Jay-Z Boycotted The Grammys Out Of Respect For DMX

Jay-Z reveals that he boycotted the 1999 Grammys in solidarity with fellow rapper, DMX.

The ‘Empire State of Mind’ and ‘Hard Knock Life’ rapper opened up during an episode of The Shop: Uninterrupted.

In 1999 Jay-Z received his first Grammy nomination but was noticeably absent from the ceremony, despite winning an award.

Now, the 51-year-old rapper has said that his decision was out of respect for DMX.

“The first time I boycotted the Grammys was for him.” He explained on The Shop. “We both came out that year, he dropped two albums, he had two number one albums in the same year and they didn’t even nominate him.”

“So, for my first Grammy win, I wasn’t even in it, I wasn’t even in the building because I boycotted it for him. It was a competitive thing but it was big love. He was so competitive with me, I never met a human being more competitive with me. Like ever, not even my big brother.”

DMX – also known as Earl Simmons – was famous for tracks like ‘Ruff Ryder’s Anthem‘ and ‘Party Up‘. He tragically passed away earlier this year after suffering a heart attack.

His eighth studio album, Exodus, was released posthumously on May 28.

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