American rapper Jay-Z, who went on stage to accept the Dr. Dr Global Impact Award, called out the Grammys for their snubs against his wife, famous singer Beyoncé. During the televised event, Jay-Z was presented with the award, which honors Black musicians who have influenced the industry, celebrating his achievements in the music and hip-hop community.
“It was interesting to watch this moment live,” said Haverhill resident Julia Rodgers, “I totally agree with him.”
Jay-Z took the stage, bringing up his daughter Blue Ivy. After thanking Dr Dre, who was at the awards, and the Black Music Collective, he then referenced a boycott of the awards done in 1989 by Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff after the presentation of the best rap performance category wouldn’t be televised.
“We love y’all. We want y’all to get it right,” he then said. “I don’t want to embarrass this young lady, but she has more Grammys than anyone and never won album of the year. So even by your own metrics, that doesn’t work. Think about that. The most Grammys never won album of the year. That doesn’t work.”
Beyonce, nominated for album of the year 4 times, has made award-show history by winning 32 Grammy awards, making her the most awarded person in Grammy history. While she did win best dance/electronic album for her 2022 album “Renaissance” at the 2023 Grammys, many fans felt she was snubbed for the album of the year category. Many Grammy viewers noted that no black woman has won that award since “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” in 1999.
“I was shocked Taylor won album of the year,” said Haverhill resident Max Popoloski, “I felt other artists were cheated by this.”
Jay-Z’s speech while accepting the award, sparked an ongoing debate, with many people pointing out a racial bias and ignoring many black artists who have greatly influenced the industry. Artists such as Kelly Rowland, former member of Destiny’s Child with Beyonce, DJ Khaled and rapper Tyler, the Creator have spoken against the Grammys for how Black artists are treated.
“Some of you are going to go home tonight and feel like you’ve been robbed,” Jay-Z later added in his speech. “Some of you may get robbed. Some of you don’t belong in the category.”
While it is unclear who Jay-Z was speaking about, many internet users have given their opinions on the situation, sparking controversy immediately after the award show.
“I liked Jay Z speech. Sometimes you got to let folks know what it is out loud,” one X user said.
However, some users felt differently, and had mixed opinions on the issue.
“Jay Z’s acceptance speech was the truth; however, it would have held more weight for me if they didn’t attend,” another x user wrote. “I totally understand wanting to be recognized for your work, who wouldn’t? But at this point, if you truly believe what you’re saying, what is the point showing up every year and accepting their awards?”
Jay Z concluded his speech at the awards by advising artists not to give up, encouraging them to continue with their work until they receive the recognition they deserve, resonating with many people in the audience and online. The Brooklyn rapper left the awards show shortly after his speech.
