14 DAY TRIAL // Though leading the nominations at the 2014 Grammy Awards, Jay Z only went home clutching one gramophone award, for Best Rap / Sung Collaboration, for “Holy Grail” featuring Justin Timberlake. He dedicated his win to his wife and daughter.
You can see his brief and, some say, absolutely adorable acceptance speech in the video above. Jay took to the stage only after sharing a hug with Beyonce, with whom he had performed earlier that night a live rendition of “Drunk in Love,” included on her most recent album.
“I want to thank God, I mean, a little bit for this award, but also all the universe for conspiring and for putting that beautiful light of a young lady in my life,” Jay said once he had made his way to the microphone, pointing with his Grammy towards Beyonce, who beamed proudly from her seat.
Then, since he lifted the award high up, and joked that Blue Ivy, his daughter with Bey, would have a new toy to play with. “I want to tell Blue, ‘Look, Daddy got a gold sippy cup for you!’ Peace,” Jay said.
Some commenters online found Jay’s acceptance “speech” not humble enough and quite infuriating for thanking mostly Beyonce – or better yet, for saying she’s helped him more than God. Others, though, have come to his defense by saying that he was obviously nervous, hence this failed attempt at humor.
There are also those who found the moment truly adorable. What do you think, how would you describe Jay’s speech?