At the 2023 Grammy Awards on February 5th, hip hop icon JAY-Z gave a compelling speech addressing the award show’s problematic history with black artists.
Referencing past experiences of undeserved snubs, JAY-Z highlighted the Grammys’ failure to recognize cultural impact and artistry within the black community.
JAY-ZBoycotted Grammys in 1998 After DMX Was Snubbed. In 1998, JAY-Z was nominated for Best Rap Album but boycotted the show because DMX did not receive any nominations despite releasing two chart-topping albums that year.
“DMX wasn’t nominated. That year I boycotted the Grammys,” said JAY-Z, calling out the biased oversight.
Beyoncé Holds Record for Most Grammys But No Album of the Year. JAY-Z also pointed out the contradiction that his wife Beyoncé holds the record for most Grammy wins by any artist but has never won Album of the Year.
“My wife Beyoncé has the most Grammys, but she’s never won Album of the Year. How do you explain that?” he remarked.
JAY-Z’s bold speech spoke truth about the Grammys’ historic marginalization of legendary black artists.
His commentary provided a rare transparent critique of the award show’s relationship with black music and the black community.
READ HIS SPEECH BELOW
In 1998, I was nominated for Grammys for “Best Rap Album.” That same year, DMX dropped 2 albums & both albums went no.1 on the charts, but DMX wasn’t nominated. That year I boycotted the Grammys.
I’m just saying we want the Grammys to do the right thing. Or maybe something close to the right thing.
My wife Beyonce has the most Grammys, but she’s never won Album of the Year. How do you explain that? Think about that.
The most Grammys, no album of the year. How does that work?” – JAY-Z ‘s speech at the Grammy Award last night.
WATCH VIDEO BELOW
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