Jay-Z Receives United Nations Humanitarian Award

Rapper-turned-hip-hop mogul Jay-Z was honored at the U.N. Global Leadership Awards Gala in New York Wednesday night for his work to bring clean water to young people in Africa. Focused on his humanitarian work, Jay stayed quiet about his relationship -- as usual -- and answered People magazine with a curt "No," when asked if he was inspired to adopt, like celebs Madonna and Angelina Jolie, while touring Africa. The mogul did elude to wanting a family at some point. "Most people dream of having a family someday," he told reporters. "So I'm just a regular American boy."

While reporters and paps insist on capturing a piece of the rap star's life with wife and R&B diva Beyonce, who was not in attendance last night, Jay managed to keep the attention to his cause. "Many charities, you close your eyes and cross your fingers and hope that the money gets to the people who really deserve it," Jay said. "But with this, I got to go to Africa, see the water pumps. I got to see the kids turn them on."

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Filed Under: Jay-Z

Categories: Hip-Hop