Nas’ $5.5B Queens casino approved days after JAY-Z’s TimesSsquare bid gets rejected, and he gets Clowned during the meeting
In the world of hip hop, wins don’t just happen in the booth; they happen in boardrooms, ballots, and billion-dollar deals. That’s exactly what we’re seeing unfold in New York City, where two of rap’s biggest legends, Nas and JAY-Z, have taken very different Ls and Ws when it comes to casino development.
Earlier this month, a major shift happened in the NYC entertainment and gaming landscape. JAY-Z’s high-profile proposal to bring a casino to Times Square was officially rejected by a key community advisory committee. While Roc Nation’s vision sparked major headlines and big hopes, it ultimately couldn’t sway the voices protecting Broadway and its culture.
Meanwhile, Queens native Nas just landed one of the biggest W’s of his business career. His $5.5 billion plan to expand Resorts World New York City into a full-scale casino just got the green light, in a unanimous vote, no less.
Nas’ Casino Project Gets Unanimous Approval in Queens
Nas, best known for classic rap albums like Illmatic and Stillmatic, is now putting his entrepreneurial stamp on his hometown in a major way. His project aims to completely transform Resorts World NYC into a world-class gaming and lifestyle destination.
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The approved plan includes a 350,000-square-foot gaming floor, 3,000 units of workforce housing, over 50 acres of public park space, and new transit links to JFK Airport and Manhattan. It’s a massive development that blends luxury, community, and accessibility.
“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.”
Nas’ new $5.5 Billion Casino just got approved. They even clowned Jay Z n roc nation during the meeting. Naaa jay gotta spin … pic.twitter.com/4ynmLxCCaC
— DJ Akademiks (@Akademiks) September 25, 2025
JAY-Z’s Times Square Casino Plan Rejected
On the flip side, JAY-Z’s bid to bring a casino to Times Square was shut down. The community advisory committee made it clear that preserving the essence of Broadway was a top priority.
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“This was a vote to protect the magic of Broadway for the one hundred thousand New Yorkers who depend on it for their livelihoods, and for the tens of millions who come from around the world to experience it … A casino can go anywhere, but Broadway only lives here.”
Said Jason Laks, president of the Broadway League.
Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez also expressed disappointment after the decision, but the message from the committee was firm.
A Subtle Jab: “Sorry Jay-Z, We Win Again”
Adding some drama to the business deal, one committee member didn’t hold back after the vote in favor of Nas’ casino.
“Sorry Jay-Z, we win again … I just had to rub that in.”
The member said, as seen in a viral video shared by DJ Akademiks.
This moment adds yet another layer to the friendly (and sometimes not-so-friendly) rivalry between the two hip hop moguls, giving rap fans and NYC locals alike something to talk about.
Hip Hop Legends, Business Titans
While JAY-Z’s Times Square project may not have gone as planned, both rappers are pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a hip hop entrepreneur.
From albums like The Blueprint to songs like “If I Ruled the World,” both Nas and JAY-Z have always envisioned power, ownership, and legacy.
Now, it’s clear, rap isn’t just music. It’s real estate. It’s politics. It’s billion-dollar influence.
