The list of celebrities who have turned down the NFL's offer to preform during the 2019 Super Bowl is rumored to be a long one. Whether it's Jay-Z, Cardi B or Rihanna, Black entertainers have said they aren't here for an organization that treats Colin Kaepernick the way it did.
However, Jermaine Dupri isn't one of those people. The producer has decided to partner with the NFL to produce free Super Bowl 2019 promo concerts to honor Atlanta's musical legacy. The culture capital will play host to next year's championship game.
“Since I’ve entered the music scene, I’ve always had concerns with how people view the city of Atlanta both musically and overall,” Dupri stated in a press release obtained by Ebony. “It’s an incredible place to be, and I am always thinking of ways to make that view better. I feel it’s my duty as the unauthorized mayor to help Super Bowl LIVE create the best Welcome to Atlanta experience for the fans ever!!”
To head off criticism, Dupri explained why he decided to work with the league.
“Boycotts and marches don’t seem like they work to me, I’m sorry,” he told TMZ. “I think they should send a message while they’re onstage, take advantage of your platform."
Dupri added he felt being involved from the inside also helps in getting out the word. “The more people speak on it, the more they talk about it, then the more people feel like it’s something they have to address. I feel like people ignore boycotts,” he said.
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