It only took seven years for Jay-Z to make his proclamation that he was bringing the New Jersey Nets back home to Brooklyn a reality.  Thursday, Jigga joined New York Governor David Paterson and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Brooklyn Borough President, Marty Markowitz and executives from the Nets as they officially broke on the team’s Brooklyn digs, the Barclays Center.

Why can’t we get David Paterson a Hard Hat? He’s gone Through Enough Already

“What I stand here and represent is hope for Brooklyn, New York City. I’m a son of Brooklyn, I’m from Marcy projects,” Jay-Z said of his excitement. “I think about growing up in Brooklyn in the Marcy projects and shooting jump shots, thinking I can make it to the NBA. Now I stand here as an owner of team that’s coming back to Brooklyn. The pride in that, and bringing that dream so much closer for people, brings me so much pride I get a little nervous about it. But I’m very happy, very excited about this day. And we did it again Brooklyn – shout out to [Notorious] B.I.G.”

While I respect his paying homage to the KING, it did seem a bit misplace.  According to embattled NY Governor, and Brooklyn native, David Paterson, the Atlantic Yards project will bring more than 16,000 union jobs and more than 5,500 “permanent jobs” for the people in Brooklyn. He also said he expected the new stadium to yield more than $1.5 billion for the city over the next few years.

The lighthearted Brooklyn Borough President, Marty Markowitz joked during his remarks that Jay-Z still has one last piece of business to attend to…convincing LeBron James to play for the Nets when he becomes a free agent this off-season.

And where there’s a camera, there’s Al Sharpton.  Captain African America said he came to the press conference for one reason only: “Jay-Z promised me if I came I would have the opportunity to sit next to Beyoncé.” he joked.  “We’ve gone from Jackie to Jay-Z. Where we cannot only play the game but own the game.”

While I’m usually not a fan, truer words were never spoken.  It is remarkable that in a short 50 years we’ve gone from breaking color barriers to breaking ground.  But lets not remember this isn’t about Jay-z.  This is much larger.  Being from Brooklyn, traffic aside, this will bring the city back to the prominence and notoriety it deserves we’ve come to demand.  As Hip Hop, it shows that we are in a different space now.  Much like with Obama, Jigga has set the bar very high and we can’t settle for less.  Its not good enough anymore to wear fancy jewels and nice cars.  That’s only the beginning.