As the world celebrates Black History Month, Jay-Z has voiced his opinion. Accepting the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award, Jay-Z highlighted the recording academy’s neglect of Black artists. Notably, he mentioned Beyoncé, urging them to strive for accuracy. Jay Z Calls Out Grammys for snubbing Beyonce as a winner of ‘Best Album of the Year’. He said
“We want you to get it right — at least get it close to right.”
JAY-Z at GRAMMYS 2024
In his Grammys speech on Sunday, Jay-Z criticized the awards show for what he deemed as snubs. He also mentioned inconsistencies in honoring Black artists. He highlighted that his wife, Beyoncé, with the most Grammys, has never won album of the year.
Without naming the “young lady,” it seemed like he was talking about his wife Beyoncé. She’s been nominated for Album of the Year four times but has never won. Beyoncé was competing for best new artist in 2010 (lost to Taylor Swift), 2015 (lost to Beck), 2017 (lost to Adele), and 2023 (lost to Harry Styles).
“You know, some of you gonna go home tonight and feel like you’ve been robbed. Some of you may get robbed. Some of you don’t belong in a category. No, when I get nervous I tell the truth,” he further added.
JAY-Z at GRAMMYS 2024
JAY-Z reiterated similar sentiments to those expressed at the previous year’s Grammys.
“The truth is, we grew up wanting to be on the Grammys, and it was our goal. We just want them to get it right. That’s what we want,” JAY-Z mentioned in 2023 regarding Beyoncé’s Renaissance album, which lost to Styles.
He also acknowledged his daughter, Blue Ivy, who accompanied him on stage to receive the award.
Black Artists Sidelined as Jay-Z Calls Out Grammys 2024
Jay-Z referenced the 1989 Grammys when Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff boycotted for failing to televise the rap category. He mentioned boycotting when DMX, with two No. 1 albums, lacked any nominations.
“Some of you may get robbed,” he acknowledged, stating, “Some of you don’t belong in the category.”
Recognizing the subjective nature of Grammy awards, he conceded, “It’s music and it’s opinion-based.”
Dr. Dre Global Impact Award Honary
Jay-Z delivered these comments during his acceptance speech for the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award. It is an honor recognizing personal and professional achievements in the music industry.
Through his record label, Roc Nation, Jay-Z has been a vocal advocate for social justice causes. Particularly, he focuses on racial equality in the United States. In 2022, he organized an inaugural summit in New York. It brought together social justice leaders to raise awareness about racial justice and policy issues.
Jay-Z has also served as an executive producer for two docuseries addressing the killings of Black Americans. They include “Time: The Kalief Browder Story” and “Rest in Power: The Trayvon Martin Story.” Following George Floyd’s death in 2020, Jay-Z, through Roc Nation, placed full-page ads in major newspapers. He featured a quote from Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1965 speech in Selma, Ala.