Right as reports were swirling that Jay Z and Beyonce spent more than $1 million to buy out part of Lenox Hospital to give birth, and literally a day before Blue Ivy was born, the Jigga man’s company, Rocawear, laid off half of its staff.

“Economic reasons” were cited as the cause for letting go of 28 of the company’s 56 employees Jan. 6, according to the New York State Department of Labor. Could it be the investment in the flopped “Occupy All Streets” t-shirts they planned to sell for $22 a piece to remind people that “there is change to be made everywhere, not just on Wall Street,” dealt more than a blow to the company’s reputation? Critics were less than enthused when they found out Jay Z intended to keep 100 percent of the profits rather than donate them to the Occupy Wall Street movement. Ironically, the mogul who claimed to be down for the 99% ended up adding to their numbers in the end.

What do you think about this news in lieu of all Jay Z has spent on gifts, security, and preparations for Blue Ivy? Should his personal life be kept separate from his professional, or does this reflect poorly on him?

Brande Victorian is a blogger and culture writer in New York City. Follower her on Twitter at @be_vic.

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