
We do know one thing: as of now, Jay-Z’s allegiance lies with Robinson Cano. The signing of the four-time All-Star means that Jay is obligated to work in his client’s best interest. But Jay is a notorious diehard Yankees fan. What are the odds this conflict could in any way impact negotiations?
One on hand, Jay’s influence on any deal involving the 30-year-old Cano, CAA and the Yankees could be rooted in his childhood passion for the Bronx Bombers. At the same time, Jay could go the other way and try to play hardball with the Yanks in an effort to establish himself as a credible agent, or if nothing else, a prominent player in the athlete representation landscape, in whatever capacity.
Interestingly, it’s Cano that might more at risk than Jay is through this partnership. After all, he FIRED SCOTT BORAS to make this thing happen! No disrespect to CAA, but that guy is the Babe Ruth of sports agents. Not only did he negotiate Alex Rodriguez’s quarter-billion dollar contract in 2001, he got Cano the $57M contract he’s playing out this year.
Sidebar: It should be noted that as of now Cano will be represented in baseball matters by CAA Sports’ Brodie Van Wagenen. This alliance can also easily open the door for other opportunities for Cano (Roc related endorsements, etc.).
For years, he has been viewed as “The King of New York”, and of course, it was Jay-Z who famously said “Shit, I made a Yankee hat more famous than a Yankee can”. Given his impact on hip-hop, fashion (remember when he became the first non-athlete with his own sneaker line?) pop culture and now sports, don’t be shocked if other athletes look to link up with The Roc and other rappers try their hand at athlete representation (with varying degrees of success). Though his loyalty has come under fire in the past, ultimately, Jay remains loyal to his brand. Perhaps he’ll just be more of a figurehead for CAA (much like he is with the Nets), but this latest business endeavor shows us that SDot is as unequivocally fearless in the business world as Cano is in the batter’s box.
Update: It’s already being reported that New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz will be the next athlete to take his talents to Roc Nation/CAA. It has already begun.