Rap icon and Roc Nation CEO Jay-Z spoke candidly to GQ in his first cover story in nearly a decade, reflecting on a turbulent year in his personal and professional life.
The 54-year-old addressed a now-dismissed lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault, describing the experience as emotionally draining. “It was hard. Really hard,” he said, emphasising that he always believed the allegations were false. “The truth, at the end of the day, still reigns supreme.”
Jay-Z also commented on the intense rivalry between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, which coincided with Lamar’s Super Bowl headlining performance.
He criticised the toxicity surrounding modern rap battles and social media, suggesting that collaboration could replace conflict. “Back then, you had the battle, it was fun, and you moved on. Now, it brings people’s kids into it,” he said.
Looking ahead, Jay-Z will honour the 30th anniversary of his debut album Reasonable Doubt.
