Jay-Z not just one of TIME's 100 most influential, he's the cover (one of seven); tribute is by myopic Mike Bloomberg

It's stunning that, among TIME magazine's rather celeb-heavy list of the world's 100 most influential people, one of the seven most important--gracing one of seven covers--is Jay Z, Artist and entrepreneur, 42, under the category of Titans.

The tribute, dated 4/18/13, comes from none other than New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg:

Jay Z embodies so much of what makes New York New York. A kid from a tough neighborhood who grows up in public housing, overcomes lots of bad influences on the street, never lets go of his dream, makes it to the top — and then keeps going, pursuing new outlets for his creativity and ambition. When no one would sign him to a record contract, he created his own label and built a music empire — before going on to design clothing lines, open sports bars and, most recently, represent professional athletes. He’s an artist-entrepreneur who stands at the center of culture and commerce in 21st century America, and his influence stretches across races, religions and regions. He’s never forgotten his roots — “Empire State of Mind” was a love song to our city — and as a co-owner of the NBA Nets, he helped bring a major league sports team back to Brooklyn, not far from his old neighborhood. In nearly everything he’s tried, he’s found success. (He even put a ring on Beyoncé.) And in doing so, he’s proved that the American Dream is alive and well.

Overcomes lots of bad influence on the street is a pretty gentle euphemism for being a drug dealer who went on--at least in his recording persona--to often celebrate that world. No "ethical pickle" recognized by Bloomberg.

And surely the mayor (or his minions) wrote this before Jay-Z issued his pissy, Trump-ish "Open Letter," claiming “Would’ve brought the Nets to Brooklyn for free/Except I made millions off it, you f---in’ dweeb."