Jay-Z withdraws Cristal in 'hip-hop culture' row
Rap mogul Shawn 'Jay-Z' Carter has withdrawn Cristal champagne from his New York nightclub 40/40 after the company's boss made negative comments about the wine's association with hip-hop.
Cristal managing director Frederic Rouzaud told The Economist magazine he was unimpressed the expensive beverage has become popular in rap circles.
Rouzaud said: "(It's) unwelcome attention. What can we do? We can't forbid people from buying it. I'm sure Dom Perignon or Krug would be delighted to have their business."
Following Rouzaud's comments, the 99 Problems hitmaker has withdrawn the drink from his club, despite name-checking the champagne in his hit song Hard Knock Life.
Carter says: "It has come to my attention that the managing director of Cristal, Frederic Rouzaud views the 'hip-hop culture' as 'unwelcome attention'. I view his comments as racist and will no longer support any of his products through any of my various brands including The 40/40 Club nor in my personal life."
