Jay-Z Helps Put Brooklyn Nets On The Map

It seems that Jay-Z, not content with being a multi-millionaire music mogul, has decided to dip into the political arena once again. The rapper showed up at the breaking of the ground yesterday (March 11) for the Barclays Center at Atlantic Yards in Brooklyn, the future home of the Brooklyn Nets.

Hova was flanked at the event by Governor Patterson, Mayor Bloomberg and other business leaders involved in the project, which will install an 18,000-seat arena and three residential buildings.

The project, originally slated to start in 2003, has been delayed due to cash flow problems and legal disputes from nearby residents, who were told by Governor Patterson that they had only 30 days to move or else they would be evicted.

Jay-Z has been a longtime backer of bringing the Nets to Brooklyn, and even gave a speech, stating: "What I stand here and represent is hope for Brooklyn, New York City. I'm a son of Brooklyn, I'm from Marcy projects, I think about growing up in Brooklyn in the Marcy projects and shooting jump shots, thinking I can make it to the NBA. Now I stand here as an owner of team that's coming back to Brooklyn.”

Jay-Z was recently photographed at the White House with President Obama, and was also involved in the recent ‘racino’ project with former Congressman Rev. Floyd Flake and Governor Patterson. --Jonathan Eiseman