JAY-Z, known for his supreme confidence, was once humbled in the presence of Michael Jackson. According to producer Rodney Jerkins, who orchestrated their first meeting, JAY-Z displayed a rare moment of humility.
Rodney Jerkins, a major contributor to Jackson’s 2001 album ‘Invincible,’ shared the inside story of how JAY-Z and Michael Jackson first met during an interview on ‘The Almanac of Rap.’
The collaboration between the two music legends took off, leading to one of the most memorable moments in music history—Michael Jackson joining JAY-Z onstage at Summer Jam 2001.
Jerkins recounted, ‘You remember when Michael was brought up onstage by JAY-Z? Who do you think introduced JAY-Z to Michael?’ He went on to explain how Big Chuck and Big Jon, key figures in the music industry, reached out to him to make the introduction happen.
Jerkins recalled, ‘So I brought him up to the studio, took him to meet Michael. That was the most humble I ever seen JAY-Z in my life… I know JAY to be so cool, and you could tell it was a different thing when he got with Mike.’
Recently, JAY-Z’s career achievements have continued to soar. The Recording Industry Association of America awarded him multiple platinum certifications. His single ‘I Just Wanna Love You (Give It 2 Me)’ achieved its first platinum status, while ‘Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)’ hit 2x platinum.
Other notable tracks include ’99 Problems,’ now 3x platinum, and ‘Holy Grail,’ featuring Justin Timberlake, which reached 6x platinum. Additionally, ‘Run This Town,’ with Rihanna and Kanye West, and ‘No Church In The Wild,’ featuring Frank Ocean, have also earned impressive certifications.
These accolades further cement JAY-Z’s status as one of the music industry’s most influential figures, highlighting his continuous impact and contribution to the world of hip hop.
The tale of JAY-Z’s first encounter with Michael Jackson, as told by Rodney Jerkins, offers a glimpse into a rare moment of humility for the rap legend. Coupled with his recent career milestones, it’s clear that JAY-Z’s influence and legacy in the music industry remain stronger than ever.
