Jay-Z continues to celebrate the release of his classic 1996 debut Reasonable Doubt, which turned 25 on June 25 , 2021, and he thanked DJ Premier for his contributions to the project. The Gang Starr hitmaker produced “Bring It On,” “D’Evils,” and “Friend Or Foe” off the Brooklyn, New York, rapper’s first step to superstardom. DJ Premier used Instagram to show of a new diamond-encrusted Roc-A-Fella logo chain Hov gifted him for the anniversary along with a special message from the Marcy Projects-bred lyricist.
“To Primo! The Best Behind The Beat! Jay-Z,” the note reads along with a Premo added caption, “VERY SPECIAL INDEED! THANKS JAY! 25th Anniversary Of ‘REASONABLE DOUBT’ #RD25.”
Jay-Z also auctioned off an NFT inspired by the album cover in July to commemorate the anniversary. He commissioned artist Derrick Adams for a one-of-one animated digital artwork that comments on and recontextualizes the album’s iconic cover.
While Jay-Z continues to pay homage to the album that birthed his career, he is also about to rekindle New York’s night life flame. The Roc Nation boss is reopening his 40/40 Club in New York and is currently looking to staff the establishment.
“We’re thrilled to add a jolt to New York City’s restaurant and nightlife industry with the creation of these 100 new jobs. It has been a challenging stretch for bartenders and servers, but we’re looking forward to evaluating candidates this weekend and giving opportunities to some of the best and brightest talent,” Candice Williams, the manager of the 40/40 told Complex.
Jay-Z first launched the sports bar chain 18 years ago. The new 40/40 Club is scheduled to open on Aug. 4 inside Madison Square Garden. The jobs will pay $20 an hour plus tips, which is more than New York City’s $15 per hour minimum wage.
