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Rapper Jay-Z: ‘Most People With a Conscience’ Shouldn’t Have a Problem Paying More Taxes

Jay Z: Most People With a Conscience Shouldnt Have A Problem Paying More Taxes

AP File Photo

Multimillionaire rapper Jay-Z said he wouldn’t mind paying more taxes — and anybody with a conscience shouldn’t either.

“Me, personally, I wouldn’t mind paying more taxes if it went to the things that really mattered, if it went to education, people in poverty,” Jay-Z said in an interview with CNNMoney Thursday. “If it went to the right things, you know, I wouldn’t mind.”

“If it was for healthcare and for education and you know to help people — I think most people with a conscience and uh, you know, some integrity and moral fiber wouldn’t have any problem paying more taxes,” he added.

Jay-Z — real name Shawn Carter and the subject of a recent course at Georgetown University — made Forbes’ list as hip hop’s highest 2011 earner with $37 million, and has an estimated fortune of $450 million.

He said he thinks there should be “open accounting” of how taxpayer dollars are spent, however, and said he understands taxpayers’ frustration with paying taxes and not seeing any actual improvement.

“I think it should be more — it should be clearly defined where all the money is being allocated,” he said.

Jay-Z has been openly supportive of the ongoing Occupy Wall Street movement, including with an “Occupy All Streets” T-shirt line.

“I think it is saying a lot all over the world that people can get their voice out there and fight for a better world, education and health care and poverty,” he said. “It’s good. It’s a good thing that young people are getting out and getting their voice heard.”

Comments (184)

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  • gramma b
    Posted on December 9, 2011 at 2:20pm

    The people who lack conscience are those who think they have a right to be supported by money which they did not earn, but which was confiscated from productive citizens.

    Report Post »  
    • AvengerK
      Posted on December 9, 2011 at 4:40pm

      Unfortuately for Mr “Z”…most people with a mind know that paying more taxes doesn’t exate to more success, prosperity or opportunity. This is where Mr “Z” gets left behind. And when did Mr “Z” become the arbiter of peoples’ consciences?

      Report Post »  
    • AvengerK
      Posted on December 9, 2011 at 4:43pm

      Don’t you love the proviso by Mr “Z”? “If it went to things that really mattered”. So Mr “Z”…who decides “what really matters”? Lefties? Black people? Rap singers?

      Report Post »  
    • AvengerK
      Posted on December 9, 2011 at 4:49pm

      typo: my earlier post should have read “doesn’t equate”.

      Report Post »  
    • Freedom from liberals
      Posted on December 9, 2011 at 5:23pm

      Hey Mr Z; you can write the check today. You don’t have to wait for the IRS to tell you. Oh your conscious told you not to.

      Report Post »  
    • mwhaley
      Posted on December 9, 2011 at 5:55pm

      Ok “JayZ” fire all your tax lawyers and CPAs and fill out a 1040EZ. Then send that to the IRS. After you do this then shoot off your mouth about a conscience.

      Report Post »  
    • PoliticiansRCrooks
      Posted on December 9, 2011 at 9:14pm

      Of course Jay Z says that LOL. He’s owns basketball team & does music & owns a clothing line. Of course he has no problem paying taxes. UNreal

      Report Post » PoliticiansRCrooks  
    • PKama
      Posted on December 9, 2011 at 10:12pm

      The day this idiot writes a check for 50 % of his earnings and send it in to the IRS is the day I will believe anything he says.

      Report Post » PKama  
    • marion
      Posted on December 10, 2011 at 3:06pm

      And those with a conscience should understand that the representatives should have a conscience not to spend the tax mony they ask irresponsibly. If the budget was balanced and extra taxes was then applied to the National Debt, then I would have a conscience to want to pay more, but not for a second if it is just going to be wasted the way it is right now.

      Report Post »  
    • SLAPTHELEFT
      Posted on December 11, 2011 at 9:41am

      Again if it hasnt been said, you can pay higher taxes if you want to a-hole. why do you need smeone to force you?

      Report Post » SLAPTHELEFT  
  • cessna152
    Posted on December 9, 2011 at 2:20pm

    Yawn… who listens to these dopes? Tell a lie long enough… and in America, we don’t listen.

    BTW, Mr. Generous J-Z… why don’t you start the trend by giving 70% of your money to Obama and company starting NOW! Go ahead and please put your money where your mouth is….I can guarantee with 100% you would not do it. I’ll bet anyone on this board…

    Report Post » cessna152  
    • copatriots
      Posted on December 9, 2011 at 2:36pm

      The thing is, CESSNA, they have an audience and they are teaching class warfare to their audience in their hypocrisy. Sadly, their “followers” are too weak-minded to figure things out on their own. Do you think the drones are coming to this or any other conservative website for a contradictory view? They are being taught to hate. The timing is right in line for the progressive agenda. It will be propagated and advanced over the coming year. Hang tight…….it’s gonna get bumpy.

      Report Post »  
    • biohazard23
      Posted on December 9, 2011 at 2:55pm

      Jay-sleaze won’t do it anymore than these “patriotic millionaires” would.

      http://dailycaller.com/2011/11/17/patriotic-millionaires-demand-higher-taxes-but-unwilling-to-pay-up-video/

      Report Post » biohazard23  
    • Lotus503
      Posted on December 9, 2011 at 3:02pm

      Maybe Jay-Z should release his income tax statements for the past several years before he makes statements about paying taxes. I bet he doesn’t pay much…

      Report Post »  
    • Lotus503
      Posted on December 9, 2011 at 3:05pm

      This bozo is worth about half-a-billion dollars…here’s the info.

      http://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-celebrities/rappers/jay-z-net-worth/

      Report Post »  
    • old white guy
      Posted on December 9, 2011 at 3:13pm

      gimmie all ya got jz and i will pay more taxes.idiot.

      Report Post »  
    • pavepaws
      Posted on December 9, 2011 at 3:19pm

      Hey Shawn………..ante up.

      Report Post »  
    • gramma b
      Posted on December 9, 2011 at 3:19pm

      The people without conscience are those who believe it is the responsibility of their fellow citizens to pay their bills.

      Report Post »  
    • coindexter
      Posted on December 9, 2011 at 3:58pm

      jay z is a decent guy…i detect a bit of jealousy from the less fortunate blazers. the key phrase is “if it ($$$) goes to things that matter”. unfortunately our fedgov is SO corrupt that the $$$ isn’t paying for the things we taxpayers think really matters. limo’s, free lunch, haircuts,vacations in pricey hotels, etc…for the ruling class. tax the fedgov 90%

       
    • NHwinter
      Posted on December 9, 2011 at 4:00pm

      Does that inclued the 47+% that don’t pay any taxes????????????????????

      Report Post » NHwinter  
    • JohnGalt
      Posted on December 9, 2011 at 4:32pm

      For the DemocRat‘s it’s about taxing other peoples money, not their won.

      Report Post » JohnGalt  
    • Detroit paperboy
      Posted on December 9, 2011 at 5:02pm

      Yeah, 1/4 of a billion dollars medicare spent on penis pumps…. We have lost our minds and the federal govt. Is completely out of control, it needs to be cut by 75 %… then we wouldnt need to steal all the money from the truly hard workers , the private sector…

      Report Post »  
    • kaydeebeau
      Posted on December 9, 2011 at 9:04pm

      The really sad thing is that “the weak minded” are most of the youth of today and some are probably the offspring of Blaze readers / followers. We have got to get our own houses in order -

      Report Post » kaydeebeau  
  • mikeybull
    Posted on December 9, 2011 at 2:19pm

    The government is a horrible investment and against what our divinely inspired FF desired for us as a republic. They stated that there always will be needy people and truly needy people will need assistance. They went on to say that it first was the responsibility of the individual, then their family, then their local community and churches, and in cases of a large natural diaster the state can help…but NEVER should the federal government get involved in supporting the needy…

    These people that say this stuff needs to understand universal principles and stop judging everyone that do not see things their way. It is through oportunities to make your own way that feed the soul…receiving handouts, when one could earn them, destroy the soul.

    Report Post »  
  • Centralsville
    Posted on December 9, 2011 at 2:19pm

    Still waiting to hear of the first rich liberal to voluntarily give all their money to the government and become poor. Most hire people just to keep their payments to the government at a minimum. Hyopcrites. They push for higher taxes and can afford what the government takes from them. My taxes keep going up and I barely keep my head above water. Makes rich liberals feel better about themselves though to have my taxes go up.

    Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on December 9, 2011 at 3:28pm

      How about the “professional poor” .. those who have been government supported for generations .. isn’t it about time they got a job and paid. Instead they keep putting out more of the same (lots of babies we support)

      Report Post »  
  • CaKe
    Posted on December 9, 2011 at 2:18pm

    Theres another moron with no intelligence (rapper) speaking and all his moron followers, you know, RRrrrr I don’t have the time to go off! The elite need put down America! I’m done!

    Report Post »  
  • I.Gaspar
    Posted on December 9, 2011 at 2:17pm

    Nothing this government does “matters” in a good way, so STFU “jay z”.
    You want to help the poor??? Give some of your millions to churches…and add a few mill to educate the entitled class and splain to them that it’s time to get a job.

    Report Post »  
    • the wireworker
      Posted on December 9, 2011 at 2:54pm

      if jay-z had a conscience he would clean up the lyrics in his so called career and quit glorifying the things he does. if he wants to he can write a check or sign on the line. put that in your so-called lyrics jz

      Report Post » the wireworker  
  • ConservativeFeminist
    Posted on December 9, 2011 at 2:17pm

    So exactly WHO is to decide “what really matters” ? Jay Z needs to take some classes in economics, government and Constitutional law. Until that time, he is just another “useful idiot” – - -

    Report Post » ConservativeFeminist  
    • mils
      Posted on December 9, 2011 at 2:22pm

      words..nothing but words…what did you expect him to say?…he spoke loudly when obama was elected..trash man is what he is..a BPOS

      just close the “loop holes” and we will have more than enough to fund every program..but the lobby on cap hill is too strong to do anything about anything.

      Report Post »  
  • Max jones
    Posted on December 9, 2011 at 2:15pm

    According to the data I have perused, the top 5% of earners could give 100% of income to the government, for ten years straight, and the deficit would Not be reduced at all….without extreme cuts in entitlement spending. Class warfare leading to civil conflict is this administration’s goal…it is the only chance they have of continuing its agenda of “ income equality”,(communism).

    Report Post » Max jones  
  • caladesi
    Posted on December 9, 2011 at 2:14pm

    What a simpleton! “…if it went to things that really mattered.” And who will decide….you?

    Report Post »  
  • liberty_for_all
    Posted on December 9, 2011 at 2:13pm

    If the wealthy want to pay more taxes, nothing is stopping them. But, they shouldn’t be forced to. Equal opportunity under the law. When talking about same-sex marriage, Bachman says it well when she states that there should be no special acceptions to accomodate those with ‘unique’ lifestyles. The same applies with taxes.

    Report Post »  
  • Rayblue
    Posted on December 9, 2011 at 2:11pm

    Yeah….And rappers are “artists”……….

    Mean and nasty nursery rhymes
    Reciting rapes, inciting crimes
    Coked up jokers, doped on hate
    Want us to pay for their mistake.

    Report Post » Rayblue  
    • Max jones
      Posted on December 9, 2011 at 2:31pm

      Rayblue…..i am going to use that poem in a new song…I love it.!!! I will credit Ray-Blue. I never make any money with my music so there is no reason to object…eh?

      Report Post » Max jones  
    • Rayblue
      Posted on December 9, 2011 at 6:10pm

      May it serve you well.

      Report Post » Rayblue  
  • love the kids
    Posted on December 9, 2011 at 2:10pm

    IF it went to things that really mattered? I do agree, but when will the Govt. do that. Also, shouldn’t teachers have a Conscience and take pay cuts to help student learn? They know that their pensions prevent students from a full learning experience. And shouldn’t public servants take pay cuts? I mean, how can you deny people benefits that need it then walk out to your new car and go home to your 500,000 home?
    These rich Progressives/Democrats need to lead by example and get like 1000 together and pay more to the fed. If you don’t, then you are just hurting people that need help today.

    Report Post »  
  • PurrrpleMtnMajesty
    Posted on December 9, 2011 at 2:08pm

    Most people with a conscience are working their a_s off just trying to make ends meet. Celebrities should continue to donate to the poor until there are no poor and they don’t earn more than 100K a year. That seems to be what they consider the right thing to do – so why don’t they do it?
    You hear them said raise taxes, promoting socialism, etc, – I’m starting to think Hollywood & music industry in general is only backing these stupid ideas because they are hoping to gain more fans amidst the brainwashed college kids. When those kids all need the celebrities $ or they can’t attend concerts, buy music,etc, I wonder if they will still be so pro the “share the wealth” theme.
    They make obscene amts of $, then have the freakin nerve to say who has a conscience and who doesn’t? SOBs

    Report Post »  
  • theninthplanet
    Posted on December 9, 2011 at 2:07pm

    That’s all well and good, but I do mind paying for teachers unions, $16 muffins, planned parenthood, and crony “capitalism”.

    Also, can someone tell Jay-Z that more money for education doesn’t mean better education? Seriously, some of the worst school districts in America spend the most per student. Smaller class sizes doesn’t mean better education, and you can’t spend any amount to fix stupid.

    Report Post » theninthplanet  
  • geonj
    Posted on December 9, 2011 at 2:06pm

    so how much extra money has jay-z sent to the government.

    Report Post » geonj  
  • JohnQTaxpayer
    Posted on December 9, 2011 at 2:06pm

    So the 48 % who pay no taxes are, persons or low moral character, dirt bags, tax cheats, or people who like your music?

    Report Post » JohnQTaxpayer  
  • SREGN
    Posted on December 9, 2011 at 2:05pm

    Most people with a conscience should have a big problem accepting entitlement checks.

    Report Post »  
  • KickinBack
    Posted on December 9, 2011 at 2:04pm

    “I wouldn’t mind paying more taxes if it went to the things that really mattered.”

    Sorry Jay-Z, (hey, that rhymes with lazy!) but the government doesn‘t spend tax payers’ money on “things that matter”. But you are more than welcome to lend some extra cash to the government in support of building more turtle tunnels (with lights! because you know them turtles can’t find their way in the dark)

    Report Post » KickinBack  
  • Ed_Kel
    Posted on December 9, 2011 at 2:03pm

    Does this mean that he thinks 47% of Americans don’t have a conscience at all?

    Report Post »  
  • billvassos
    Posted on December 9, 2011 at 2:03pm

    I wonder if a rap stars in movie stars will be exempt as long as the spread the message

    Report Post » billvassos  
  • garyM
    Posted on December 9, 2011 at 2:03pm

    I’ll take my spiritual advice from a rapper when donkeys fly! What would he know about a conscience!
    He don’t have a clue!

    Report Post »  
  • smithclar3nc3
    Posted on December 9, 2011 at 2:01pm

    Most people with a conscience wouldn’t ride welfare for decade,continue to have children they can’t afford,blame their self made problems on others,campaign to get murders out of prison…ect

    Report Post »  
  • EqualJustice
    Posted on December 9, 2011 at 2:01pm

    SOMEONE tell him he CAN do just that. (check the box on your tax refund and fill in any amount you want to give) Although, ALL of these big mouths who say this, when offered, all said ‘NO’.. go figure.

    Report Post » EqualJustice  
    • PurrrpleMtnMajesty
      Posted on December 9, 2011 at 2:10pm

      Remember when Oprah was getting her ranch somewhere other than CA because she didn’t want to pay the taxes? Yeah, but yet she promotes every philosophy & program that is causing those kinds of taxes? Is it helping the poor? If enslaving is helping, then yes.
      These libs have taken too many drugs….

      Report Post »  
    • EqualJustice
      Posted on December 9, 2011 at 2:14pm

      So True and Kerry trying to register his YACHT out of state so as not to pay MA taxes? haha SUCH hypocrites. If JAY Z had a conscience he would give up all but a few million of his 451 MILLION net worth. HYPOCRITE!!!!!!

      Report Post » EqualJustice  
  • JustJP
    Posted on December 9, 2011 at 2:00pm

    Get your check book out Jay. Nobody is preventing you from sending the gov. more money. It’s funny that only the liberal rich hold this position, but they are all talk.

    Report Post »  
    • EqualJustice
      Posted on December 9, 2011 at 2:16pm

      Even SOROS the multi-billionaire BIG MOUTH has all his organizations listed as NON PROFIT. NO TAXES DUE…(translation: progressive) How do they get away with that?

      Report Post » EqualJustice  
  • MSMOM
    Posted on December 9, 2011 at 1:59pm

    Feel free to voluntarily write a check…

    Report Post »  
    • netmail
      Posted on December 9, 2011 at 2:02pm

      Jay Z, if you don’t write a check, how can you sleep at night??

      Report Post »  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on December 9, 2011 at 3:50pm

      Jay Z resides in Florida ( I believe judging form the picture).

      Let him have is primary residence in NYC with city taxes, NY state taxes, then see how much he like taxes.

      When he no longer performs & wants to hang onto his mansion, let’s see how he feels about taxes.

      Report Post »  
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