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Russell Simmons and Jay-Z Plan Occupy Wall Street Concert

Russell Simmons and Jay-Z plan Occupy Wall Street Concert. The two are currently working to receive a permit.

Russell Simmons and Jay-Z are taking their support of the Occupy Wall Street movement a step further by planning a concert for the movement.

 

"We are definitely discussing [a concert,]" Simmons said to Billboard.biz"We're definitely looking to make a huge impact. We're actively working for permits. We'll have one in our hands soon."

 

It'll be interesting to how protesters react to Hov's involvement as he's been criticized for selling Rocawear's "Occupy All Streets" T-shirts without donating proceeds from sales to the cause. Many are saying the rapper is just trying to profit from Occupy Wall Street and Simmons has come to his defense several times. 

 

"Jay-Z didn't make a T-shirt [that said] 'F— the Bums on the Street,'" Simmons said. "What's wrong with selling goodness? You should sell things you're happy about. You should sell products that you're inspired by, that promote lasting and stable well-being."

 

But protesters have yet to agree with Simmons' sentiments. An artist recently created a statue of Jay-Z wearing chains with a huge dollar sign medallion. On top of the Brooklyn rapper rest three other money-hungry icons: The Simpsons' Mr. Burns, Scrooge McDuck, and Richie Rich.

 

"I think Jay-Z has made himself a face of [the] Wall Street that Occupiers are protesting against," sculptor Daniel Edwards said in a statement. "Maybe Jay-Z is striving to be in the one percent? Which is why I chose the composition of a totem pole because I thought it would resemble the number one. Rap stars who turn ‘Scrooge' have to suffer some damage to their street credibility."

 

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