On "Smile," a song from Jay-Z's 2017 album 4:44, he talked about his mother coming out to him. Jay-Z's mother Gloria Carter, gained popularity by talking openly about her quest for self-awareness and accepting her true self when it was revealed that she had married a woman. The information clarified a significant facet of LGBTQ+ acceptance and representation in the hip-hop scene.
Gloria's choice to publicly tell her story was praised and backed by both activists and fans. It was regarded as a daring move that would encourage inclusivity and understanding. Jay-Z highlighted his unwavering love and support for her mother and conveyed his extreme excitement and happiness in response to her mother's marriage.
Beyond achieving personal milestones, Gloria's marriage represents an advancement in the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ acceptance and rights. Gloria Carter paves the way for a more tolerant and inclusive society by living in her truth and telling her experience. She also acts as an inspiration to others going through similar hardships.
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Jay said his mother came out while he was still putting together 4:44 and their conversation led to the creation of "Smile" the very next day. The track features a poem, written by Gloria, which she wrote on a plane headed to Los Angeles to see her son.
Gloria figured she needed to assist him in completing the song. After presenting him with the poem, Jay recorded her as she recited it over the phone.
In 2019, after he and Beyoncé won the Vanguard Award at the GLAAD Media Awards, Hov praised his mother for letting him share her story.
In addition to creating the prom dress mentioned in "Heated," Bey's late Uncle Johnny also introduced her to house music, which served as the main inspiration for her Grammy-winning album Renaissance.
