Jay-Z Calls Out the Recording Academy for Beyoncé's Grammy Snubs
Jay-Z used his milestone Grammys moment to shine a spotlight on issues he thinks are still ongoing within the Recording Academy—especially as it pertains to snubs against his wife, Beyoncé.
At tonight's 66th annual Grammy Awards show, the legendary rapper took to the stage to accept a black gramophone for the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award, which recognizes an artist's lifetime and career achievements.
“How far we have come with Will Smith... The Fresh Prince winning their first Grammy in ’89 and boycotting because it wasn't televised,” began Jay, who was joined onstage by his 12-year-old daughter, Blue Ivy. “And then they went to like a hotel and watched the Grammys. I don’t even understand, it was not a great boycott. But then in ’98, I took a page out of their book. I was nominated for Best Rap Album. And DMX put out two, they were both number one, and he was not nominated at all, so I boycotted and I watched.”
He continued, “I’m just saying, we want you all to get it right. We love y’all, we love y’all. We want you to get it right, or at least get it close to right. And obviously, it’s subjective... because it’s music and its opinion-based, but some things…”
He went on to reference the achievements of Beyoncé—who broke the record for the most Grammy awarded artist in history last year, with a whopping 32 awards and 88 nominations under her belt.
“I don’t want to embarrass this young lady, but she has more Grammys than everyone and never won Album of the Year. So even by your own metrics that doesn’t work,” Jay said. “Think about that. The most Grammys, never won Album of the Year—that doesn’t work.”
He added, “Some of you are gonna go home tonight and feel like you've been robbed. Some of you may get robbed. Some of you don't belong in the category.”
While his last statement induced a reaction from the audience, Jay concluded, “When I get nervous, I tell the truth.”
Watch his full speech below.
Jay Z’s acceptance speech at #Grammys pic.twitter.com/mJN7y6BoH7
— Mela Yela (@_melayela_) February 5, 2024
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