Jay Z, Black Celebrity, and the Fruitless Performance of Black Excellence

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👩🏾‍💻Watch Next: Is it Time to Give Up on "Black Excellence"? • Is it Time to Give Up ...
00:00 Countdown
01:49 Kimberly introduces the video topic.
04:49 Realness categories in Ballroom culture and their connection to Black Excellence
10:39 The evolution of 'realness' for LGBTQ+ people.
13:08 The performance of black excellence can be fruitless and soulless.
18:37 Jay-Z's pursuit of black excellence raises questions about systemic inequality and discontentment.
26:49 Jay-Z received a fake award to lure him and Beyonce to the ceremony.
29:40 Jay-Z's presence at the Grammy Awards further legitimizes the institution
42:37 The disparities and challenges faced by black artists in achieving recognition and success.
45:15 Institutions like the Grammys use manipulated diversity to maintain their image of equity.
50:35 The Fearless Fund, a venture capital firm run by Black women, is facing a civil rights lawsuit for exclusively funding Black women business owners.
1:00:04 Black excellence leads to diminishing returns and an existential crisis for the Black elite.
1:06:07 Black excellence is constrained by systemic barriers and dehumanizing institutions
1:18:55 Seeking validation through awards is natural, but Jay-Z's approach was unconvincing.

[@ForHarriet619]

This video is sponsored by The Black Girl Blueprint. Bring beauty and charm to your space with The Black Girl Blueprint's unique, affordable wall art, home decor, and stationery. FREE US SHIPPING! www.thebgbp.com/

[@julietwhiskey6987]

Jay-Z epitomizes the belief that the white man’s ice is colder. Wanting the white gaze and white validation is a hellava drug.

[@lalat5899]

This‼️

[@ms.x1669]

Oop💯💯💯

[@2berrydelicious]

No, he's just like anyone who is focused on his legacy and family. Why are other Blacks not? 🤔

[@sparker7768]

​@2berrydelicious IMO, Beyonce not getting another Grammy will not hinder their family legacy. But Black folks creating and supporting our own (...fill in the blank..") could positively affect many of our legacies.

[@Styl849]

​@2berrydelicious I see your point. At the same time, why does his legacy have to be legitimized via white institutions? It's like what the first person in the voice-mail was talking about. You can't say you want to be rid of certain institutions while simultaneously holding them up as the standard of success. He wants his wife to have the ultimate recognition of this white institution. Why is the fact that black people as a whole have recognized Beyoncé as a goat not the ultimate award? Why is the white standard and recognition better? Why is it the standard? Because society as a whole still believes on a micro and macro level that the white man's ice is colder.

[@natalienavarro2335]

The point about the tone of acceptance speeches hit home - when I got my first job at corporate America I was always saying how grateful I was. Then it was used against me - I couldn’t speak up bc I should be grateful to be there

[@kedeeky]

You typed a handful!

[@imo.124]

Whew! Girl yes because it's not a lot of us in these corporate positions. My ex colleague used to say all the time I never see black women in my role. He's a black man and still benefits from the boy's club so there's that.

[@loveislouderrrrr]

When I got my first corporate job (I’d work in government prior), I wasn’t “grateful” because I felt that my skills and past experience got me there and that I brought value to the role. And wouldn’t ya know, I was criticized as “thinking she’s too good to be here”. Ha! I was expected to feel grateful for being “allowed” in that space. So that’s the flipside! Damned if you do, damned if you don’t.

[@cassyj17]

Not to mention Dr. Dre is problematic and known abuser, yet there’s this award named after him and the way everyone there was eating it up 🤢

[@t.lunaimhotepmdiv135]

THIIISSSSS.

[@kayshawnsimmons5585]

it's sick AF👹🤛🏾

[@ren21uu]

He paid for it . He is know to be the guy that pays for his name on things no one really respects him .

[@lacrymosa777]

I was confused too. I thought he was canceled. 😅 Cause is this not a new award?

[@ljackson24]

The moment I heard the award title, I knew it was about to be some bs 🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️ All of them are sick if you ask me.

[@LoveSierraAnastasia]

The irony of telling people to keep going, you'll get yours some day while accepting your performative sit down and shut up award😂

[@kayshawnsimmons5585]

Buck Broke AF😹😹😹🤡🤛🏾👹🤛🏾

[@sparker7768]

😮 😅🤣😂

[@phil4real996]

Jay-Z watched Finding Nemo and told the rest of black people to "just keep swimming"....lol

[@kayshawnsimmons5585]

Exactly! TF😳🤡🤛🏾

[@lynns4426]

😂

[@cheetopuff99_]

Im crying😂😂

[@Shay31288]

Geez. I’m just gonna bite the bullet and watch the speech. I don’t think Jay Z has ANYTHING worth listening to so …a conundrum I have.😅

[@phil4real996]

@Shay31288 all he is going to tell you is that since capitalism worked for him, the rest of us should just stick with it, instead of us dismantling the system because we know it doesnt work for the millions of us who arent Jay-Z

[@SheCanSmile]

tracy chapman as a black female artist who has been gifted in her genre and lane, appearing eons alter and having the world be excited to see her again. a woman whose not just moves in silence but stays in silence. no glitz/glam. just delivering her craft and leaving an impact. we can take note cz perhaps this is the proper black excellence.

[@Sweetpea3051]

This…and her joy was palpable. It was fun seeing her shine.

[@shaymalchione809]

She was just radiating joy & it was joyful to see.

[@bjoshawty]

Kinda reminds me of Sade

[@marieaug9322]

Very true. Since its more like, I do my shows on my stage, not yours? Meaning no I'm not showing up for your consolation prizes to make you more money, unless I am getting at least joy from it, once in a while...smile😊

[@Purple-qi4hj]

No Tracy Chapman, didn't receive the accolades she deserved, at the time they were earned. She was honored because someone did a cover of her song. Black people are not monolithic, not everyone is going to sit in the corner like a "good negro", being happy with what is received. Too many of you are comfortable giving away the rights people before you fought to receive. This isnt Black Excellence, its offensive, never dim your light to make other people comfortable with your success. As someone who has grown up in affluent spaces, and organizations representing "Black Excellence" this isn't how we operate. "Proper Black Excellence" is unapologetically reaching for your potential with confidence and intention, never allowing people humble you, wanting you to be grateful just being in the room. So yes, speak out when you are accomplishing more than anyone in history but not given the same accolades as people not meeting the same standard.

[@arnystalking.3849]

When Miley perform and scream "i just won my firt grammy" it was like the 16 y/o girl that just made something she proud of and is enthousiaste to show her parents what she did... like you can tell she is leaving care free !! And this is the kind of happiness i am aspiring for ! The comparison with sza and victoria speech is spot on !!!!! We need to open out eyes.

[@mstaylor1073]

I had no idea it was her first

[@lidiagizaw3828]

that butterfly story showed that she gave up on winning awards and was just thinking about doing music she likes and now they want to award her lol

[@larissalaflore7202]

The nerve she had in calling out the audience for acting like they didn't know the song.😂

[@nishashawn2021]

Her "first one"...like she KNOWS it's going to be many more...

[@nicolebrown5987]

I loved Miley!!! Sis, got her Tina Turner on!!! Miley hasn’t been nominated a lot at all! I was so happy for her! She never changed from “It’s an award”😂😂😂😂

[@princessm8977]

I didn't even know the Grammy's were happening. I think there is a general shift away from celebrity culture and big award shows. They don't just seem as important anymore. Idk

[@jbell7105]

Right, people just want to know what they are wearing!

[@littleeva]

I only watch the red carpet, to see the fashions.

[@misosouperman]

I honestly hope you're right, I really can't stand celebrity culture.

[@zix1257]

these people are literally the worst of us. the fact our trashy society ever worshiped them is emblimatic of the core issues of our entire world.

[@Bri-nc8yp]

@@jbell7105I don’t think people even care what they are wearing. There are more important things going on in the world than what Beyoncé or Nicole Kidman has on.

[@FancyAlly]

I absolutely loved how u connected the Jay Z Grammy thing to the Realness category in Ballroom culture. It’s just like how masculine gay men get treated better because they can come across as “straight passing” because of how masculine they come across. It’s all a performance

[@scj3188]

Waldo, the caller, initially made that connection about realness in the ballroom community. Kim expounded upon it. Just giving credit where it's due.

[@cmg25]

Conversely, always been fascinated by fem presenting men doing their version of “femininity” that I don’t even care to perpetuate for several should-be-obvious reasons

[@sainttheresetaylor2054]

​@@cmg25 femininity doesn't equal womanhood or femaleness. nor is there only one type of femininity, since it's arbitrary. so your point goes without saying. also drag by gay men is extremely misogynistic and gross, why women support it is beyond me (they don't just dress femme, they mimic and insult femaleness, which as an oppressive group, aka males, I don't see why it's tolerated)

[@JolieDoggett]

"the pursuit of 'realness' affirms the dominant culture's superiority" WHEW! I had to pause and run around the church. That was good, y'all

[@Darkpheria]

😂❤

[@kayshawnsimmons5585]

A word 💯

[@BusinessBox13]

Continuing to show up doesn’t even make sense by Jay-Z’s own metrics.

[@chrrislowe9919]

I was NOT ready to hear that ambition is a coping mechanism!! Now I’m sat like…wait a minute. 😭

[@kayshawnsimmons5585]

This ninja Buck Broke😒😑

[@bardigranger3357]

Sadly it truly IS a coping mechanism bc it implies that ppl can get into a position that isn’t realistic for them if they go at it through the current system and methods set forth for everyone, while the reality has shown for centuries that nothing of the sort. They allow a few ppl to get in high positions as an incentive for ppl to have more ambition under the assumption they’ll get there as well. Meanwhile they’re wearing down their bodies and destroying their mental health with all the hard work they’re doing for these corporations that pay them a mere fraction of what their work is worth.

[@ShaeDaily]

I definitely remember him just recently on clubhouse talking about capitalism didn’t exist. This is why I can’t wrap my head around everyone jumping for joy about this Grammys performance.

[@channiballecter]

People have allowed themselves to be taken in by everything that man says, and I'll never understand it. I'm convinced they're not really listening; they just nod, smile, clap and agree because it's Jay Z saying it.

[@nielsenmakaba5777]

Yet you're TUNED in lmfao

[@pretty.smart.3217]

He has never claimed capitalism didn’t exist and he is not some shadowy figure denying capitalism. He has been tapped to discuss race and class from his perspective for films and interviews. He interviews with capitalists. Idk why you all keep saying this.

[@CoilyTwizzler]

Lol Jay Z also admitted that Black celebs’ boycotting is fake and short lived so again, why would the academy ever actually give af? 🌚

[@tropicalstormxox9444]

He shouldve kept that part to himself

[@rayy4pres194]

Exactly😒

[@wrestlinganime4life288]

He's a walking talking contradiction. All the wealth and success yet..He's still an empty void

[@olilumgbalu5653]

@@tropicalstormxox9444 Why? It's time black people were made aware of the oppressor's tactics and not place false hope in all these collaborating and colluding celebrities and their staged performances pretending to oppose the very people they get their assignments and instructions from. Malcolm X said it first and said it best.

[@tboz26]

That point

[@jbell7105]

The “work hard and be prepared to get nothing” shook me to my core! Also, “the humbling is embedded” … You snapped! This is too true!

[@kayshawnsimmons5585]

💯💯. listen to nothing he and Diddy says😒😑👹🤛🏾🤡🤛🏾

[@traceyturnertet]

The New York Times did an investigative piece about this some years ago. They studied the Grammy winners over the years and show how Black artists never win outside of "Black" categories like R&B and rap. If the New York TImes called the Grammys out years ago Jay_Z isn't saying anything controversial.

[@zarario4444]

At this year's Grammys. There were Black People winning in Classical, Blues, Americana and Pop.

[@nishashawn2021]

​@@zarario4444you missed the point...

[@Truthteller978]

It’s not about colour. If you don’t deserve to win you don’t win.

[@bLAZay00]

I took this from F.D: you're not going to LLC your way into liberation. An ivy league professor got arrested going into his own home and the black president sat him across from the officer and told him how they were both wrong.

[@MmmSoulCare]

I remember him saying that and loving. Someone on YT I believe (if I remember who I’ll edit) said “You can’t accomplish your way out of trauma.”

[@rainicewaller6210]

That's how powerful law and order is in this country not a reflection of Obama's poor leadership. No one has any original critical thought, just paraphrasing the thoughts of others.

[@cmg25]

🎯 As if individual achievement will trickle down and save the group. Not with a foundation of scarcity and lies. Whole thing is a house of cards.

[@candacenkoth]

​@@MmmSoulCareI think it was Will Smith in a Bad Boy Press tout interview who sais you can't achieve your way out of trauma. I found it so powerful!

[@MiniM69]

I believe it was Mr. Post-Racial himself Henry Lewis Gates.

[@kerenhaiweha6257]

Honestly, if I were Beyoncé, I would not want the award. That speech would cheapen the award to me.

[@MontserratGyal]

100%

[@nishashawn2021]

If she ain't get it for Lemonade or Renn... it's definitely no point now...they simply didn't want her to have it...

[@lacrymosa777]

Fr cause with all the chatter if she does get it it's gonna look like she whined her way to get it so it's still like losing

[@ljackson24]

I feel the same way about how they did Angela Bassett. Smh They never wanted her to have it. I’m glad it was some sort or acknowledgment, but I’m more upset they overlooked her very worthy works for decades. It just felt like a slap in the face & they only did it bc of the social backlash.

[@mariejane1567]

@@ljackson24and it was an honorary grammy.....nobody else lost anything because of it......smh 🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️

[@BarLadyy]

So, now if Beyoncé wins AOTY, it’ll get the side eye even if she deserves it whenever she does win it. Catch 22 loading…..

[@SOI-wl2lo]

Bruh lol

[@Silly_u1908]

Pointing out hypocrisy of the Recording Academy doesn’t automatically equate to begging to belong. Some artists don’t belong in the category that they were placed in or deserved the awards they received. When the Carter’s first announced the NFL boycott, the dip in sales and viewership got the NFL’s attention. When the Smith’s did the boycott of the Oscar’s, the Oscar’s faced a similar dip in viewership and immediately started including more black films, directors, and actors/ actresses. It’s time for the Grammys and the other awards to face the same fate. You can’t keep denying entertainers their just dues.

[@13579hee]

Where is the hypocrisy. It's in water ceremony that's based on the subjective views, opinions and ideas of the voters on music. It's based from their own metric it is perfectly capable for beyoncé to win any award other than the album of the year one

[@jbell7105]

@@13579hee hypocrisy was probably the wrong word to use but the comment was valid.

[@RaynellJamal]

The award is voted on by their peers. The Grammys has been asking for more black voters to get involved in the process. The voters only vote on their respective genre and they have a certain number of votes to cast. The issue is, we have a lot of people complaining who are capable of making a change but aren’t getting involved.

[@yupitslace]

but to me it’s like…if people keep showing up to the awards and keep giving them more ratings and views…what incentive do they really have to change? I mean, the Grammy’s clearly don’t care about institutional racism enough to make an impactful change and to me this kinda proves that the Grammy’s can play in their face all day long and they’ll keep coming back for more 😬

[@RaynellJamal]

@@yupitslace it’s not about just showing up. The black artist/music industry professionals need to get involved in the voting process. The black CEO of The Grammys keeps explaining to people how simple it is to be a voting member. I know people who vote who tell me there is not enough black voting members involved. Change can happen is we really care enough about it.

[@thelyricshub5292]

Seeing Beyoncé at the grammys where she just looked so exhausted. I think the "black excellence"/ "Mother" role (in the queer sense) is leaving her actually drained from it all. I don't think she actually wants to go on tour again this year but the desire to be apart of the institutions and have a billionaire status is too strong for her. The media constantly comparing her stats to taylors (who has no way near the talent she has) is also, I'm sure harder to deal with than she shows. The Grammys, the hardcore Renaissance tour dates, Ce noir Fragrance, Cécred, etc all in such a short space of time is not bumping her upto the elites she wants to be accepted by. She didn't want to be at the grammys but her and Jay are too far down the road of institutional validation to actually BELIEVE in their own "Excellence".

[@thelyricshub5292]

Also, the Basquiat Cosplaying and references make even more sense now. Basqiat is such a "Valued" artist in the art world which is mostly made up of (elitist) whyte people. We often see him pictured with Andy Warhol, a reveered whyte artist. Often mentioned in the same sentence in conversations of pioneering artists.Then there's Michael Jackson who has the title as the King of POP. The jacksons appear to have been the topic of conversations behind closed doors in the knowles household for years. Jay also, brought up Michael in his speech "defending" Beyoncé. I think Beyoncé is an amazing artist/entertainer but notice they're both quite fixated on these two Black Icons who have been heralded as "Black Excellence".

[@tropicalstormxox9444]

This is hilarious as she is even benefitting from the white supremacy rhetoric. Her father even said he whole career became what it was cuz she was light skinned… i think they’re very much stuck in their ways , Rihanna’s packed up and is now doing her business , bey needs to follow suit… they always talk about being pro black but if they were they wouldve caught on… or maybe they’re just ignorant

[@thelyricshub5292]

@@tropicalstormxox9444 I never said anything about her benefitting from white supremacy. I agree with your rihanna comment but rihanna's a billionaire. Which only adds to my point of her quest to become a billionaire and have that status. It's clearly a need for Beyoncé at this point. She can't just pack up (which I agree that she should do) but she wants to "refine" her legacy and having a billionaire status would apparently give her that.

[@shaymalchione809]

I’m sure they’ve made more than enough money to retire & raise their children privately.

[@MorganRimming]

Yea she's aging rapidly and the stress is very noticable in her face.

[@littleeva]

The true winner of the Grammy's was Tracy Chapman, all the way.

[@Truthteller978]

I fully support this.

[@lichilow5194]

Jay Z's comment was pretty much same as when Kanye got on stage and did what he did. And somehow always Taylor Swift is involved lmao

[@ULuvJanae]

That’s what I said!!!!

[@rayy4pres194]

I mean, we never said Kanye wasn’t right then, lol. He just shouldn’t have interrupted TS like that

[@yayatheunicorn]

​"Meryle Streep was all over Beyonce! Meryle streep! All those artists were fawning over Beyonce they are the celebrity amongst celebrities and yet they are begging the grammys. It's honestly absurd" The young lady in the chat who said this is speaking facts.

[@Truthteller978]

I think they may be receiving a different treatment behind closed doors. And meryl was striking up conversation with a colleague. She doesn’t see her the way we do.

[@sainttheresetaylor2054]

@@Truthteller978 you sure about that?

[@msjigglypuff91]

Instead of begging for “the hwite man’s” acknowledgment, why won’t billionaire accoladed couple jayz and Beyoncé make their own accredited version of the Grammys where black people get the rewards and categories they deserve? 🤔

[@fangal12]

Ultimately the same issues will remain only now with a "black excellence" shein to it. Gatekeepers, elitists, colorists and misogynists deciding who gets an award.

[@bvdpoeism]

@@fangal12I Agree, but at least it’ll be our own

[@minefazz4223]

Right???!

[@minefazz4223]

@@fangal12You right about the colorists/misogynists 😠

[@Truthteller978]

Because they believe they aren’t like “ other black people.”

[@a_real_one2000]

The black bourgeoisie commodifying the Black working class. Consistently hitting the ceiling limitation of black capitalism. The Black Bourgeoisie by E Franklin Frazier & Black Power politics of liberation by Kwame Ture & Charlies V Hamilton Both of these books helped me until we address the material conditions of community needs. Black capitalism will always be surface ill equipped fix.

[@rlee1701]

It's wild because my city/state has been legally targeting mutual aid and community building. Black folks are getting attacked on all levels.

[@GreenGorgeousness]

Can you say the name of some of the organizations targeted so we can help? This is madness they are still telling us to pull ourselves up, then tripping us when we do it.

[@rlee1701]

Look into the Atlanta Stop cop city movement and the bail fund rico charges. They arrested 15 people, and in the indictment it explicitly calls mutual aid, communalism, and bail funds crimes. They're doing it under the guise of stopping "terrorists," but there has been so much suppression from our local government--and Atlanta's mayor is a Georgia Tech grad and a Black democrat. More of that Black excellence.@@GreenGorgeousness

[@yungbayes6314]

"keep showing up" is such an 80's type of mentality. I see a lot of my former Gen X bosses in Jay Z, the ones that think dangling the carrot is a great management strategy.

[@HoneyGoldJasmine]

This is why I love your channel. Because you’re the only one looking at this perspective. I hate the “wait to be chose” mentality of the music industry. It’s high up to the Grammy level all the way down to the underground local shows. It’s crazy. I’m not “waiting for someone to call ME the GOAT”. That’s why so many of us artists have mental health issues (including me lol) because there’s a culture of waiting for validation and approval that is unhealthy in the music industry.

[@SOI-wl2lo]

👏👏👏 YESSS!

[@kunupinyana]

Thank you Kim❤. I am South African and I always wondered about why certain Grammy awards were shown on the show and not others. We had some South African musicians win over the years and they had a separate ceremony 😂😅 and the recording from that was only shown to us. The appeasing minority to maintain status quo is so real.

[@marchingmoose2673]

And now Tyla received similar treatment

[@nicolem2877]

Yes blk ppl- let’s do everything- call attention to establishment, keep swimming, touch grass, build our OWN Infrastructures for ourselves, love our image, love each other, stop seeking white validation but yes- pursue market penetration. (For now, live in capitalist society and the powers that be hv the ability to keep it that way). Foreigners and other bp from the diaspora need to believe and respect what US blk ppls hv been saying for generations, rather than become agents of more oppression. Why is everything so all or nothing!?? It’s exhausting having these conversations. ppl don’t want to embrace any nuance!

[@kunupinyana]

@@marchingmoose2673 I think Tyla got the best treatment so far in terms of her receiving her award very publicly, but the establishment of a new award just for her is interesting yes... Very proud of her clarity and pursuit of goals

[@marchingmoose2673]

@@kunupinyana I'm hella proud of her too but this doesn't take away from the fact that the category she won in, Best African Music Performance, wasn't televised, just like the rap categories. And this drives home Kim's point, and my point (and your point, as well), about the Grammys trying to simultaneously be hip and happening but also also appeal to most voters' conservative taste.

[@nielsenmakaba5777]

The Grammys have 98 categories so there's no way they can show all of them during the Main television broadcast...thats Why they give away the first 70 during the premiere ceremony early in the day

[@BrickCity8919]

The problem with divesting from black excellence I have, again, is: 1. Black mediocrity doesn’t provide us with freedom any more than excellence. Having less wealth, prestige, opportunity, access to healthcare isn’t the path to liberation. Maybe in a different society but in America/capitalism it’s a quick road to poverty and more oppression 2. Black excellence benefits black people as well. We have no other way to help each other than being in positions to do so. Having a black woman gynecologist that cares if I make it through birthing matters. Beyoncé’s Homecoming performance was meaningful to black people and black culture whether white people get it or reward it. Even having a black boss in a regular corporate job was a game changer for me Also, can we speak to how Dr.Dre is awful and shouldn’t have an award…? When they announced it last year I was mortified.. Lastly, I think we have to stop looking at black billionaires as oppressed people in the same position as us. We don’t know who they’re in bed with or why they are saying certain things. Do we think two business people like Beyonce and Jay-Z who think about their every move are honestly playing checkers…. Come on guys think outside the box. How do we know that giving the Grammy’s more shine wasn’t his exact aim..? I don’t think we can take public stunts of billionaires with lots of invested PR people at face value. They’re not on “our” team

[@Molly-iw1rc]

I think it depends on how you think about liberation. There is nothing liberating about being rich. Being excellent isn't liberating when you are one of the few allowed to be viewed as excellent. Being mediocre can be liberating in a society that expects everyone to be perfect workers all the time for corporations who don't care. A black CEO is still a CEO. You don't become a CEO by being a good person most of the time. And is it accurate to compare a black gynecologist to a black CEO? To a black millionaire performer? I don't think those are the same things when we talk about excellence. So, I think divesting for black excellence: it's about divesting against the system. You identified that we live in a capitalist society. You also identified that rich black people might not be working in favor of things the average person thinks they are. With that, we think about liberation through practicing living outside of capitalist norms. One of those norms is the idea of excellence being tied to money and major success. And I don't think Beyonce as a business is liberating for black people. Culturally, she contributes a lot, but in terms of liberating from systems she is not the one who is doing that at all. Neither are most black CEOs. So, I can see what you mean, but I think the excellence you are putting all together are actually very different and mean very different things for people and society. Cultural contribution doesn't mean liberation from systems.

[@BrickCity8919]

@@Molly-iw1rc there are many things liberating about having money (not even rich but just a good living) and many things oppressive about being poor. As a person who has lived both, I can tell you that first hand. I grew up extremely poor in Newark, NJ in a single parent home during the 90s when crack was at its height. The oppressive things about being poor were: -we lived in a food dessert in Newark so we didnt have grocery stores for miles -because we were poor we didnt have a car so in order to get to the grocery store we would take two buses to Elizabeth,NJ to get to Pathmark, carry our groceries by hand on and off the bus and walk home -My mom was a wonderful parent but because my mom was a single parent, she had no access to child care so every where she went i had to go no matter how late it was. And so we have been robbed 3 times just from going to the laundry matt or another time from bringing groceries in. And another time from walking from my school late when she picked me up from the afterschool program. Because another thing about being poor, you dont have access to safe neighborhoods and youre surrounded by desperate, poor people whose closest aim is their neighbor -ive seen awful things right outside my window and closer than that from violence to s*xual assault. G*nshots weekly. We lived across the street from an abandoned building where users would go and one day the place burned down with people inside and even though we called 911 a million times, they took their sweet time getting there. Reference the public enemy song “911 is a joke” it’s accurate af regarding police neglect of the hood - the school in my district was Quitman which was an awful school with tons of violence and metal detectors and bad student performance. my mom lied about where we lived so i could attend a school over a mile away called Oliver Street School. And guess who had to walk to and from that school daily by myself starting in 3rd grade? Me, i did. By the grace of God I was never kidnapped considering how much i had to be alone as a minor -because so many parents were like mine and had to work all the time to provide, many of us were alone for long hours and by seventh grade a good amount of girls in my class were pregnant just from a lack of supervision and time with their parents -dont get me started on the abuse of the healthcare system because I swear doctors take so many liberties in impoverished neighborhoods I had beautiful moments in my childhood so I’m not trying to crap on it or on people who dont have access to wealth. But what im telling you is, these are fairytale conversations where money doesnt matter and excelling doesn’t matter are not realistic. The hood is not a friendly place. Poverty is not a fun time in America. No one is saying be a corrupt billionaire, but be good at something that you can earn enough with so you can avoid insane amounts of trauma and dysfunction Now that i am an adult and ive made a good living for myself and married someone who also makes a good living, i cant tell you how unburdened i feel. we live in a beautiful house and i have great black doctors and when im hungry i can get in my car and drive to the nearby grocery store, i cant fathom a person saying excelling has no purpose. Because if it wasnt for the career strides of my mother who eventually worked her way up after getting a job as an assistant at Rutgers. Which then got us the money to relocate to GA. We would still be there. Now after finishing school shes a successful scientist at the CDC. Tell me excelling doesnt change your life. and if it wasnt for my own work ethic of getting good grades so i could pivot and go to a good college, then i wouldnt be able to provide a good life for myself. We know meritocracy isnt even remotely perfect. black people will always be undervalued and have to work harder in a white supremacist society, but its not to the extent where we should be taking a vow of poverty. Thats not the solution. I mean how can we argue excellence is in vain while under the video of a black harvard grad whose mom is an overachiever engineer? Like be real, even these conversations are being had because of black excellence. Kim was able to protect herself from that online terrorist because of black excellence. You cant mediocre and underachieve your way out of oppression. It’s a part of the black experience unfortunately. But i gotta tell you, the oppression is less annoying when i can afford basic needs and vacations too.

[@Molly-iw1rc]

@@BrickCity8919 I didn't say money can't be liberating when you are poor or in poverty, obviously there is liberation that comes with being able to afford basic needs. I said being rich isn't liberating. And black excellence often revolves around rich black people and having a capitalist mindset. If black excellence was all about affording to live, then we wouldn't put Beyonce on a pedestal of excellence because she takes more money from people than she attempts to give back, and she is beyond affording to live. And a black CEO wouldn't be excellent either doing the same thing. As I said, if your definition of excellence is overachieving, working hard all the time, and cosplaying as an oppressor because you get paid to do so, then that's not liberatory excellence, that's white supremacy. If you think the excellence from this youtuber is her college degree and her mom's career path, that's also not liberatory excellence. Excellence seen through community building, creating accessibility, advocacy, etc isn't considered excellent under white supremacy and capitalism, it's ignored or only celebrated when it makes money. There is nothing wrong or inherently bad about having a successful business, getting a college degree, or naturally working hard for things. There is a problem with saying that those are the only ways to be excellent (and under capitalism and white supremacy: useful) in the eyes of society. Divesting from black excellence isn't divesting from hard working people, it's divesting from the idea that your value as a person should be measured by your income and lifestyle (which is why poverty exists at the rates it does in the first place). If people want liberation from poverty, that doesn't mean they should take on the mindset that hard work is the only thing that makes them valuable as people. Black excellence stems directly from oppression and white supremacy. It stems from black people wanting equality and acceptance in this culture. It's not bad for black people to no longer want to be accepted into white supremacist, capitalist circles. It's actually pretty good to not want that.

[@kg7836]

@BrickCity8919. Thank you for taking time to lay out so clearly how surviving and rising...in the midst of an intentionally designed white supremacist, racist, anti-black policies/ systems/social order/ is just that..Black Excellence. To those who are "anti-black excellence" remember that our collective desire for more..real freedom,power, control of our destinies should not make us believe that those in our community that have achieved..are somehow the enemy or foolish or no longer black. That has been in the white supremacy/anti-black playbook since slavery. Do not fall for it. We can and should create and support our own, we should be in all spaces and do all things. Plus outshine them in Theirs...because we do and Can!

[@BrickCity8919]

@@Molly-iw1rc black excellence is just being talented or achieving while being black. I even looked online for an official definition in case i was losing my mind and just forgot but “being worthless without immense capitalistic wealth” was no where to be found. That’s not a requirement. We love Beyonce because she is talented while black, not because she is a billionaire. Black excellence is just about being good at whatever you do. You could be a nail tech, a cook, a mom whatever but doing those things with pride, integrity, and hard work is all ive ever heard regarding black excellence. Ive never even heard gatekeeping around the term on an anecdotal level. Like ive never heard a mechanic or other blie collar worker who was good at their job be dragged on twitter or in public spaces for using the term to refer to themselves because theyre not wealthy. Kim’s access to professionals, harvard resources, and a successful mother are absolutely apart of what protected her from further harassment and prepared her for the world in general. She said herself that if she wasn’t armed with certain knowledge and connections this debacle would have gone on longer. And her education and research abilities are absolutely why she is popular. These conversations are troublesome to me because we throw the baby out with the bathwater. “Dont be excellent because you are missing one out of 66 awards”?? Yes it’s undeniably unfair but the response of not attempting at excellence at all seems rather intense. The fight against black excellence doesnt seem to end at “de-stigmatizing those doing less” or saying things like “you are inherently valuable”. Near the end it was mentioned that we should consider not participating in prestigious awards, that she would potentially not be giving speeches anymore or trying to continue her work any further because it’s all for naught. You dont think thats a little too far? We could just focus on validating people of all walks of life more. Why is the rest of that necessary and how does it liberate us? Encouraging black children to be high achievers is beneficial for the black community regardless of if we get rewarded in the exact same ways as white people

[@debrawilliams2781]

The point is WHY participate in something that you have little to No Control, complain and have your heirs into it? SELF WORTH IS EVERYTHING!

[@Decadancehallking]

Hope you are doing fantabulous Kim! I love that you started with that bit about the House and Ball community. I'm a gay man who' been asking the same question about the black LGBTQ community for a quite a few years, what's next? Where's the community centers, black gay friendly neighborhoods and apartment buildings, what's our safety status in black majority countries? Equality on TV ain't enough

[@SheCanSmile]

Beyonce even redid the Lion King and the powers that be did not care at all.

[@BrandyAHyatt]

Ooh weee “be prepared to get nothing.” I’m sitting with that one.

[@jbell7105]

Me toooo! It was too real!

[@tropicalstormxox9444]

And even if you get t hat something, be prepared for the possibility it could be taken away from you within seconds

[@Born2BFly]

Where was Taraji and those tears during the SAG strike???? If she took her UNION to task with a picket sign she would have had the support of dues paying actors, Black actors (who don’t make a 1/4 of what she’s crying about) but whose dues make SAG the powerhouse that it is. I don’t take the Taraji’s and the JZ’s of the world seriously at all and neither should anyone. Let them put their money where their mouths are and evoke real change.

[@BellesView]

I’m giving Taraji grace because her and Jay Z are in two completely different tax brackets. I think we’re overestimating her wealth.

[@chynawhyte37]

They introduced the dr Dre impact award last year to him, I watched it live. It was a mess, whoever came up with it needs to reevaluate themselves.

[@MHouston602]

Yes Miley is living in a whole different world. The one where she was able to “escape” her twee image by “putting on blackness” like a costume and then discarding it the moment she “ascended” into her moment as a “serious” artist. I could do without hearing another word about her. With Bey and Jay - I liken it to my experiences in corporate America - I thought my effort and achievements would overcome racial disparity but alas… not true. The legal cases with racist activists trying to shut down programs/people attempting to address disparities in VC funding or other things is ALARMING. They are attempting to stamp out anything that might produce another threat to them like Obama.

[@whatlee8671]

As problematic as she can be at times, Nicki Minaj has been talking about this exact topic for over a decade albeit not with the best delivery and sometimes with a self serving purpose. The same institution that Jay-Z was speaking about, are the same powerful white men that are still upset that this black girl decided to perform after they told her no . It’s another case of “how dare you disrespect us while we’re letting you be in our space” At least her and The Weeknd don’t show up, unlike Jay Z

[@tamarapowell8982]

I’m sorry but those situations are not the same

[@whatlee8671]

@@tamarapowell8982 that’s YOUR opinion keyword ….YOUR opinion. Just like I have MY opinion…keyword MY opinion.

[@BenitoCain]

Beyonce reportedly got 30 million dollars for a 30 second SB Verizon commercial. Pooooor, Beyonce. Talk about tone deaf.

[@shaymalchione809]

A lot of these celebrities need to humble themselves they’re not royalty.

[@BeautyAnarchist]

Royalty ain't shit either.

[@adriarchy]

"just keep showing up" feels like the sad, defanged version of protesting lol capitalist protesting and well just hearing him work the crowd feels so tense to me cause I've been there too long. showing up means this never ending performance and for what. seems like you don't even get the rewards it seems.

[@yellowlight2563]

The way it felt like he was almost apologizing for speaking the ENTIRE time was strange

[@tropicalstormxox9444]

@@yellowlight2563”we love y’all, but we want you to get it right “ 😂 . They should have just not came.

[@pisceanbeauty2503]

I thought we learned long ago these awards ceremonies are not for us? Not that we should not celebrate when someone wins an award, but that these things aren’t what will move the needle materially for black people as a group? I think about Lily Gladstone, who will likely win an Oscar for her role in Killers of the Flower Moon. Her Oscar will be groundbreaking an celebrated, but most Native folks realize it would be laughable to think this by itself will mean anything materially for indigenous sovereignty, and will likely just be used as a pat on the back for the Academy for being “progressive and inclusive”. That is the absolute tip of the ice berg. We have to stop putting so much weight in these institutions and surface level inclusive actions.

[@cmg25]

Yesss, oppress the people, then dangle fake acceptance carrots. And charge rent on stolen land.

[@123paramorefan]

Go ahead with those sponsors Kim!!! Pay those lawyers!

[@Jgotmilk555]

Miley Cyrus is talented & I like her "Whiskey & Pills" song, but also, she's been rich since the day she was born. Her Dad was a successful country singer in the 90's. She lives in a totally different world. Great video, Kimberly! :)

[@DaStore-61]

Jay Z excepting an award from Dr. Dre, a man who has a history of violence toward women. And he has the nervous to talk about showing respect. 4:53

[@BellesView]

Jay Z looked like a fool.

[@dw7708]

"Girl, leave us alone" took me all the way OWT 🤣

[@CoilyTwizzler]

Jay Z’s speech fell flat bc ultimately he and Beyonce are still starving for Grammy’s an recognition from elite white institutions…and sure, they’ll let some of us in and give us trophies but at the end of the day, they’ll prioritize their own. That’s why the most radical and freeing thing he, Beyonce, and any of us really could EVER do is to divest. Know your value and stop begging them for charity pats on the back..bc especially in a space like the Grammy’s, if they choose to acknowledge Black artists, alotta times it feels like a little charity nod lol why continue to get in a tizzy over a majority white academy not connecting with your art the way they do their peers? We already know how they operate, it’s time Black people stop being outraged and shocked over the same thing every year.

[@jbell7105]

This discussion was everything. You tore Jay-Z a new one and brought up points that I didn’t even consider! That lawsuit though! My God! I hope that Sista wins! When people repeatedly say blk folks never come together and try to do things for the betterment of our people, they don’t know shit about non profits like this one! What always happens? White people do whatever they can do to stop the progress! And it usually works!

[@theprimitivista]

Because we refuse to move in silence and insist on telling the world that hates us, every move we are making or about to make

[@leeann6662]

@@theprimitivistathis!!

[@jbell7105]

@@theprimitivista I agree to an extent. Sometimes the word needs to get out so that others can know there are programs, organizations and resources available. The people who are REALLY doing the work hardly get publicity.

[@KayBassie]

Also Victoria Monet not being acknowledged by the NFL Superbowl camera when they panned to Ariana Grande in the crowd. When she's sitting right beside her. Ariana was even upset about it. So how is it looking for Victoria after the Grammy win? Well, they dont see you beloved and we know this.

[@Truthteller978]

Perhaps they didn’t know her. We need to realise that not everyone follows the same artists we do.

[@djontheonesandtwos]

The desire for meaningful work/labor is natural however, the desire for an award is not natural as awards themselves are not natural. So, there has to be a manufactured desire for awards and in a capitalist society the cultural products employ the use of the systems of rewards and punishments. Awards like the Grammy’s have to exclude and take on the features of the dominant ideological systems when awarding them to nominated persons. Maintain manufactured prestige and exclusivity adding to the perceived value. Plus, most awards are only established to reify their own legitimacy as the creators keep centralized power of decision making. They are not democratic. So the rich elites are crying about an undemocratic system.

[@djontheonesandtwos]

Oh and another thing- awards also alienate the creator from their work. We engage with work differently when it comes to these awards and who “deserves” them, whatever that means. But, we often talk about the “success” of a record, sales, charting position, etc and not the composition, the form, creative construction, etc. Which is also a feature of the capitalist results driven mode of operation, which stifles art and renders awards almost pointless.

[@djontheonesandtwos]

Also, the monopoly on decision making power allows these “academies” to decide what’s culturally relevant and shape the narrative and legacy of whatever nominated works. This also limits the creative imagination as these institutions get to dictate what the standard becomes/is.

[@Iyoh101]

When Kim mentioned how she wouldn’t not be able to process the harsh reality that all this effort could be for nought it made me look at the younger generations and think, I get why you would want to completely divest from everything that’s going on up here. Because this ain’t it.

[@Shay31288]

This ain’t shit.

[@lelele3]

All I kept thinking throughout the video is 'rock and hard place' over and over again. The only comfort I can hold on to is what you said about our future/emancipation being one we can even imagine, because I honestly can't see how we get out of all this. I cannot imagine how whiteness will ever let us breathe, so I honestly have to believe in something I cannot even imagine. Amazing analysis as always.

[@andreaarchambeau9499]

Another reason to vote in 2024. Using your success to help people you feel are in need of a boost should indeed be legal.

[@Alexandtheworld919]

I get what Jay-z is trying saying but the wording was so off especially coming from him.

[@marshaM22]

I agree. I suspect he's trying to make his image as squeaky clean as possible if he's the next big name to be exposed after Puffy's downfall (looking like a family man beside his daughter and publicly defending his wife). We all know Jay-Z has some skeletons in his closet. 👀

[@jbell7105]

@@marshaM22I think you have it totally wrong! where the fugg you get this from? Not even the topic we’re discussing!

[@paulharding1972]

@@jbell7105It is the topic being discussed. Black excellence. Some people would consider Jay Z and Beyoncé black excellence. Jay Z and the Grammys were brought up in this discussion. Some people would not consider Jay Z black excellence because they see him as a hypocrite because of all the “rumours” surrounding him.

[@ronjaj.addams-ramstedt1023]

@@jbell7105 I only know one issue: Jay-Z was born December 4, 1969, Beyoncé September 4, 1981. In his 2007 interview with Charlie Rose, Jay-Z said that he met Beyoncé "ten years ago." Do the math.

[@jbell7105]

@@ronjaj.addams-ramstedt1023 key word was “met”

[@soulspurposeme]

The speech was coontastic. I was waiting for Jennifer Hudson to come from backstage singing You’re Gonna Love Me”

[@curiousboy88]

You’re so right regarding Miley’s attitude regarding her winning speech 🎤. Nothing will fundamentally change for her (in the best way). I don’t like how SZA and Victoria had to perform “gratitude” like that. Just food for thought

[@Omnipresence2.0]

KRS one refusing to show up for 50th anniversary of hip hop So POWERFUL such a hot take . I’m only halfway thru the video so maybe you quote him in here

[@imvni]

This is the kind of channel I was looking for! This was so perfectly explained. Please keep doing what you do!

[@stereotypea123]

If you’ve ever given a speech before, for a class or anything, it can be rough, especially if you didn’t practice or run through it a few times. I think he was panicking and some word vomit came out. Either he forgot what he was gonna say or he didn’t prepare anything and thought he could just wing it. But I definitely think the panic set in and it would’ve been to his advantage to hire a speech writer and really plan out what he was going to say. Especially if he’s going to go after the Grammy’s.

[@Iyoh101]

Oh this was so good that I had to share both videos. The link between realness and black excellence creates a very good analogy to sit and discuss.

[@AllTheArtsy]

Jay-Z high key very embarassing for running his mouth like that. Let Beyonce speak on it if she wants. If she feels disrespected, maybe she can return all her past Grammys and refuse any nomination from this point onwards and not attend the shows anymore. Or whatever. But let her say it, not you. Lots of these "awards don't even really matter" "awards shows are corrupt" and yet theyre the ones begging for awards. If it's not right when someone else wins, then it also wasn't right if you win.

[@bboicrazy8]

I didn’t think it was embarassing because he used his moment to talk about her.

[@Shay416]

88 Grammy nominations!

[@marylander3798]

I agree with all of this. my conclusion is that JayZ is an Op and maybe Beyonce, too. Please watch South to Black Power. I keep coming back to Charles Blow telling us to focus on realizing our strength is in numbers and we need to live in states where our numbers can give us power. I live in MD and we are 32% of the population here, it matters.

[@chelseashurmantine8153]

Wait he said he boycotted, and then he said to just show up??? Edit: Lmao you just pointed out how he showed up lmao. Imagine if he had boycotted accepting this award lmfaooooooo. How much impact it would have had!!!!

[@taaliyah6065]

Of all the things Edward Blum could be doing with his time, he is focused on destroying historically (and presently) marginalized groups helping themselves.

[@RaynellJamal]

What Jay Z should have done was provide a solution. He could have encouraged more black artists and music industry professionals to get involved in the process and vote. It’s not as hard as people think. They have been asking for more representation when it comes to membership. But it’s not taken seriously until your favorite artist is not recognized. The voting system has changed drastically. Things can change if people care enough to change it.

[@MiniM69]

It hasn’t though. There are many more 65-year-old songwriters who don’t believe there are any black music masters (like the EIC of Rolling Stone offered in his wack book) than there are 25 year-olds to select Burna Boy over Tyla in the Best African Performance category…

[@RaynellJamal]

@@MiniM69 As of 2021 the Grammys are now peer voted. They got rid of committees and voting groups. And since they made that change every active Grammy member had to go through a recertification of their membership to become an eligible voter. The issue is it’s not enough artist/music professionals who are people of color that are getting involved in the voting process. Rico Love one of Beyonce’s writers/producers for the last 2 years have been trying to get more black music professionals to join the academy. And since the criteria is based on merit. Thats means it’s all based on opinion because we all have different taste in music. My thing is, if this is the game they want to play then they need to be involved in the process. Why keep showing up to perform, hope to win, and complain when you don’t ? Things can change if people care enough to get involved.

[@aielianna]

He didn’t do that cause he would rather have the acceptance of white people.

[@cvzdez]

I don't watch the grammies. I am international blk and lived here all my life. I listen to afrobeats, soca, calypso, kizomba, R&b, kompa, amapiano They take in black.culture a md trfacr it.mixed to white

[@Okra_winfrey]

Somebody in the comments said he’s wearing a Basquiat man unit 🥴😮‍💨

[@shilohscott]

He is not asking for justice or equity. He is asking for more recognition. He doesn’t even care what kind of recognition he receives or even question why he is receiving it. He got up there and accepted an award that was made up under the namesake of a known abuser. Sometimes you don’t want to be in the category. Also, I think it was an attempt to sabotage Beyoncé’s upcoming country album by sneak dissing Taylor Swift whose audience overlaps with hers. How did he manage to get an award and not drop an album.

[@rosierose4022]

This generation does not know that many Black artists were overlooked over the years at the Grammys, whose catalog and albums are better than Jay Z and Beyonce. Janet Jackson (nominated 26 times with recognizable prestige albums and only won 5 Grammy's) groundbreaking Rhythm Nation at that time as the second album from a Black woman was unapologetically black, soulful, rock, political, sad and questioned the ills of America's problem never got AOTY, SWV( 3 nominations and 0 Grammys) EnVogue, Diana Ross- nominated 13 times and 0 Grammys, Whitney thee Houston nominated for 25 awards- she broke barriers and only won 5. Entitlement is key here and that speech was just for the Carters and no one else. The Grammys have never gotten it right. Also, Beyonce is playing the game and she has no competition and is very popular- that Lemonade album is the little sister to Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation album. Jay Z is part of the board and this is coming from the man who said Michael never had a Coachella- all his concerts were Coachella x 3 and beyond. Black elite is all about Black Elite- it's very selfish with these artists as opposed the the Black Artists from the 80's and early 90s. They are selfish, and entitled and the fans have made them untouchable.

[@ddavis818]

We must b the same age. B is talented but I will never get all the hype

[@MrBreezyTV]

Wheww the correlation between ambition being used for coping hit me like a ton of bricks …

[@robertstanley9633]

So in terms of ballroom culture: Beyonce keeps getting chopped and then Jay Z her House Father (House of Dereon) comes from behind and reads the judges panel (Grammys) touch this skin, you could never. And now we have to wait til this next ball (Grammys) to see if Beyonce gets her 10s and wins grand prize (Album of the Year). Meaning....Beyonce has to release another album (Realness Effect) to be considered for another win at the ball (Grammys).

[@robertstanley9633]

Beyonce baby roll out that Country album- from the back!!!!

[@trystanstrauss5585]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@AfroLatina3]

@@robertstanley9633FACTS!😂

[@cooliohoolio30]

😭😭 sending me lol thanks for the laugh 😭

[@ccvv1119]

Also is it just me or did Beyoncé get way lighter

[@CulinaryGuide]

Love this conversation 💕

[@CaetyBoop]

I’m at the beginning of this live…. It’s giving me chills. I’m considering this topic from a perspective I’ve never considered before…. I like this video. I’m a new follower and I look forward to learning more from your content.

[@killlamas57]

If we don’t have black excellence, what else do we have to strive for?

[@BeautyAnarchist]

Liberation from Racism & Capitalism!¡

[@Lucy11_11]

Flawless commentary Kimberly. American Exceptionalism Realness 😮 Digging our own graves, time to put the shovel down 🤦🏾‍♀️

[@tboz26]

Luv that!

[@Samonalisa]

Ok I loved that video of the guy from TikTok! YES!🙌🏽 & I do resonate with “ambition is a coping mechanism”. (if I am understanding it correctly) I acknowledge the “invisible” separation daily but it creates so much more anxiety & stress for me if I actually & truly settle into the idea that my “success” will still always be belittled or not valued in certain spaces.

[@mc-ge2bt]

This negates a really simple thought.. what if a voter just didn't like Beyonce's last album or any of her albums? NARIS is a group of people who vote on logistical reasons and then on personal preference. A label can push all they want but in the end, each voter is going to chose whomever they want. I don't get the need for this one award to make Beyonce's whole career. Jay's comments at this year's awards puts a huge asterisk or cloud if she ever does album of the year.

[@Thisreadingcorner]

I mean sure it’s all subjective but the voters have been interviewed admitting to simply believing that she shouldn’t win because she wins too much or they don’t like her. The hypocrisy of his stance is real and so is the very intentional racist snub. Two truths.

[@mbali9317]

Equity doesn't happen without transformation.

[@4bkb]

IT's time for Black Folk to put importance of their own awards and break free from the "Sisters of AIPAC."

[@kimelbert3347]

This is why I don't like the culture of LinkedIn

[@Thejanaylee]

The Andre young global icon award started last year. Dr Dre was the first to receive it, it’s very disgusting and on brand that the Grammys allows the continuance of dr Dre erasing all the harm he’s done as well as NWA. NWA was also honored as well smh .

[@mercedesb.1350]

I knew they had an impact award, but did not remember it being named after Dr. Dre 🥴

[@Darkpheria]

So much love for your work and information. ❤

[@janetrmn]

You’re so smart I love listening to you

[@GayHimbo]

im obv not part of the black queer community, but one suggestion I could make is to request names/pseudonyms 𝙖𝙣𝙙 pronouns when having call-ins to avoid misgendering. since queerness is often not ascertainable and traditionally gendered names do not necessarily relate to pronouns, (for example Uncle Clifford using she/her exclusively in P Valley) it just makes things less messy. and if someone doesnt specify, its best to use neutral terms like “this caller,” “this person,” they, or the name they provided in place of gendered pronouns. a lot of queer people come to expect being misgendered by the majority of people and it can weigh on you. I know a lot of enby ppl for example that have given up on trying to use more authentic pronouns bc 99% of people just wont use them. so its really good to be the person who goes out of their way to be curious about pronouns and to honor them, rather than make assumptions, you know? personally if someone gives me an option I try to use the less gender conforming (ex: using they/them for a feminine presenting person who accepts both she/her and they/them, bc i know 99.9999% of people will go w she/her bc its ~easier~) anyway I see the progress, I see the shift, and I love your work as much as ever! thanks for another great video! ✿

[@ForHarriet619]

I appreciate the P Valley reference! You're right. Using neutral terms and requesting names/pseudonyms and pronouns during call-ins will be the norm moving forward.

[@GetonthestiiX]

This title is so DEEP it could be the entire podcast. 🔥

[@ten2pat]

my problem with jayz is this is the same person who infamously said "we're past that" on the football situation. so now he's back when it effects his wife? I can't take these oppression opportunists seriously.

[@donalvarez4006]

Honestly, Beyonce's music hasn't resonated with me for years. Sure, she's an icon but all the virtue signaling, lousy "rapping," and mediocre rehashing of begone genres (when she isn't straight up ripping off other artists) got on my nerves after a while

[@chideraosuji6353]

Sooooo many gems where dropped in this video! Like wow, Kim did it again!

[@Musa93]

I was today years old when I realised black excellence is a SCAM! I wanna cryyyyyy someone send the therapist

[@rachelauguste]

I just think about the Roc Nation pre Grammy party or the Carter’s exclusive Gold Party post Oscars. Exclusive events that even white artists gush about if they are invited. There should be an occasion that celebrates black excellence in a way that feels like the Grammy’s/Oscars. Where musicians/actors get their due recognition and artists go all out on their performances. Where people get placed in their RIGHT categories. When I was younger I thought the BET awards would be that but once up and coming artists bag a couple of awards, they stop going. It doesn’t help that the quality of that show has gone down too

[@SheCanSmile]

Dr Dre probably sponsored that award

[@Okra_winfrey]

Ooo that voice note at the beginning hit me in a way I didn’t expect. That’s goood

[@evildoesnotsleep-x2b]

me during Jay Z speech: Why is the cheater talking about cheating??

[@AngeBiampandou]

Huh ?

[@evildoesnotsleep-x2b]

​@@AngeBiampandou He implied foul play when he said some people don't deserve to be nominated and that the process was rigged since bey never got album of the year

[@AngeBiampandou]

@@evildoesnotsleep-x2b He didn't lie stay mad. Ice Spice is the epitome of mediocrity but she was still nominated for best new artist. Macklemore won over Kendrick Lamar instant classic Good Kid Maad City. I guess the truth hurts

[@tavia_b]

Thanks for Sharing Kimberly! If we Really are PAYING ATTENTION especially if you live in Florida like I do, they are working Double Time to remove legislation/implement legislation that DIRECTLY affects Black people, and at this point it is BLATANT! While we are (myself included) just sitting back letting it happen. Shoutout to my fellow Rattler Arian Simone! Its times like these where I have to do a self-reflection on myself, to get back in the fight for social and racial justice. We have become so complacent. Love the content Kimberly, and thank you for continuing to spread education with a nice flare to it.

[@rayy4pres194]

PREACH!! Our generation of blacks are an embarrassment to our ancestors.

[@tavia_b]

@@rayy4pres194 absolutely smh

[@aielianna]

I live in FL. What can we do?

[@tavia_b]

@@aielianna I don't have all the answers but I do know that there are activist Groups such as Dream Defenders who you can partner with. I live near Orl so the New Leaders Council Orlando chapter just hosted a town hall and event to spread, and educate on resources available to get involved. I hope this helped 🤎

[@littleeva]

Why do Jay-Z and Beyonce want to be part of a society that will never fully accept them?

[@remonstera]

Kim you are so smart. And this space you have created, and the kind of discussions and ideas you foster, are so smart.

[@candacejulien5030]

I SO enjoy your content 😊