In a recent revelation on the Connect the Dots podcast, Stephen A. Smith disclosed a phone call he received from none other than JAY-Z following controversial comments comparing Beyoncé to Roc Nation artist Rihanna.
Smith recounted his initial stance, stating, “I love Rihanna. I bought her album, she gets my money. Mad love for her, wish her nothing but the best … But you do know there’s only one Beyoncé.”
The ESPN personality delved deeper into the aftermath of his remarks, revealing that his words had stirred up some discontent among unnamed “Hollywood stars,” with whom he’s had strained interactions ever since.
Then came the unexpected call from JAY-Z. Smith recalled the conversation, saying, “A month later, Hov and I were on the phone. Hov was like, ‘My dawg, you family, that’s family. That’s too close to say that.’ I said, ‘I didn’t know.’ He said, ‘I know.’ Done!”
The essence of JAY-Z’s message, as relayed by Smith, emphasized the delicate nature of such comparisons in the entertainment industry and the potential impact on relationships. Smith expressed appreciation for the clarity provided by the rap mogul.
Smith’s initial remarks were aired during a January 2023 appearance on The Sherri Show, where he candidly opined that “there’s one thing she’s not, she ain’t Beyoncé,” in reference to Rihanna, sparking a reaction from the audience.
Later, in a video posted to Instagram, Smith extended an apology to Rihanna, acknowledging her superstar status and expressing admiration for her talents. He clarified that his comparison stemmed from discussions on Sherri Shepherd’s show and his admiration for Beyoncé’s performances at the Super Bowl.
In the end, Smith affirmed his respect and love for both Beyoncé and Rihanna, emphasizing that his intention was not to disrespect Rihanna but rather to highlight the exceptional standards set by Beyoncé’s past performances.
The phone call from JAY-Z not only served as a gentle admonishment but also highlighted the significance of mutual respect and understanding within the entertainment industry, where words can carry substantial weight.