Watch JAY Z’s new interview with Clara Amfo and performance on BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge.
Nearly one month after his candid interview with TIDAL’s Rap Radar podcast, JAY-Z opens up yet again. During a new interview with BBC Radio 1, he sounds off on a variety of topics, including social justice, “Game of Thrones,” and President Donald Trump.
During the sit-down Q&A, Young Hov was vocal about his optimistic hopes for America despite his “disrespect” for the current administration. “I’m just actually looking forward to what’s next,” he said. “Usually, when things are darkest, then light is on its way. I’m not fearful. I believe that we’re resilient, especially us, as black people, especially the culture, we’ve been through so much more than this guy. This guy, I’m looking at him like, ‘Man, this is a joke. With all…I can’t even say with all due respect. With all disrespect.”
Elsewhere in the interview, in which he explained that “until everyone is free, no one is free,” Jigga also revealed why he continues his career as an MC. “I’ve been home with two new twins and I’ve just been in that space, so I would have to leave, come over here, and get on a plane. I’m like, ‘What am I doing? Why am I doing this?’” he said. “I just love it. The truth is, it’s my passion…It’s who I am.”
The conversation also included lighthearted moments, such as when JAY copped to watching bootlegged “Game of Thrones” episodes, or when he gushed about his daughter Blue Ivy’s raps on “Blue’s Freestyle/We Family.” “I don’t know what she was saying,” he acknowledged. “But ‘never seen a ceiling in my whole life’ is the most genius line on the album, I must say.” While Hov didn’t perform that song, he did launch into a rendition of “Family Feud.”
Despite the joyous moments, other points in the interview were somber. One example of this came when Jigga had to speak about his late friend and former collaborator Chester Bennington of Linkin Park, who recently died by suicide. “Hopefully his death serves as a wake-up call,” said Hov. “Mental health is a real thing and you never know what people are going through.” As an homage to Bennington, Jay performed their “Numb / Encore” mash-up.
Fans will get a chance to watch S-Dot on stage soon. Accompanied by Vic Mensa, the iconic MC is set to hit the road on his “4:44 Tour,” starting Oct. 27 in Anaheim, Calif.
