Jay-Z says that Beyoncé’s loss at the Grammys for Album of the Year didn’t upset him. He explained to Elliott Wilson during an interview with Tidal that it was a “marketing” decision. Beyoncé’s Renaissance lost out to Harry Styles’ Harry’s House. Other nominees the Recording Academy passed over included Kendrick Lamar’s Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers as well as Lizzo’s Special, and more.
“I remove myself from the process and hope they just get it right,” he said. “It got to the point where I was like, it’s just a marketing thing. You go, you got an album out and it could help the sales go up.”
Afterward, Jay-Z explained why he feels Renaissance deserved the award. “Look what it’s done to the culture,” he said, before adding, “Look how the energy of the world moved. They play her whole album in the club. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen that. The whole entire joint — like, everything?! Every remix is amazing. Everyone’s inspired. It has inspired the world. Every remix is better than the other one. From anybody, we’re just finding these joints out in the street… It’s inspiring creativity. You know how The Black Album had The Grey Album [Danger Mouse’s 2004 mashup project]? And the one with Radiohead? It was called Jaydiohead [Minty Fresh Beats’ 2009 mashup]. When it just inspires creativity, that’s an album. That has to be Album Of The Year. It has to be.”
While Beyoncé fell short of winning Album of the Year, she ended the night by setting the record for the most Grammy wins of all time. The legendary singer now has 32 total following wins for Best Dance/Electronic Music Album, Best R&B Song, and more. As for total nominations, Beyoncé and Jay-Z also both have the most of all time. They each have 88. Following the Grammys, Beyoncé will be embarking on the Renaissance World Tour 2023. Check out her announcement for the shows below.
[Via]