Jay-Z’s Spaces

12.23.21

Jay-Z, Alicia Keys

The Internet is still going crazy for Jay-Z’s Twitter Spaces appearance, and participation, from earlier this week. Alicia Keys held a group chat, after fulfilling her label contract and becoming an independent artist. It was Jay-Z, however, who spoke to great lengths, and began trending over multiple topics.

Alicia Keys and Genius hosted the Twitter Spaces on December 21st, to have a conversation about her latest album, KEYS, which dropped this year. With this, she shared that it will actually be the last album she creates to be released under a major label company. With that, there had been a lot of discussion about independent artists.

Jay-Z instantly hopped into the chat, as an identify speaker in the Spaces, suggesting how much of an accomplishment it is, that she even fulfilled her contract. Many artists leave the wrong way, before fulfilling what was initially agreed upon in the terms of the contract itself. Beyond that, he suggested that everyone should be independent, and praised Russ, who was a listener in the Spaces.

Russ is someone who drops consistently, has great skill, but not always the highest of interest and respect in hip-hop. The Internet surely took notice of this co-sign, and it came at just the right timing. Russ just released his newest album, CHOMP 2, on December 8th, and some are calling it a late contender for album of the year.

This was just one of many discussions that happened to go viral from the KEYS discussion. Rob Markman of Genius stopped by and asked the questions we all want to know. Did Jay-Z ever forgive Lil Mama for rushing the stage during his and Alicia Keys Empire State Of Mind performance at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards? Jay and Alicia Keys both started laughing instantly. They each said of course they forgive her, and that is family. Jay gave her a pass, saying she’s a New Yorker and was bound to get excited, though he also mentioned that he does not recommend others to do this themselves.

In a recent interview, Alicia Keys mentioned that she was so focused on her performance, that she did not even realize Lil Mama had rushed the stage. Jay had to tell her afterwards, and she was genuinely surprised because she had thought they just crushed the performance, and completely missed the unannounced drop in from Mama.

Finally, the topic we have all been waiting for. Jay-Z says he will never do a Verzuz, because there is no one who can stand on that stage with Jay-Z. I honestly have no idea where people got the idea that Youngboy could stand with him. I am not sure if they are trolls, or just the new generation not understanding hip-hop in the way that our generation does, but it is certainly not him. People have had previous thoughts, like Nas, or Drake, or Eminem. I always put Jay and Diddy together, but at one point they each took their careers in different directions, and I am not sure it would work in Diddy’s favor. I feel like in a way, Jay and Eminem have already done a Verzuz together, but now their catalogs are even longer.

In 2009, Em and Jay worked together on the DJ Hero project. Similar to electronic gaming phenomenon Guitar Hero, but with hip-hop records and spinning records rather than pushing buttons on a guitar. The two each featured a number of their own tracks from themselves, as well as company from their label, and industry friends.

On top of the two collaborating in both music and business, they know how to work their audiences and interests. From working with artists outside of the standard hip-hop, to trying different beats and instruments, and supporting their own artists to the best of their abilities, these are today’s top two pioneers, who continue to study the industry, learn, and execute to the highest standard. I do not think either one of them have interest in the Verzuz, but this is the best fit that I see, amongst two living artists.

Who do you think Jay’s best opponent could be?