Jay-Z's Former Best Friend Alleges Rapper Has Ties to Satanism

Larry Johnson claims Jay-Z has embraced the occult and is being used as a 'front' for corporate interests

Mar. 29, 2026 at 2:34pm

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Former NFL player Larry Johnson, who was once close friends with Jay-Z, has made a series of bombshell allegations against the rapper. Johnson claims Jay-Z has traded his soul for a seat at the table of the 'Great Beast,' alleging the rapper is a Freemason who follows the teachings of Aleister Crowley. Johnson also suggests the Carters are not truly billionaires, but rather are being used as 'fronts' for corporate interests. Additionally, he argues Jay-Z's involvement with the Barclays Center in Brooklyn was a 'strategic move' to use him as a 'community shield' to mask gentrification.

Why it matters

These allegations, if true, would significantly tarnish Jay-Z's public image and legacy as a successful, socially conscious rapper and businessman. They also raise questions about the authenticity of celebrity wealth and the role of corporations in using public figures to advance their own interests, especially in marginalized communities.

The details

Johnson, a former NFL running back, was once so close to Jay-Z that they were roommates in New York City. However, he claims their paths diverged when Jay-Z allegedly embraced the occult. Johnson alleges Jay-Z is a Prince Hall Freemason who follows the teachings of Aleister Crowley, the 'Wickedest Man in the World.' He points to Jay-Z's 'Do What Thou Wilt' hoodie as proof the rapper is following a dark, ritualistic philosophy. Johnson also claims the Carters are not truly billionaires, alleging their massive Live Nation 360 deals are 'financial exploitation' traps. Additionally, he argues Jay-Z was used as the 'Black face' of the Barclays Center to silence local residents who feared gentrification, despite the rapper owning less than 1% of the Brooklyn Nets.

  • In March 2026, Larry Johnson made these allegations against Jay-Z in a series of social media posts.
  • In September 2025, Jay-Z's $5.4 billion bid for a Times Square Casino was officially disapproved by a New York Community Advisory Committee, which Johnson argues happened because the city finally saw through the 'strategic move' to use Jay-Z as a community shield.

The players

Larry Johnson

A former NFL running back who was once close friends with Jay-Z, but now alleges the rapper has traded his soul for a seat at the table of the 'Great Beast.'

Jay-Z

A renowned rapper and businessman who is the subject of Larry Johnson's allegations of having ties to Satanism and being used as a 'front' for corporate interests.

Beyoncé

Jay-Z's wife, who is also implicated in Larry Johnson's claims that the Carters are not truly billionaires.

Desiree Perez

The CEO of Jay-Z's Roc Nation, who was pardoned by former President Donald Trump in 2021 and is described by Johnson as a former government informant.

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What they’re saying

“He chose darkness and Satan. And I chose the light and Yahuah.”

— Larry Johnson, Former NFL Player

“He is a Prince Hall Freemason who follows the teachings of Aleister Crowley—the 'Wickedest Man in the World.'”

— Larry Johnson, Former NFL Player

What’s next

It remains to be seen how Jay-Z and Beyoncé will respond to these serious allegations made by their former friend. The claims about their wealth and business dealings could prompt further investigations or scrutiny from authorities and the public.

The takeaway

These allegations, if true, would undermine Jay-Z's carefully cultivated public image as a socially conscious, self-made billionaire. They raise troubling questions about the role of corporations, the occult, and the exploitation of marginalized communities in the entertainment industry.