Jay-Z on BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge ('Family Feud', 'Numb/Encore' and interview)

dontdiedontkillanyon · September 2017

JAY Z Addresses Racial Tensions in America, Calls Trump a 'Joke'

Months after unleashing his newly crowned opus, 4:44, JAY Z is preparing to head on the road with Vic Mensa for a forthcoming tour. Before he tackles his nationwide trek, Hov took a pit-stop to the UK to speak with BBC Radio 1 about his acclaimed career, his new album and the issues plaguing America.

During his interview session with Claro Amfo, he spoke with aplomb in regards to the the racial tension and political strife in America. “I believe that everything that happens in life is for your greatest good, and I don’t think that this is happening if we weren’t prepared to handle it,” he said. “I’m just looking forward to what’s next after that, because usually when things are darkest, then light is on its way. I’m not fearful.”

Then, without uttering his name, Hov fearlessly headbutted President Trump with a series of blows: “I believe that we are resilient, especially us as black people and 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. I just think he’s not a very sophisticated man, especially when it comes to the idea of 'Until everyone is free, no one is free.' Period. That’s just a fact.”

Hov also addressed Chester Bennington's recent demise and spoke on the importance of mental health. “Hopefully his death serves as a wake-up call,” he said. “Mental health is a real thing, and you never know what people are going through.”

You can watch his interview with Amfo and his performance of "Numb/Encore" and "Family Feud" below.