Tag: Jay-Z

Jay-Z called out the Grammys for never awarding Beyoncé the Best Album honor during speech

Jay-Z wasn’t afraid to call the Grammys out for never awarding Beyoncé the Best Album award.

One of the strangest snubs in Grammys history has been music sensation Beyoncé never winning Best Album at the awards show.

While accepting a special honor for Global Impact from the Grammys on Sunday night with his daughter Blue Ivy Carter at his side, rap legend Jay-Z called out the Recording Academy for never recognizing Beyoncé in its biggest category despite making some of the definitive albums of the past decade-plus.

Everyone with a rooting interest in the Grammys has openly wondered the same thing, and her husband Jay-Z made sure to make that question known while accepting this career honor during this year’s ceremony.

It’s a very fair thing to mention!

Award shows like the Grammys are fundamentally flawed when trying to parse through the breadth of music, and rarely does the Recording Academy ever “get it right” with its top honors. However, Beyoncé’s impact on the art form will always extend far, far past an awards show like this.

We’re hoping Beyoncé will take home the Best Album honor one of these days, and we’re very much with Jay-Z that it should’ve happened already.

Breanna Stewart wins WNBA MVP by a historically tight margin over A’ja Wilson, Alyssa Thomas

Breanna Stewart is a certified baller!

“Stew York City,” stand up. After the closest race in WNBA history, New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart is the 2023 Most Valuable Player.

The voting race for MVP was a gauntlet down the stretch, involving the upper echelon of league talent. Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson and Connecticut Sun forward Alyssa Thomas made outstanding cases for why they should win. Only 13 points separated Stewart and Wilson, and only seven votes separated Stewart and Thomas — the tightest three-way voting margin in league history, according to ESPN’s Alexa Philippou. Ultimately, voters chose “Stewie” for her ability to light up New York and the league.

Her quest for MVP started with the offensive prowess that landed her second-to-only Seattle Storm guard Jewell Loyd for the WNBA single-season scoring record.

This season, Stewart averaged 23 points, 9.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. With the help of her leadership, the Liberty steamrolled their way to a franchise-best record of 32-8 and a Commissioner’s Cup win.

Stewart was also a defensive force to be reckoned with, as she averaged 1.57 blocks and 1.45 steals per game. Her disruption on the court earned her a WNBA All-Defensive team selection.

With efforts like that, the league couldn’t help but notice her magic.

Truthfully, Stewart is creating a resume that feels almost unreal.

In addition to the most 40-point games in a season and the most points scored in 30 minutes or less in league history, she is a two-time WNBA champion, a two-time WNBA Finals MVP, a five-time All-Star and now has two MVP trophies.

As the kids say, it’s lit. We have a lit-thuation happening! (That was probably too much, but I love a good pun.) Stewie is a hooper, and this award reflects that — hats off to you, Breanna, and the Liberty.

The celebration is flowing somewhere, and  Jay-Z’s “Empire State of Mind” is blasting.

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Could Commanders’ fan Matthew McConaughey still be in the mix as a minority owner?

The longtime Washington fan said in November he wanted to join the bidding on the Commanders.

Jeff Bezos is likely out as a potential owner of the Washington Commanders. Teddy Schleifer of The Puck broke the original story Wednesday that Bezos was not expected to bid on the Commanders. Others, such as The Washington Post and ESPN, also confirmed those reports.

Before Schleifer’s report on Wednesday, he also confirmed that hip-hop mogul Jay-Z and iconic actor — and noted Washington superfan — Matthew McConaughey were not part of a prospective Bezos’ bid. In his Tuesday story on the Washington sale, Schleifer said the following regarding Jay-Z:

I’ve recently learned that Jay-Z was never a part of Bezos’s campaign, at least not in any formal capacity, despite earlier reporting that the two would “put in an official joint bid to purchase the team in January.” It’s possible that the general topic came up in conversation at their two-hour Los Angeles dinner, as chronicled by paparazzi last November, but the mini-mogul was at no point involved in any prospective bid, I’m informed.

On McConaughey:

I’m similarly told that McConaughey, a longtime friend of Snyder’s who had been reportedly “joining” the Bezos campaign, has been talking for months to potential Commanders buyers—including Bezos—but he has never been committed to Bezos, specifically.

McConaughey is a friend of Washington owner Dan Snyder and has been to games in the past as a special guest. He’s been outspoken about wanting to be part of the next ownership group of the Commanders. And, according to Schleifer, it’s not out of the question that McConaughey shows up as a part of Josh Harris or Steve Apostolopoulos’s bids before the team is sold.

Harris, who is co-owner of the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils, is viewed as the frontrunner to be Washington’s next owner. Billionaire Mitchell Rales, a businessman and philanthropist, along with NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson, are part of Harris’ bid. Could McConaughey join the Harris group next?

McConaughey isn’t the only celebrity Washington fan who has mentioned an interest in owning part of the Commanders. NBA superstar Kevin Durant, a Maryland native, has also mentioned the possibility.

With Bezos now out of the running [by his own choosing], could this be coming to a close soon?

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Lil Wayne teases track collaboration with LSU basketball’s Flau’jae Johnson

Lil Wayne and LSU basketball standout Flau’jae Johnson might collaborate on a track soon??

While talking with women’s basketball greats Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi, rap legend Lil Wayne hinted that he’s going to be collaborating with an LSU star soon.

On ESPN’s The Bird & Taurasi Show, women’s basketball fan Lil Wayne shared that, thanks to LSU head coach Kim Mulkey, that he will be collaborating on a track with Tigers freshman guard Flau’jae Johnson.

Johnson just goes by “Flau’jae” for her aspiring rap career, one that Lil Wayne seems very interested in helping out in the studio.

“We’re about to connect musically soon,” Lil Wayne told the two on the alternate broadcast of Friday night’s LSU-Virginia Tech 2023 women’s NCAA tournament Final Four game. “Be looking out for that.”

Johnson actually signed a music deal with Jay Z’s Roc Nation label, so more collaborations could be on the horizon for the basketball player/musician.

She has also performed for her home crowd at LSU in the past.

The LSU women’s basketball team also practiced to one of Johnson’s freestyles ahead of Friday night’s Final Four win over Virginia Tech.

Johnson’s future certainly looks bright on the court and in the booth, and it seems like she’ll have plenty of opportunities to pursue both in the days ahead.

Report: Magic Johnson joins Josh Harris’ bid for the Commanders

Could the NBA legend become part owner of the Commanders?

The Washington Commanders could have a celebrity part owner, after all. Eben Novy-Williams of Sportico reported Monday that NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson has joined Josh Harris’ bid for the Commanders.

Johnson isn’t the first celebrity name attached to the Commanders. Last week, Thom Loverro of the Washington Times noted how he’d heard Michael Jordan’s name connected to a New York investment firm that was interested in the Commanders.

Before Johnson and Jordan, there was Jay-Z, who had been linked as a partner to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. However, Bezos was shut out of the early bidding for the Commanders due to owner Dan Snyder’s disdain for The Washington Post. Bezos owns the Post.

Also, actor and Washington fan Matthew McConaughey and NBA star Kevin Durant were also interested in becoming minority partners of the Commanders.

Johnson was a part of Harris’ failed bid for the Denver Broncos last year. Johnson has ownership experience as a part owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Sparks and the Los Angeles FC of the MLS.

In addition to his sports ownership, Johnson has invested in multiple other business ventures, including Starbucks stores, gyms and movie theaters. He owns Magic Johnson Enterprises, an investment company.

Harris, who owns the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils, is the co-founder of Apollo Global Management. Mitchell Rales, the billionaire co-founder of Danaher Corporation, also recently joined Harris’ bid for the Commanders.

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First round of bidding process for the Commanders closes this week

The first round of bids for a potential sale of the Commanders closes this week.

Will Daniel Snyder sell the Washington Commanders? Well, we do know he is exploring the possibility of selling the entire team or looking to add a minority partner.

Last week, The Washington Post reported that Bank of America — the bank hired by Snyder — is moving forward with the process for a potential sale, whether it be for a minority stake or the complete team.

Now, we have more news regarding a potential Washington sale. CBS Sports reported this week, citing two sources, that the first round of bidding for the Commanders closes at the end of the week.

What does this actually mean?

That’s unclear, but the interested parties likely have made their first offer and now Bank of America and Snyder will review each one.

Jeff Bezos of Amazon is among the interested prospective buyers. Rapper/businessman Jay-Z is expected to be a minority partner in a potential Bezos’ bid.

If sold, the Commanders are expected to be sold for as much as $7 billion. Any number between $5-7 billion has been rumored. The Denver Broncos were sold earlier this year for $4.65 billion and Washington is expected to go much higher.

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Jeff Bezos plays it coy when asked about interest in buying Commanders

Bezos didn’t confirm — nor deny — interest in the Commanders, and his partner, Lauren Sanchez, really loves football.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has long been rumored to have an interest in buying an NFL franchise. The franchise that has caught Bezos’ eye is reportedly the Washington Commanders. Bezos owns The Washington Post, so his interest in the Commanders makes sense.

When current Washington owner Daniel Snyder recently hired Bank of America to “explore potential transactions,” the Bezos rumors went into overdrive. Jay Glazer of FOX Sports reported Snyder’s intention is a complete sale of the franchise.

In a recent interview with CNN’s Chloe Melas, Bezos was asked about the buzz of potentially adding NFL owner to his resume.

“Yes, I’ve heard that buzz,” Bezos said while laughing. Bezos’ partner, Lauren Sanchez spoke up and said, “I do like football. I am just going to throw that out there for everyone,” she said.

Bezos laughed and offered the following response.

“There’s not much I can say about that right now, but she does like football.”

Melas then asked Bezos if owning a professional sports team was always a part of his dream.

“Well, I grew up in Houston, Texas, and I played football growing up as a kid,” Bezos said. “It is my favorite sport; we’ll just have to wait and see.”

After Bezos spoke, Sanchez chimed in again, “Once again, I do like football.”

Bezos is one of the multiple names with a reported interest in the Commanders. There is a rumored partnership with millionaire music mogul Jay-Z as the two prepare a bid for the Washington NFL franchise.

You can say a lot without saying a thing. And that’s what Bezos did in this interview. His words — or lack of words —combined with Sanchez’s “love” of football, tell you he plans to make a serious run at buying the Commanders.

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Red Sox owner John Henry emerges as possible bidder for the Commanders

John Henry is a longtime successful sports owner.

Another day, another potential name entered the bidding for the Washington Commanders.

Boston Red Sox and Liverpool Football Club owner John Henry is viewed as a possible bidder for the Washington Commanders, according to Josh Kosman of the New York Post.

Henry’s Fenway Sports Group recently hired Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley to help sell Liverpool. That deal could bring between $4 and $5 billion in return for Henry.

Per the Post, Henry could already have a deal to sell Liverpool to an “unnamed Qatar-based investor.”

If Henry can close that deal, that would give him the capital to be a serious bidder for the Commanders, particularly if Jeff Bezos and Jay-Z are involved in the bidding process.

The Commanders could fetch anywhere from $5.6 billion to $8 billion.

Henry is also involved in NASCAR and is listed as the owner of the No. 17 car driven by Chris Buescher.

Henry, a self-made businessman and investor bought the Red Sox in 2002. Boston has enjoyed unprecedented success under Henry’s ownership. After famously not winning a World Series since 1918, the Red Sox won the World Series in 2004 and have won a total of four in Henry’s 20 years of ownership. Before he owned the Red Sox, Henry briefly owned the then-Florida Marlins.

Henry also owns multiple newspapers.

Henry is a longtime successful sports owner with a history of success. That’s something Washington fans have dreamt about for 23 years.

Matthew McConaughey joining Jeff Bezos/Jay-Z in bid for Commanders

Longtime fan Matthew McConaughey is the latest name to join the Jeff Bezos/Jay-Z bid for the Washington Commanders.

Matthew McConaughey is arguably the most prominent celebrity fan of the Washington Commanders. McConaughey has been seen at Washington games over the years and is friendly with owner Daniel Snyder.

Now, McConaughey may have designs on being Washington’s next owner.

According to Sara Nathan and Michael Blinn of the New York Post, McConaughey is joining the team of Jeff Bezos and Jay-Z in their planned bid for the Commanders. Last week, the Commanders confirmed a report that they were exploring potential transactions, which included selling the franchise.

On Sunday, Jay Glazer of FOX Sports reported that the NFL wanted to fast-track Washington’s sale and believe it could be wrapped up in six months or by the NFL owner’s meetings in March.

The New York Post received the following quote from a source familiar with McConaughey’s thinking.

“Matthew has always been a huge fan and his ties with the team go way back,” the source sad. “They support his foundation and he’s good pals with Dan Snyder — he and [supermodel wife Camilla Alves] were on Dan’s yacht over the Super Bowl last year.”

McConaughey was always seen with Snyder when he chose to attend games, as was Tom Cruise.

The Post report also states that the Bezos/Jay-Z bid is expected to come in January.

McConaughey has long discussed his love of Washington, which he said began as a kid growing up in Texas. He loved hamburgers, and Washington linebacker Chris Hanburger’s name sounded like hamburger, so that was how he became a fan.

NBA superstar Kevin Durant, also a Washington fan, has mentioned he’d like to be included in the possible Bezos/Jay-Z bid.

Report: Jeff Bezos ‘looking into buying’ Commanders

The report cites Jay-Z as a possible partner.

It didn’t take long for Jeff Bezos to be linked to the Washington Commanders. According to a report from People, Bezos is “looking into buying” the NFL franchise.

One day after Forbes reported that owners Dan and Tanya Snyder had hired Bank of America to explore a potential sale of the team, Bezos is the second name being linked as a possible candidate to buy the Commanders. Media mogul Byron Allen is also reportedly interested.

The People report also suggests that Bezos could partner with Jay-Z. Jay-Z, of course, once owned a stake in the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets.

Bezos, who has a net worth of $115 billion according to Bloomberg, would become the richest NFL owner, surpassing new Broncos owner Rob Walton. If Bezos is truly interested in Washington, the price tag will not be an issue.

Amazon currently has an 11-year agreement with the NFL to broadcast Thursday Night Football. The deal runs through 2033 and is worth over $1 billion per year.