Jay Z’s Shatta Wale came to life last night as he called out the Grammys while accepting an award.
The ‘Young Forever’ rapper was presented with the Dr. Dre Global Impact award on Sunday night at the Los Angeles Crypto.com stadium. Jay-Z stated in his acceptance speech that the Grammy Awards ought to make corrections.
“How far we have come with Will Smith, the Fresh Prince winning their first Grammy in ’89 and boycotting because it was not televised,” he said.
He continued “In ’98, I took a page out of their book and 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. 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…”
Looking at Beyoncé from the stage, he said, “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 never won Album of the Year. That doesn’t work.”
In the video below, he ends by saying, “When I get nervous, I tell the truth.” Jay Z’s speech has now become a topic, with many music fans agreeing with his viewpoint.
The Grammy Awards yesterday night did not go as many Nigerians would have expected because, despite receiving multiple nominations, performers from the West African nation were unable to claim a Grammy plaque.
In the three categories for which Davido was nominated—Best African Music Performance, Best Global Music Performance, and Best Global Album Performance—he did not win.
Burna Boy lost in all four categories for which he was nominated: Best African Music Performance, Best Global Music Performance, Best Global Album Performance, and Best Melodic Rap Performance.
Tyla won the new Best African Music Performance category, which included Asake and Olamide, Ayra Starr, Burna Boy, Davido, and Musa Keys, for “Water.”
However, there were causes for celebration. Burna Boy made his live show debut—the first for an African artist—after being introduced by Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy. Trevor Noah, a comedian from South Africa, hosted the live event.
Just as Davido told BillBoard at the pre-Grammy event, “I’m just happy that we all get to shine.”
Jay-Z calls out the #Grammys for never giving Beyoncé the Album of the Year trophy, despite her record-setting 32 wins. pic.twitter.com/htakmJGEKH
— Variety (@Variety) February 5, 2024
