Though Beyoncé was nominated for four awards at the 2016 Emmys and never made it to the podium for Lemonade, she was able to make it up there in spirit. Many of the winners decided to quote, or attempted to quote, Jay Z's 2003 song "Public Service Announcement" from the Black Album, which references the rapper's relationship to the Queen Bey.
According to EW, at least four individuals managed to reference the song - each a little worst than the last.
The Jay Z quote-fest started out with Sterling K. Brown, who won the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or a Movie for The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story. He got on stage and gave a shout out to his wife, saying, "I got the hottest chick in the game rocking my chain."
Shortly thereafter, the awards kept on coming for The People vs. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story, as Courtney Vance won Outstanding Lead Actor for his portrayal as Johnny Cochran. He ended his speech with a quick shout out to his wife as well.
"To the woman who rocks my chain: Thank you, Angela Bassett. This one's for you, girl."
Things started to go downhill from there as others tried to reference their wives who rock their chains. John Oliver was disappointed he didn't get to see Beyoncé at the award show, but still took the opportunity to try and quote the "Public Service Announcement Line," saying, "I want to thank my wife - the hottest chain, or whatever." He won the award for Outstand Variety Talk Series over the night's host Jimmy Kimmel.
The final reference came from fellow Brit and slightly out of the loop man, Steven Moffat, who won Outstanding Television Movie with Sherlock: The Abominable Bride as co-creator and producer. He attempted the line, spitting out, "I want to thank my wife. Not only does she rock, whatever that was, but she produces the show."
In case anybody else wants to reference their wives and chains, the lyric goes, "Flyer than a piece of paper bearin' my name / Got the hottest chick in the game wearin' my chain."
They should also just listen to the full song from HOV.
