In a candid revelation, sports commentator Stephen A. Smith recently spilled the beans on a phone call he received from none other than Jay-Z himself. The topic? A heated debate over two of music’s most iconic divas: Beyoncé and Rihanna.
It all started during Smith’s appearance on The Sherri Show in 2023, just before Rihanna’s electrifying Super Bowl performance. The seasoned analyst boldly declared,
” There’s one thing she’s not—she ain’t Beyoncé.”
The audience responded with a chorus of boos, but Smith stood his ground. His reasoning? Beyoncé’s recent Super Bowl showcase had set the bar impossibly high.
Smith’s comments didn’t go unnoticed. Hollywood’s glitterati were divided. Some rallied behind Beyoncé, while others championed Rihanna. A few even stopped talking to Smith altogether, offended by his comparison. But little did he know that a month later, a phone call would change everything.
Enter Jay-Z, the music mogul and Beyoncé’s better half. The Roc Nation boss dialed up Smith, and their conversation was nothing short of enlightening.
“My dawg,” Jay-Z began, “that’s family. That’s too close to say that.” Smith, taken aback, confessed he hadn’t realized the gravity of his words. Jay-Z’s response was succinct: “It’s a business. You don’t know how she’ll receive it.” Lesson learned.”
Smith’s subsequent apology to Rihanna was heartfelt. “I’m gonna own it,” he declared. “You’re a superstar, you’re sensational. You’re no joke. And you are a worthy person to be doing the Super Bowl halftime show.” The sports pundit had learned his lesson, and Rihanna’s stardom was undeniable.
So, who reigns supreme? Beyoncé or Rihanna? The answer remains subjective, but one thing is clear: both artists have left an indelible mark on the Super Bowl stage. Whether it’s Queen Bey’s fierce choreography or RiRi’s sultry vocals, fans continue to debate. But perhaps Jay-Z said it best: “That’s family.”
