Jay Z criticises Grammy snub for Beyoncé
Jay Z has voiced criticism against the Grammy awards show, citing perceived snubs and inconsistencies in recognising and honoring Black artistes.
He pointed out that his wife, Beyoncé, has the most Grammys but has never won one for album of the year.
Despite Beyoncé’s 32 wins in other categories, Jay-Z criticised the subjective nature of the Grammy Awards.
Standing on stage with his 12-year-old daughter Blue Ivy, and with Beyoncé in the audience, Jay-Z emphasised the importance of dreams, drive, and ambition.
He questioned the credibility of the Grammy metrics, stating, “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. Think about that. The most Grammys; [and yet has] never won Album of the Year. That doesn’t work,” he said.
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Jay-Z’s remarks shed light on the ongoing debate surrounding the Grammy Awards and their perceived biases.
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The rapper’s critique came as he received the Dr Dre Global Impact Award, recognising his significant contributions to the music industry.
Amidst the controversy, South African sensation Tyla secured a historic win at the Grammys.
The 22-year-old artist clinched the inaugural Best African Music Performance category with her chart-topping hit “Water.”
Tyla’s victory marked a personal triumph and a groundbreaking moment as the first-ever winner in the newly established category.
Despite facing tough competition from industry giants like Burna Boy and Davido, Tyla’s infectious amapiano-based pop anthem resonated profoundly with Grammy voters.
The track made history by entering the Billboard Hot 100 last year, making Tyla the highest-charting African female solo musician since Hugh Masekala in 1968.
“Water” peaked at No. 7, securing the No. 1 spot on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs and Hip-Hop/R&B charts.
During her acceptance speech, Tyla graciously acknowledged her family, saying, “I know my mother’s crying somewhere in here.”
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The creation of the Best African Music Performance category aligns with the Recording Academy’s commitment to recognizing and celebrating music from diverse regions globally, as emphasized by Academy President Harvey Mason Jr.
In an interview with GRAMMY.com, Mason expressed the Academy’s dedication to building equity and celebrating music from around the world.