JAY-Z’s mother, Gloria Carter, stopped by the D’USSE Friday podcast on Tuesday (September 5) to discuss a medley of topics, including her work with the Shawn Carter Foundation, raising her family in Brooklyn’s Marcy Projects and her son’s critically acclaimed album, 4:44.
In regards to Hov’s most recent project, Carter explained the album is “amazing” because of her son’s personal growth. She also addressed the ups and downs of the celebrity that comes with being associated with JAY.
“I think that that’s an amazing album because it shows my son’s growth,” Carter said. “The thing about being attached to my son is that from the door, he says, ‘Ma, it’s a gift and a curse’ because it doesn’t matter what you do or who you are. Celebrity or not. You’re always gonna have haters in the world. Good or bad or indifferent.”
Carter also discussed one of 4:44‘s standout tracks, “Smile.” On the highly personal song, JAY raps about his mother being a lesbian, a fact she was initially hesitant to share with the world, but one she ultimately warmed up to.
“I was never ashamed of me … I’m tired of all the mystery,” she said. “I’m gonna give it to ’em. I don’t have to worry about nobody wondering whether I’m in the life or not. I’m gonna tell ’em. So now that I told you, what do you have to talk about? So now maybe you can focus on the phenomenal things I do. So focus on that.”
Carter also discussed JAY’s humble beginnings and recalled when he came in second place at the Apollo because of a fickle audience. Despite early challenges, she says she never told him to give up his music dreams.
Listen to the full interview above.
lesbian? but she gave birth… correct me if I’m wrong, it’s been a few years since I’ve taken sex ed, but doesn’t it take a man and woman to conceive a child, foh with this nonsense
what’s your point? lesbians have kids; yes, sometimes even with men. one act of sex w/ the opposite sex (or w/ the same sex) doesn’t make you straight or gay. what grade was sex ed for you because i’d be willing to be the world view is different.
i care. said no one. ever.
Really dude is in his 50’s and they talking bout growth. He been in the game 30 years and now he’s maturing. GTFO.
U sound stupid bruh really u can never stop growing maturing and bettering yourself as long as you are alive u should try it some time seriously and FYI he isn’t in his 50’s yet or attained 30 years in the game u are exactly who she was talking bout dumb ass smh stop hatin
Fuck HIPHOPDX CREW FOR DENYING MY COMMENT #mother a lesbian and son a gay as well as all the HHDX