In a recent interview on the Allison Interviews podcast, Juicy J, the renowned rapper and producer, opened up about his experience at the 78th Academy Awards in 2006 when his group, Three 6 Mafia, won the Oscar for Best Original Song. However, Juicy J didn’t appreciate what he perceived as a less-than-enthusiastic reaction from actor Will Smith.
Juicy J recounted the moment, saying,
“[Will Smith] ran up, he was like, ‘Man, I’m just mad ’cause y’all got one before me.'” He admitted that it might have been a joke, but he wasn’t entirely sure. Juicy J, who grew up listening to Will Smith’s music, expressed his respect for the actor and approached him with admiration, saying, “I was like, ‘I grew up listening to your music, man. It’s an honor to meet you.’ And he shook my hand, but he was like, ‘Man, what the hell? Y’all got one before me?’ And like I said, he could have been joking. He’s a comedian too. But I didn’t take it like that because I’m thinking people are gonna be like, ‘Congratulations.’ But he didn’t say that.”
What bothered Juicy J even more was the perceived lack of recognition from Black Hollywood. While several A-listers congratulated Three 6 Mafia, he recalled that no Black celebrities approached him with their congratulations. He mentioned how John Travolta, Steven Spielberg, and George Clooney had acknowledged their win. Still, the absence of recognition from fellow Black artists left a mark on him, making the evening feel somewhat strange.
Juicy J acknowledged that Three 6 Mafia had faced obstacles and criticism throughout their career, including false accusations of devil worship. Despite these challenges, he remained resilient and continued to pursue his passion.
Juicy J’s memoir, “Chronicles of the Juice Man,” provides further insights into his remarkable career and personal experiences. The book, released on September 5th, promises to offer readers a deeper understanding of his journey in the music industry.
