Babyface Ray vividly recounts a surprising moment where JAY-Z showed him some love but then swiftly curved him in public.
In a recent interview with The Breakfast Club, Detroit rapper Babyface Ray opened up about a memorable encounter with the legendary JAY-Z. Ray recalled how Hov included three of his tracks on a Memorial Day TIDAL playlist in 2022, right alongside industry giants like Kendrick Lamar, Kanye West, and Future.
Reflecting on the moment, Ray shared, ‘I thought it was some PR. Ain’t no way Jay put me on no playlist. Now that I know, it’s lit ’cause we listen to Hov so to be accepted by Hov and guys like Future, that’s a big thing ’cause that’s all we used to listen to.’ He was clearly thrilled and honored by the recognition.
However, the excitement took an unexpected turn at a Brooklyn Nets game. Babyface Ray attempted to approach JAY-Z, hoping for a conversation. ‘We went to the game with floor seats and he was across and I was like, ‘You can’t just walk up on Hov,’” Ray explained. He added, ‘I did attempt. I ain’t wanna tell y’all I got blazed. I was over here and I’m telling security like, ‘Hov know me. It’s Babyface Ray.’ I watched him tell him and Hov blazed me but it’s cool.’
Despite being brushed off, Ray made it clear he holds no hard feelings and would seize any future opportunity to speak with JAY-Z again.
Earlier reactions to JAY-Z’s playlist inclusion were quite positive. Babyface Ray shared a photo of the playlist on Instagram and retweeted posts celebrating the acknowledgment. He enthusiastically tweeted ‘SHES HERE’ in response to his collaborator Baroline’s post, highlighting his joy and gratitude.
Recently, Babyface Ray released his new album, The Kid That Did, featuring notable guest appearances from Hunxho, G Herbo, BossMan Dlow, and Fabolous, to name a few. This album continues to showcase Ray’s growth and ambition in the rap scene.
Babyface Ray’s experience with JAY-Z, despite the public curve, underscores the unpredictable nature of the music industry. Yet, it also reveals Ray’s unwavering respect and admiration for those who’ve inspired him.
