By Edem Latsu Nukafu
Nas- the crypto-currency scarface and Jay Z- the Hip-Hop billionaire are once again on opposite sites of a battle, but this time it’s not over lyrics or who’s the best emcee.
On Thursday (February 29), the Queens legend step in the money-making space with Resorts World Casino New York City’s new $5 billion proposed expansion blueprint, which would profoundly impact the casino’s southeast Queens location.
‘Esco’ as he is affectionately called by peers appeared at an event on Thursday (February 29) with gaming magnate, local politicians and celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson to expatiate the plan, which is meant to entice New York City into giving Resorts World one of its three downstate gaming licenses.
The entity currently only has a so-called “racino” license, which allows betting via slot machines in addition to horse races.
At the event, Nas stated : “It’s an honor to be here, to be a part of this with Resort [sic] World, realizing the future, seeing what this can be and what it will be.”
The Mass Appeal records executive also shared a video via Instagram publicizing the proposal along with the caption: “This is an ambitious project that will give new opportunities to the hard-working families who call Queens home, attract top-tier talent, and build up the next generation of leaders. Clearly, with this project, the world is ours.”
Although Resorts World, because it is an already-existing racino, is generally considered to be in a good position to receive one of the three NYC licenses, there is tight competition — including from Nas’ one-time rap rival JAY-Z.
Jay Z is among the investors in a competing proposal to open a casino in Times Square.
The Marcy-bred Hip-Hop mogul joined forces with SL Green and Caesars Entertainment in a quest to establish a swanky, boutique-style casino at 1515 Broadway office tower, which is already owned by SL Green, NYC’s largest commercial landlord.
The partnership deal includes, Jay Z and his clique will oversee entertainment programming at 1515 Broadway, as well as at SL Green’s six other properties in Times Square.
Meanwhile, the Nas-backed Queens blueprint, “will include a New State-of-the-Art Entertainment Venue, Greenspace, Luxury Hotel, Conference Center, and $50 million Genting Innovation Campus to House Kenny ‘The Jet’ Smith Academy, Community Healthcare and Wellness Center and Queens STEAM Institute,” according to Forbes and Resorts World.
The proposal also includes an “Aqueduct Park that would include 3,000 units of workforce housing, more than 50 acres of new and dedicated park space, and new transit connections to JFK and Manhattan.”
Other entries in the quest for the licenses include the area’s other existing racino in Yonkers (along with Resorts World, perceived to be a near-certainty for one of the three licenses), as well as a casino near the existing New York Mets stadium, an initiative engineered by Mets bankroller Steve Cohen.
There is also another in Hudson Yards in Manhattan, one in Coney Island, one near the United Nations and more. The final conclusion may not emerge until 2025.
credit: Forbes
Writer’s email: edemlatsu093@gmail.com
