JAY-Z gave a rare interview to The Sunday Times in which he discussed racial issues in America, the use of social media, and his own legacy.
While promoting his latest PUMA partnership, the hip-hop legend and businessman shared his thoughts on the country’s tense racial atmosphere, highlighting both the country’s success and the road ahead.
He expressed his dissatisfaction by saying, “It’s very frustrating.” He said “As a human race we’re still on basic things. We’re still on Stop Asian Hate. We can’t sit and cry over spilt milk, but we do have to acknowledge that there’s milk, right? Are we here today? No. Are we further than 50 years ago? Yes.”
He also discussed the impact of social media on the younger generation, stating that there is a kind of peer pressure for children to use “a microphone” that they have at all times. JAY-Z, who is the father of a nine-year-old and two three-year-old children with wife Beyoncé, added, “You can’t give someone a microphone for 24 hours a day and have them not think they have to use it.”
He said, “These kids, it’s unbelievable. Imagine having a microphone and you’re asked about social justice questions at 18 years old? It’s like, ‘What? I’m meant to know the answer, and if I don’t answer the correct way, if I don’t say everything right, even if my intentions are right, and I don’t say the same right thing, it’s going to be everywhere.’”
Finally, the business mogul considered what kind of legacy he wants to leave behind. Even after such a long and successful career, the TIDAL creator is still undecided about his decision. He admitted, “I have no idea.” He said, “I’m not beyond ego, right? Hopefully they speak of me with the names of Bob Marley and all the greats. But that’s not for me to say.”
