Sterling K. Brown & Courtney B. Vance Reference Jay Z Lyric During Emmy Award Speeches

BOTH ACTORS CLAIM TO HAVE THE HOTTEST CHICK IN THE GAME WEARING THEIR CHAIN

(AllHipHop News) Jay Z was not present at this year’s Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony, but the Hip Hop icon’s presence was definitely felt at the event.

While accepting his trophy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for his role in The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story, Sterling K. Brown shouted out his wife Ryan Michelle Bathe by using a Hov bar.

“And contrary to popular belief, I got the hottest chick in the game rocking my chain,” Brown told the audience. “Ryan Michelle Bathe, you make this whole thing go. I love you. Thank you.”

The line was pulled directly from Jay’s classic cut “Public Service Announcement” from 2003’s The Black Album.

Later at the Emmys, Courtney B. Vance also won an award for his acting in The People v. O. J. Simpson. The Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie winner joined Brown in referencing “PSA.”

“To the woman that rocks my chain! Angela Evelyn Bassett, this one is for you girl!” said Vance to his spouse sitting in the front row.

However, comedian John Oliver was not quite following the Jay Z talk. After collecting the award for Outstanding Variety Talk Series, the Last Week Tonight host expressed his confusion over Brown and Vance’s “chain” comments.

Oliver did show love to the woman that inspired “the hottest chick in the game” lyrics during a backstage interview. He was hoping Jay’s wife Beyoncé would be attending the event.

“I saw a seating chart and I was supposed to be sitting two [rows] behind her. All I’ve really been thinking about for the past 48 hours is I’m going to be able to look at Beyoncé’s head for four hours, and she hasn’t turned up, so this is nice, but this evening generally has a sense of loss in it for me,” joked Oliver.

Beyoncé’s Lemonade film was nominated for Outstanding Variety, Music, or Comedy Special and Outstanding Directing for a Variety Special. The “visual album” did not win either award.