Jay Z and Beyonce attend the 59th Grammy Awards at Staples Center on Feb. 12, 2017, in Los Angeles, California. (Christopher Polk/Getty Images for NARAS/AFP)
Much like every relationship, music royalty couple Jay-Z and Beyonce have certainly endured their fair share of trials and tribulations.
Although both stars had kept relatively mum about their personal lives through the years, fans have long speculated that some of these troubles include infidelity, at least on Jay-Z’s part.
Those rumors have finally been laid to rest, as the 47-year-old hip-hop icon confirmed he did indeed cheat on his wife at one point.
“You have to survive. So you go into survival mode, and when you go into survival mode, what happens? You shut down all emotions. So, even with women, you gonna shut down emotionally, so you can’t connect,” Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, shared in a brave tell-all with the New York Times.
“In my case, like, it’s deep. And then all the things happen from there – infidelity,” he admitted.
The adultery issues were subtly hinted at by both artists through their music, first in Beyonce’s “Lemonade” album last year, and again on Jay-Z’s “4:44” album in June.
Aside from countless hours spent by the couple in therapy sessions, the pair was also able to repair their relationship by doing what they do best together—creating wonderful music.
“We were using our art almost like a therapy session. And we started making music together,” Jay-Z said.
“And then the music she was making at that time was further along. So, her album came out as opposed to the joint album that we were working on.”
The “99 Problems” singer added: “We still have a lot of that music. And this is what it became. There was never a point where it was like, ‘I’m making this album.’ I was right there the entire time.”
After overcoming the odds and staying together, the pair currently devotes their time to 5-year-old daughter Blue Ivy Carter and to twins born last June.
Still, the Brooklyn-born business mogul continues to be grateful for a second chance.
“The best place in the hurricane is in the middle of it. The best place is right in the middle of the pain,” Jay-Z described the couple’s process of healing.
“And that’s where we were sitting. And i twas uncomfortable. And we had a lot of conversations. [I was] really proud of the music she made, and she was really proud of the art I released. And, you know, at the end of the day we really have a healthy respect for one another’s craft. I think she’s amazing.” Khristian Ibarrola /ra
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