Jermaine Dupri Denies ‘Disrespecting The Black Race’ Amid Super Bowl Backlash

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Jermaine Dupri is fighting back against his critics.

The hip-hop mogul took to Twitter on  Monday to defend himself after social media users criticized his decision to work with the Super Bowl LIII Host Committee. Dupri signed on in October to produce a week-long concert series in Atlanta ahead of the highly-anticipated event on Sunday, Feb. 3.

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Since the announcement, Dupri has faced criticism from people who are upset about the National Football League’s treatment of African-American players and from those who support Colin Kaepernick’s #TakeAKnee movement.

“Your life. Your career. Your call to make,” one fan wrote to the 46-year-old producer on Instagram. “But as a harbinger of Black culture (via music), I expected more of you and I’m deeply disappointed.”

Dupri, however, denies he’s “disrespecting the Black race.”

“Ok let’s get this straight, all y’all hitting me talking bout I’m disrespecting the Black race by being involved with activities during Super Bowl,” he tweeted. “Need to include all your other favorite artist as well, because every club has an artist, every corporate party has an artist.”

Atlanta’s unofficial mayor then took to Instagram to continue his rant, adding: “You n—as really don’t understand my relationship with my city. Sh—t ain’t got nothing to do with money.”

This isn’t the first time Dupri has spoken out about the NFL. In an October interview with TMZ, the Welcome to Atlanta rapper questioned the effectiveness of boycotts and protests against the organization, stating: “Boycotts and marches don’t seem like they work to me, I’m sorry. I think they should send a message while they’re onstage; take advantage of your platform.”

On Dec. 12, the So So Def mogul announced that Goodie Mob, Waka Flocka, YFN Lucci, and the Ying Yang Twins have joined the pre-Super Bowl lineup.

But other high-profile artists — like Jay-Z and Rihanna, to name a few — have refused to be associated with the NFL.