In a candid conversation on LeBron James’ show, The Shop: Uninterrupted, JAY-Z delved into his experiences as a father, particularly focusing on his relationship with his daughter, Blue Ivy, aged 9, and the impact fatherhood has had on him. The renowned rapper, who, along with his wife Beyoncé, is also a parent to twins Sir and Rumi, turning 4 next month, revealed some personal insights into his journey of fatherhood.

JAY-Z admitted that becoming a father has been a profoundly grounding experience for him, emphasizing the pivotal moment when he learned to swim after Blue’s birth in 2012. He expressed the immense responsibility he felt towards his daughter, highlighting the symbolic significance of acquiring this skill.

“It’s amazing. It’s a very grounding thing… I didn’t learn how to swim until Blue was born,” he shared. “There goes everything you need to know. This is a metaphor for our relationship. If she ever fell in the water and I couldn’t get her, I couldn’t even fathom that thought. I gotta learn how to swim. That’s it. That was the beginning of our relationship.”

Reflecting on his recent Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nomination, JAY-Z humorously recounted how his daughter’s reaction was not quite what he expected, underscoring the everyday moments of fatherhood. Despite his prestigious accolades, he found himself seeking validation from his daughter, only to be met with her nonchalant response.

“I got the announcement [about the Hall of Fame], I was taking Blue to school, I was like, ‘This ain’t no celebration,'” he joked. “She walked away, I was like, ‘Yo, give me a kiss I’m in the Hall of Fame!’ She’s like ‘Bye, dad.'”

In another interview, JAY-Z shared his aspirations for his children, emphasizing the importance of providing a nurturing environment where they feel loved and supported to pursue their own passions. He acknowledged the significance of family as a foundation, particularly highlighting the lessons learned during the past year amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As he navigates fatherhood, JAY-Z prioritizes being an attentive guide, recognizing the importance of understanding and supporting his children’s individual aspirations and desires. He emphasized the role of parents as facilitators, rather than imposing their own expectations, acknowledging the limitless potential of their children’s journeys.