JAY-Zis sharing one of the last moments he spent with NBA legendKobe Bryant, who died on January 26 alongside his 13-year-old daughter Gianna Bryant and seven others in a tragic helicopter crash in Calabasas, California.
The rapper, 50, opened up about his relationship with Bryant on Tuesday night while speaking at Columbia University.
JAY-Z added that he had hung out with Bryant “multiple times,” most recently celebrating New Year’s together at his house.
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“He was just in the greatest space that I’ve seen him in,” the rapper said, adding that one of his last conversations with the Lakers player was about his daughter Gianna and her skill on the basketball court.
“One of the last things he said to me was, you’ve gotta see Gianna play basketball,” JAY-Z said. “And that was one of the most hurtful things, because he was so proud. And the look on his face was like — I looked at him and said, ‘Oh, she’s going to be the best female basketball player in the world.'”
“He was just so proud,” he said. “So that’s really a tough one.”
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“My wife and I took [their deaths] … really tough. That’s all I’ll say on that,” he concluded. “Just a great human being and was in a great space in his life.”
After the crash,Beyoncéshared throwback photos of both Kobe and Gianna on Instagram. Then last week, Beyoncé, 38,shared a photoof Bryant and Gianna, writing, “I will continue to diligently pray for your Queens. You are deeply missed beloved Kobe.”
Gianna Bryant, Kobe Bryant.Ethan Miller/Getty Images
JAY-Z’s wordsecho several otherswho recalled conversations with Bryant about his talented daughter, both of whom werehonored last Fridayat the Lakers’ first game since the helicopter crash that also claimed the lives ofJohn,KeriandAlyssa Altobelli,Payton and Sarah Chester,Christina Mauserand pilotAra Zobayan.
Since breaking her silence after the crash, Kobe’s wifeVanessa Bryanthas shared several tributes on Instagram in memory of her husband and daughter.
On Wednesday night, she shared several videos from a memorial at Gianna’s school, writing alongside aphoto of her No. 2 jersey, “My Gigi. I love you! I miss you. You’ve taught us all that no act of kindness is ever too small. Mommy is still and will ALWAYS be so proud of you mamacita. ❤️#2 ?.”
source: people.com
