Jay-Z accepts the President's Award onstage at the 50th NAACP Image Awards at Dolby Theatre on March 30, 2019 in Hollywood, California. Photo / Getty
Jay-Z accepts the President's Award onstage at the 50th NAACP Image Awards at Dolby Theatre on March 30, 2019 in Hollywood, California. Photo / Getty
Jay-Z dedicated his NAACP President's Award to the "beautiful women" in his life as he accepted the honour on Saturday.
The '99 Problems' hitmaker took to the stage at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood and, watched by his wife Beyonce - who was wearing a white suit - he paid tribute to his spouse, his beloved mother Gloria Carter, and his elderly grandmother Hattie White as he accepted the prestigious accolade at the NAACP Image Awards.
Beyonce and Jay-Z perform during the Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100 at FNB Stadium on December 2, 2018 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Photo / Getty
After being praised by NAACP President Derrick Johnson as someone who had "changed the very fabric of culture of America", Jay joked he wanted to quote a "kind-hearted president" and, after the audience laughed, quipped: "I was talking about Donald Glover".
But he then said: "Abraham Lincoln had a quote that said, 'It's not the amount of years in your life, it's the amount of life in your years that count in the end.' That] embodied my beautiful grandmother who I would like to dedicate this award to, Hattie White.
"She is so full of life and she among other accomplishments, being super great and very tough, she raised seven kids, one little walk up in Brooklyn. 615 Lexington, started my life. On top of that, her kids had kids and we all were raised in the same house. One household."
The 49-year-old rapper - who has daughter Blue Ivy, seven, and twins Rumi and Sir, 21 months, with Beyonce - admitted he had changed his speech after recently speaking to his 93-year-old grandma.
He explained he'd asked Hattie how much she made and she told him: "$20 a week. It was fine. You could do a lot with $20 in those days."
Jay-Z and his mother Gloria Carter attend an event, 2011 in New York City. Photo / Getty
He then praised his mom, Gloria, and said: "I grew up knowing that I could accomplish anything because of those strong women in my house. I would like to dedicate this award to those beautiful women
"Thank you to the NAACP for allowing me to forward this so she can put it on her mantle next to her favorite grandson. And then when she's sneaking pork and her legs swell up, she can remember how much of a G she is."
Jay's wife also picked up an award, with the 'Formation' hitmaker taking home Entertainer of the Year and praised her fellow nominees, LeBron James, Regina King, Chadwick Boseman and Ryan Coogler in her speech.
Jay-Z and Beyonce attend 2019 Roc Nation THE BRUNCH on February 9, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. Photo / Getty
She said: "Regina King, I love you so much. You taught us patience, persistence and how to be masterful in your craft. Chadwick Boseman is teaching children to dream and to see as kings. LeBron James has taught us the strength of all forms, leading by example and providing education to our kids. Ryan Coogler tells our stories in a way that celebrates out history and proves we do have power.
"I'm honoured to be included among all of you, and to be a part of a vital and thriving community. Thank you to the NAACP."
But Ryan and Chadwick didn't go home empty handed, as their movie 'Black Panther' won a string of awards.
The filmmaker received both Outstanding Direction in a Motion Picture and Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture (film), the 41-year-old actor was named Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture for his performance in the movie.
Taking to the stage, Chadwick thanked Ryan in his speech as he said: "Black people always thank God when they win and I'm not gon' let you down. My director, you are a genius."
The movie also scooped Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture and the award for best soundtrack, while Letitia Wright won Outstanding Breakthrough Performance in a Motion Picture, and Michael B. Jordan - who also won Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Limited-Series or Dramatic Special for 'Fahrenheit 451' and Danai Gurira took the supporting actor and actress honours.
Kendrick Lamar and SZA's song for the movie, 'All the Stars', saw them take Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration.
'Black-ish' was another big winner, taking Outstanding Comedy Series, and acting nods for Tracee Ellis Ross, Anthony Anderson, Marcus Scribner, and Marsiai Martin, the latter of whom took both Outstanding Supporting Actress and Outstanding Performance By a Youth.
Ella Mai won both Outstanding New Artist and Outstanding album for her eponymous LP, but lost out on Outstanding Female Artist to H.E.R., while Bruno Mars was recognised with the male artist honour.
