DJ Akademiks Criticizes Rap Media’s Response to Jay-Z Following Epstein File Release

During a recent livestream, DJ Akademiks questioned why certain conversations surrounding Jay-Z are often avoided by hip-hop media, particularly in light of renewed public attention sparked by the release of documents tied to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.

In a clip circulating on X (formerly Twitter), Akademiks accused music media figures, podcasters, and cultural commentators of being overly defensive when Jay-Z’s name surfaces in controversial discussions.

“You don’t have to instantly defend Jay-Z,” Akademiks said. “People have questions, and media should at least be willing to acknowledge them or help clarify them—especially if you were around during that era.”

He went on to argue that historical relationships and industry dynamics from the late 1990s and early 2000s are rarely scrutinized with the same intensity applied to today’s artists.

“It feels like there’s a protective class that doesn’t want to talk about certain things from that time,” he continued. “If this was a newer artist, the scrutiny would be much heavier.”

Akademiks’ remarks surfaced shortly after the U.S. Department of Justice released a large batch of Epstein-related documents under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The files include a mix of court records, depositions, and anonymous tip reports of varying credibility. Jay-Z’s name appears in one such intake document, though no allegation has been substantiated, no charges were filed, and no investigation involving him is indicated in the records.

The way the documents were framed by some outlets also drew criticism from other media figures. On The Breakfast Club, Charlamagne Tha God criticized what he described as careless and sensational coverage.

“I don’t understand it, and I would love some understanding,” Charlamagne said on air. “What do people hate more—reading or accountability?”

It’s important to note that the Epstein document release includes unverified submissions, including anonymous crisis intake reports, which are not findings of fact. Legal experts and journalists have cautioned against equating mentions in the files with wrongdoing, emphasizing that inclusion does not imply guilt or investigative action.

As the conversation continues online, the broader debate has shifted toward media responsibility—how allegations, historical context, and unverified material should be discussed without either suppressing questions or promoting misinformation.

Akademiks calls out rap media outlets such as Joe Budden for calling Drake a creep but staying quiet and protecting Jay-Z over his connection to the Epstein files 😳👀

“it feels like there’s a protective group that doesn’t wanna talk about that for those artists in that time” pic.twitter.com/cruQCdJmba

— keeno ✧ (@ayekeeno) February 4, 2026