Jay-Z to Be Honored with ‘Special Recognition’ Award at the 29th Annual GLAAD Media Awards

– blogged by: @ashleytearra

Hip-Hop visionary #JayZ will receive the ‘Special Recognition’ award at this year’s 29th Annual GLAAD Media Awards.

The 48-year-old is being honored for his acclaimed ‘4:44’ track, “Smile”, which featured his mother, Gloria Carter, publicly coming out as a lesbian.

In the song, Hov raps, “Mama had four kids, but she’s a lesbian. Had to pretend so long that she’s a thespian. Had to hide in the closet, so she medicate. Society shame and the pain was too much to take.”
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
An 8-minute visual has since followed the song’s release, which holds a special appearance and powerful statement by Mama Carter at the end.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Established in 1989, the GLAAD Media Awards recognizes a number of creative efforts by artists, filmmakers, and people in media that accurately represents the LGBTQ community and the social adversity that they are faced with on a daily.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The ceremony is presented by the LGBTQ-based media organization, GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation), and is divided into a wide range of English and Spanish music, film/TV, and journalism categories.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
In addition to Hov’s honorary award, GLAAD announced this year’s 125 nominees at the Sundance Film Festival on Friday.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Contenders include Kehlani (‘SweetSexySavage’), Miley Cyrus (‘Younger Now’), Sam Smith (‘The Thrill of it All’), Starz (‘Survivor’s Remorse’), VH1 (‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’), and FOX (‘Star’), among others.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The 2018 GLAAD Media Awards will have two ceremonies. The first is to be held on April 12th in Los Angeles, while the second will be hosted in New York on May 5th.