Hip-Hop Community To Boycott Cristal

    NEW YORK, June 14 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to comments made by
Frederic Rouzaud, the managing director of Louis Roderer Cristal, Jay-Z and
his upscale sports lounge, The 40/40 Club, have announced that they will no
longer be serving Cristal Champagne and Jay-Z will further help lead the
boycott against Cristal Champagne in the world of hip-hop.
    Despite loyal patronage by Jay-Z, his clientele, and the entire hip-hop
community, Rouzaud said in a special edition of The Economist magazine that
the company observes its association with the rap world with "curiosity and
serenity." Even though Jay and other rappers continually support the brand
by including Cristal in their lyrics, as Jay did in his number 1 hit "Hard
Knock Life," Rouzaud has labeled the name-checks as "unwelcome attention."
    "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," said Jay-Z.
    Just as Rouzaud stated, "I'm sure Dom Perignon or Krug would be
delighted to have their business," Jay-Z and the 40/40 Club will now be
serving only Krug and Dom Perignon to their customers seeking high end
champagne products.
    Jay-Z is available for interview on this topic. Please send all
requests to Ron Berkowitz at 212-889-5755 and Ron@BerkCommunications.com
    CONTACT:
     Ron Berkowtiz
     212-889-5755
     Berk Communications

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