Hip hop and business continue to collide in New York — and this time, Nas just notched a win over fellow rap mogul Jay-Z.

The Community Advisory Committee has unanimously voted in favor of advancing the $5 billion Resorts World expansion proposal in Queens. This approval moves the project to the next stage in securing one of the limited full casino licenses being offered in New York.

The news sparked headlines not just for its business implications, but also for its cultural weight. A tweet circulating online summed it up with a sharp jab:

“Sorry Jay-Z, we win again.”

Nas, who grew up in Queensbridge, is a partner in the expansion and has been lending his voice, influence, and cultural vision to highlight how the project could benefit the local community.

The proposal emphasizes job creation, community reinvestment, and cultural programming — aligning with Nas’s legacy of putting Queens on the map, not only through music but also through business and social impact.

Meanwhile, Jay-Z’s Roc Nation has been attached to competing bids, aiming to secure a license in Manhattan. With Resorts World now moving forward, the stakes between these two legendary New York icons extend beyond the rap game into billion-dollar ventures shaping the city’s future.

This development adds a new chapter to the Nas vs. Jay-Z saga — one that’s no longer just about lyrics, but about legacy, business empires, and hometown pride.

“Sorry Jay-Z, we win again”

-The Community Advisory Committee unanimously voted in favor of advancing the Resorts World expansion proposal so it can move forward to the next stage for a full casino license.

Nas is a partner for the $5B expansion in his hometown Queens and is… https://t.co/3d4kyyPFOI pic.twitter.com/TNe1rRJB7X

— Glock Topickz (@Glock_Topickz) September 25, 2025

✅ Latest Developments & Confirmations

Unanimous Approval from Community Advisory Committee (CAC)
The Community Advisory Committee voted 6-0 in favor of advancing the Resorts World NYC / Queens casino expansion proposal.

This means the project will now move to the next stage in the licensing process, under review by the State Gaming Commission (or corresponding state-level review boards).

What the Proposal Includes / Scale & Ambition

The expansion is pitched at $5.5 billion and will transform the existing racino (video lottery terminal / electronic gaming) into a full-scale, integrated resort with table games, hotel, entertainment, etc.

Plans include 2,000 hotel rooms, a 7,000-seat arena / entertainment space, over 30 restaurants & bars, green space, convention/meeting space, and more.

The expanded gaming floor would include thousands of slot machines and hundreds of live table games.

One compelling selling point: because the site already exists and has much of the needed infrastructure, Resorts World claims it could begin full operations as soon as July 2026, if licensing is granted.

Local & Political Backing, Messaging, and Community Benefits

Local elected officials and CAC members praised the proposal, citing job creation, infrastructure investment, housing, and broader community benefits.

The project has made commitments to community reinvestment: infrastructure improvements, innovation campus funding, and other benefits.

One local official quipped publicly during the vote: “Sorry Jay-Z, we win again.” in reference to the contrast with Jay-Z’s failed Times Square bid.

Contrast with Jay-Z’s Times Square Bid

Jay-Z’s bid for a casino in Times Square (via Roc Nation + Caesars + SL Green) was rejected by its local CAC (4-2 vote) due in part to opposition from Broadway stakeholders and local critics.

Other Manhattan casino proposals were also shut down by local committees, making Resorts World’s approval in Queens one of the most viable pathways remaining.

Next Steps / Uncertainties

Even with CAC approval, there’s no guarantee the Resorts World bid will secure a full casino license. The final decisions lie with state-level boards (Gaming Commission, Location Board, etc.).

Some rival bids (e.g. in Coney Island, Bronx, other Queens sites) remain under review and may challenge the Resorts World proposal.
Queens Daily Eagle

Concerns about compliance, regulatory scrutiny, and prior controversies in other jurisdictions (e.g. fines against Resorts World in Las Vegas for anti-money laundering issues) may factor into the state’s evaluation.