Jay-Z, Roc Nation Demand Action In Ahmaud Arbery's Case

In the wake of Gregory and Travis McMichaels, Jay-Z and Roc Nation artists demand a fair but speedy trial in Ahmaud Arbery's murder case.

BYAron A.
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The murder of Ahmaud Arbery has sparked outrage across the nation and beyond. Arbery was murdered in broad daylight by a father and son duo who claimed to have shot the 25-year-old man out of suspicion that he had burgled a house in the predominantly white neighborhood. 

Jay-Z and Roc Nation artists Meek Mill, Yo Gotti, and Alicia Keys have signed off on an open letter calling for a fair but quick trial so felony convictions can be placed against Gregory and Travis McMichaels. Additionally, they're demanding the man who filmed the incident, William Bryan, is arrested and faces trial as an accomplice. The letter was addressed to Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, GA AG Christopher Darr, and D.A. Tom Durden.

"By now, we’ve all seen the crime’s disturbing video, so the facts here are not in doubt: He was unarmed and innocent and the victim of a hate crime. Which is why we call upon you today, as official leaders of the Great State of Georgia, and with the entire world watching, to ensure that a fair trial is conducted, as that can only lead to the appropriate felony convictions of both McMichaels. We also implore you to charge William Bryan as an armed accomplice to the crime."

The letter also addresses the conflict of interest in the case since Gregory Michaels, a former cop in the area, previously worked with D.A. Durden. Team Roc demands that Durden is recused from the case.

Read the full letter below. 

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About The Author
Aron A. is a features editor for HotNewHipHop. Beginning his tenure at HotNewHipHop in July 2017, he has comprehensively documented the biggest stories in the culture over the past few years. Throughout his time, Aron’s helped introduce a number of buzzing up-and-coming artists to our audience, identifying regional trends and highlighting hip-hop from across the globe. As a Canadian-based music journalist, he has also made a concerted effort to put spotlights on artists hailing from North of the border as part of Rise & Grind, the weekly interview series that he created and launched in 2021. Aron also broke a number of stories through his extensive interviews with beloved figures in the culture. These include industry vets (Quality Control co-founder Kevin "Coach K" Lee, Wayno Clark), definitive producers (DJ Paul, Hit-Boy, Zaytoven), cultural disruptors (Soulja Boy), lyrical heavyweights (Pusha T, Styles P, Danny Brown), cultural pioneers (Dapper Dan, Big Daddy Kane), and the next generation of stars (Lil Durk, Latto, Fivio Foreign, Denzel Curry). Aron also penned cover stories with the likes of Rick Ross, Central Cee, Moneybagg Yo, Vince Staples, and Bobby Shmurda.