Five years after his last album, 4:44 was snubbed by the Grammys, Jay-Z has claimed “they missed the opportunity”.
The record was released in 2017 and remains the most recent project by the legendary rapper. While Jay has carried out the occasional collaboration since releasing the album, his time has mainly been devoted to his business interests. Many were angered when the album was nominated for eight awards at the 2018 Grammy Awards, and came home empty-handed, despite, being the most nominated artist that year.
4:44 was nominated for ‘Album of the Year’ and ‘Best Rap Album’. Meanwhile, songs from the highly-acclaimed record were nominated in categories including, ‘Record of the Year’, ‘Song of the Year’ and also ‘Best Rap Song’. Yet despite the eight nominations, Jay didn’t win a single gong.
Looking back on the dismal evening with TIDAL, Jay reflected: “In that moment, I was like, ‘They missed the opportunity,’ because people emulate success,” he said. “In that moment, that album, 4:44, was a moment for us to say, ‘Hip-Hop is viewed as a young man’s sport. Now here is this album that could take us into the next sphere.’ I feel like they missed the moment.”
He continued: “I didn’t feel bad for myself, because I know it’s the Grammys: I probably won some joints I shouldn’t have won and I probably lost some joints I should’ve won. That’s the way it goes, so I actually had a party. I had a great time, staying out until 6 in the morning.”
Although Jay still didn’t win anything at this year’s ceremony, he had reason to celebrate thanks to his wife, Beyoncé becoming the artist to win the most Grammys of all time. However, he still believes she deserves more, and said: “Even with Bey, I felt like they missed the moment. Not just Lemonade; [also] when Beck won over her [for Album of the Year at the 2015 show]. I was like, ‘Oh, y’all missed it.’”
