Dave Chappelle generated loads of controversy recently with his jokes about trans people in his new Netflix special. But on Saturday night, he took a break from being canceled to induct Jay-Z into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Chappelle has been a Jay-Z fan going back decades, and the fandom is mutual. The comedian, who lives in Ohio, got a massive ovation from the crowd when he appeared, and went on to recall several anecdotes from encountering Jay over the years while heaping praise on his artistry.
Read the full text of Chappelle’s speech at the Rock Hall below.
Welcome to Ohio to all the inductees. I would like to apologize …I’m just fucking with you. This is an incredible honor to induct this next man into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. But I need everybody in rock & roll know that even though we are honoring him, he is ours. He is hip-hop. Forever and ever and a day.
I could sit up here tonight, I could talk about his acumen as businessman. I could talk about his accomplishments in music. But I think what’s most important for everyone in this room to know is what it means to us, what he means to his culture.
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