Source: James Devaney / Getty
Jay-Z, currently the hottest topic on social media at the moment, sparked a flurry of discussion due to his disinterest in participating in a VERZUZ battle and also ruffled feathers in another fashion. During the moment that few can stop speaking about, the Brooklyn bomber stated that his wife Beyoncé picked up where Michael Jackson left off, sparking even more discussion.
During a Twitter Spaces event hosted by journalist Rob Markman in conjunction with Alicia Keys and the release of her new album, Keys, Hov gamely spoke about a number of topics and the VERZUZ quip has divided Hip-Hop fans along generational and regional lines.
However, it appears that the rapper and business mogul will have to endure more outside critique after going against his better half’s wishes and made a statement that, oddly enough, isn’t the dominant discussion of the week.
“Bey’s gonna be mad at this for saying this but Michael Jackson never had a Coachella,” Jay-Z said. “She’s an evolution of him because she watched him at 9. And the kids are the same.”
Of course, this being a loose, freewheeling conversation, there is an understandable lack of nuance and explanation. But because of that, the reaction to his comment is noticeably intense.
If we’re to read the statement slowly, Jay-Z is simply saying that Beyoncé was influenced by the late, great King Of Pop like many entertainers who are dually talented in the arenas of dancing and singing. Add in Queen Bey’s penchant for lavish live shows and a fanbase that follows her every move, it’s easy to see how the comment could be seen as shade but most likely isn’t.
Twitter had plenty to say and we’ve got the reactions below.
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Photo: Getty
1.
no, Michael Jackson didn’t NEED a Coachella. but referencing how HISTORICAL Beyoncé’s was (& still is), that’s what Jay is referring to. There is no MJ performance that everyone will know & remember like Coachella is for Bey. yes his performances were great but none are Beychella
— 𝐜𝐡𝐥𝐨𝐞𝐱𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞’𝐬 𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐲 𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬 (@uhlexiswarren) December 22, 2021
Sensible take.
2.
I love Beyoncé. Down. But there is no artist that has ever lived that has touched Michael Jackson’s stardom. Literally no one. That is the biggest star of all time. And it’s time to put the debate to rest.
— Brittany♚ (@britshaniece) December 22, 2021
3.
Dear Beyoncé’s team and fans,
Michael Jackson is not a marketing strategy.
Thanks
— sdotvee (@samsamdesigns) December 22, 2021
4.
IDGAF what Jay Z has to say about Mike. His little speech is irrelevant to me. Michael Jackson didn’t need a COACHELLA, period. He setting up his own wife up, leave them both alone. Beyoncé is the super talented and inspirational Beyoncé. And Michael Jackson is Michael Jackson.
https://t.co/KsY8UzcsTR
— adrian grant (@dakidisnotmyson) December 22, 2021
5.
No one is ever passing Michael Jackson. No one is ever passing Mariah Carey. No one is ever passing Beyoncé. No one is ever passing Janet Jackson. No one is ever passing Maxwell. No one is ever passing Aaliyah. No one is ever passing Britney Spears.
— mimi unleashed
(@mimiunleashedd) December 22, 2021
6.
Beyoncé was pregnant & singin upside down at FWT, pregnant & throwin up when she did glastonbury, sick when she sang her face off at oprah's show. Michael jackson sprained his ankle & did an entire perfomance sittin down & lipsyncin for his life. the bar is SO low for men.TUH
— 𝕬𝖙𝖍𝖊𝖓𝖆 (fan account) (@Athenadrip) December 22, 2021
7.
I just know Beyoncé cussed Jay-Z out last night.
She just be minding her business and boom!
Now she gotta battle Michael Jackson’s ghost at the next vezuz pic.twitter.com/jow1fEzjDo
— Colony Childs (@cxrodge3) December 22, 2021
8.
9.
Saying Beyoncé isn’t an artist or singer..? OUT YA DAMN MIND. Michael Jackson & Beyoncé careers are comparable as to their artistry and impact. BOTH in their OWN lane & time period. you can’t name an artist out now that has impact like Beyoncé. Beychella was history. pic.twitter.com/Yjbna6ozX9
— ax (@Xg2342) December 22, 2021
10.
Beyonce needs to check her man. Jay Z saying Michael Jackson didn't have a Coachella moment? Does he not realize how dumb that statement sounds? Solange needs to beat his ass again.
— Julieth ❀ (@troubleshade) December 23, 2021
11.
I understand Beyoncé is his wife, but his assertion that Michael Jackson has never had a concert with the impact of Coachella is just bullshit. Flat out. Michael Jackson is why the Super Bowl halftime is what it is.
— slick .wavs (@sagebeatlove) December 22, 2021
12.
To think that nobody can ever be a better artist than Michael Jackson is down right delusional. Beyoncé surpassed him years ago. And if Beyoncé were a male, she would have been given that “GOAT” title a long time ago.
— kennedy. (@HelloKennedi) December 22, 2021
13.
Jay Z saying Beyoncé bigger than Michael Jackson is the exact type shit a man gotta say about his wife when she caught him in some bullshit before lol I respect it
— TP (@OGxTP) December 22, 2021
14.
Beyoncé go get your husband and tell him Michael Jackson did not need Coachella…..He WAS the festival ! #FACT pic.twitter.com/M4Zr0TDnGv
— Melanie321 (@Mellie4Justice) December 22, 2021
15.
Arguing about Beyonce and Michael Jackson is just something I feel like we should never do. Just like when people get to comparing Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey. Some topics are just off limits because it never ends well lol
— The Last
(@LikeMike_911) December 22, 2021
(@mimiunleashedd)
(@LikeMike_911)