Mayor Says JAY-Z’s Made in America Festival Will Stay in Philadelphia

Earlier this month, JAY-Z penned an op-ed calling out the mayor of Philadelphia for allegedly banning Made in America from using the Benjamin Franklin Parkway — a location it has been using since its inception in 2012. “We are disappointed that the mayor of the city of Philadelphia would evict us from the heart of the city, through a media outlet, without a sit-down meeting, notice, dialogue, or proper communication,” Mr. Carter originally wrote. “We consider this stance a failure on the mayor’s part. Is this an accurate representation of how he and his administration treat partners that economically benefit his city? Do they regularly reject minority-owned businesses that want to continue to thrive and grow alongside his city’s people?”

Today, the mayor and Roc Nation released a joint statement after holding a meeting together. It reveals that the festival will in fact remain in Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway for “years to come.”

“I am greatly appreciative of everything that Made in America has done for the City of Philadelphia and I remain committed to its continued success,” the Mayor write” The Made in America festival belongs in Philadelphia—the birthplace of our country—and I’m optimistic that we can turn an unfortunate misunderstanding into a positive outcome and even stronger event. I look forward to working with Roc Nation and Live Nation, and maintaining this Philadelphia tradition for years to come.”

Roc Nation’s COO Desiree Perez said that the conversation with the mayor was “candid and constructive.” Roc Nation reveals that the organization and the major are “confident” that “any miscommunication is corrected” and that they are “proactively addressing any concerns.” This year’s Made in America festival takes place from Saturday and Sunday, September 1 to 2, with artists including Nicki Minaj, Meek Mill, Post Malone, Rich The Kid, Lil B and more set to perform.