Jay-Zused his acceptance speech at the2024 Grammysto call out the organization that honored him with a special award.
While accepting the 2nd annualDr. DreGlobal Impact Award — in recognition of his musical legacy — the hip-hop artist, 54, questioned the process behind the voted categories.
“We want y’all to get it right. At least getting close to right. And obviously it’s subjective. Y’all don’t gotta clap at everything. Obviously it’s subjective because, you know, it’s music and it’s opinion-based,” the artist started.
Kevin Mazur/Getty
“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 added.
VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images
“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 said in 2023 of Beyoncé’sRenaissancealbum, which lost to Styles.
He then called out his daughter, Blue Ivy, who joined him on stage for the award.
Jay-Z and Blue Ivy at the 2024 Grammys.VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty
VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty
“Outside of that, you know, we got to keep showing up and forget the Grammys for a second. Just in life. As my daughter just sits and stares at me nervous as I am. Just in life, you got to keep showing up. Just keep showing up. Forget the Grammys you got to keep showing up until they give you all those accolades you feel you deserve. Until they call you Chairman, until they call you a genius until they call you the greatest of all time,” he concluded. “You feel me?”
Cameras then went to the audience where Beyoncé was seen applauding.
Jay-Z released his first album,Reasonable Doubt, in 1996. Since, he’s shared hitsThe Blueprint,American Gangster,4:44and latest albumHOV DID— and many more. He’s long been vocal about his wish to give back — not just through music.
Jay-Z attends the Shawn Carter Foundation 20th Anniversary Black Tie Gala in 2023.Kevin Mazur/Getty for Roc Nation
Kevin Mazur/Getty for Roc Nation
“I think what matters most is, today, is, being a beacon and helping out… my culture. People of color,” he said in a2023 conversationwithGayle King. “I think I pull the most satisfaction from that. Like making music earlier was, like—my first love. I could sit there for hours. It consumed me. Just finding words and figuring out words and how to say this and different ways to say that and different pockets and melodies and how to write this song. That consumed me.”
Along the way, things changed for the artist. “That’s why my pace was so fast. I had so much material… And I think now, you know, the idea of, of taking that platform and, you know, reproducing it for others or doing something like Reform… I think I derive the most joy from that,” he said.
In 2023, Dr. Dre was honored with the award for the first time. “What I love about this award is that it uses my name to inspire the next generation of producers, artists, and entrepreneurs to reach for their greatness and demand that from everybody around you,” Dr. Dre said during the acceptance speech. “Never compromise your vision, at all. Pursue quality over quantity, and remember thateverythingis important. That is one of my mottos. Everything is important.”
Alongside the musician,Missy ElliottandLil Wayne, and music executive Sylvia Rhonewere also honoredwith the Global Impact tribute.
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See PEOPLE’s full coverage of the 66th annualGrammy Awardsas they’re broadcasting live on CBS from theCrypto.comArena in Los Angeles.
source: people.com
