The 2024 Grammy Awards were filled with several viral moments, but undeniably the most significant moment came in the form of truth-teller Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter. When accepting the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award, instead of using the spotlight to look back at his own career achievements, the rapper took the opportunity to call out the awards show’s well-documented—yet largely ignored in mainstream media—mistreatment of rap and “urban” artists.
In his speech, Jay-Z reminded viewers of the several controversies within Grammys history, including Will Smith and Jazzy Jeff’s boycott in 1989, when the pair learned that the then newly introduced award for Best Rap Performance wouldn’t be aired in the televised ceremony. Jay-Z also held his own boycott a decade later; despite being nominated for Best Rap Album in 1999 (and winning), he did not attend in solidarity with DMX, the late legend who was snubbed that year despite releasing two albums within the eligibility period.
While on stage Sunday night, Jay-Z's continued not-so-subtly pointing out Beyoncé’s lack of wins for Album of the Year despite being the most awarded artist in Grammys history with 32 trophies.
