Rapper Nas has publicly criticized Grammy-winning artist Shabuji for comments he made during his acceptance speech at the 2026 Grammy Awards, calling the comment “pure evil” and accusing the singer of being a “guest in this country.” The comment sparked an online debate about race, immigration and cultural recognition in the United States.
Nas called Shabuji’s Grammy speech on immigrants ‘pure evil’, calling him ‘a guest in this country’ (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Vision/AP, X/@nasescobar316, )Shabuji was commenting on a post by Nas X after he used his Grammy platform to praise immigrants and their contributions to the country.
“What you did last night was pure evil. It will not be forgotten. You are a guest in this country. A disgrace there. You are the very definition of a Tether. You are an anti-black American disrespectful piece of shit.”
Shabuji’s Grammy speechShabuji won Best Country Duo/Group Performance for their collaboration Amen with Jelly Roll during the Grammy premiere on February 1. While accepting the award, the Nigerian American artist thanked his mother, team and immigrant community.
“Immigrants literally built this country,” Shabuzzi said, dedicating the win to the children of immigrants who came to the United States in search of better opportunities. According to Bossip, the artist got emotional while speaking on stage with tears in his eyes.
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Online feedback and supportReactions to both the speech and Nasser’s response were sharply divided. Nas’ supporters argued that Shabuzzi’s comments failed to acknowledge the historical role of black Americans, especially enslaved people, in the formation of the nation and the formation of country music, especially during Black History Month.
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Others defended Shabuzzi, saying his speech was a personal expression of gratitude rather than an attempt to erase black American history.
Some users criticized Nas’ language as excessive.
Shabuji has not publicly responded to Nase’s comments.
His career momentum remains strong. He earned additional nominations this year for Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance for Good News. His hit A Bar Song (Tipsy) spent 19 consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
