Damson Idris Pulled A Favor From Jay-Z To Obtain His Green Card

BYAron A.Published on March 28, 20232.9K Views

Jay-Z was one of Damson Idris' references on his green card application.

Damson Idris’ relationship with Jay-Z helped him obtain his green card in the United States. The Snowfall actor appeared on Complex this week where Speedy Mormon asked him about Lori Harvey, and his relationship with Hov, who became a reference when he applied for permanent residence status in the U.S. Idris appeared perplexed by the question, though he confirmed Jay-Z came through for him on his application.

“Hov didn’t offer that up. I had to ask him,” Damson Idris shared about Jay-Z. “But he’s done many things for me over the years. He’s always supported me. He supports everyone. He supports so many people that you don’t even know. Like, genuinely I should tell everyone this right now: If you ever run into Jay-Z, just say thank you and keep it moving because he is definitely a pioneer of the culture, but of everything.”

Damson Idris Needs More Favors From Jay-Z

The Swarm star also explained that a few other individuals in the industry helped him out, though he wouldn’t reveal how he approached Jay-Z for the favor. “I won’t tell you how it happened ’cause there’s a couple more favors that I’m gonna need in the future,” Idris added. “but yeah, he hooked me up with that. Rich Paul did too. Tommy Schlamme, Eric Schrier — a bunch people hooked me up. They’re people who just believe in me, believe this journey that I’m on and I’m gonna repay the favor to the people coming behind me, too.”

Their relationship has come a long way. A few years ago, Damson Idris revealed that Jay-Z once clowned him during a Zoom birthday celebration for Lenny S. Idris explained he popped into the Zoom call with his shirt off thinking it would only be a few people. “I hear a distinctive voice and [he’s] like, ‘Aye man, this man’s in here topless with his nipples out and he got the grey headboard. Who’s in charge of the Zoom? Yo, Shafer you in charge of the Zoom? Yeah, you see that guy Damson? Kick him out,’” Damson Idris recalled in his best Jay-Z impression. Clearly, Hov didn’t hold this one moment against Idris. Check out his interview with Complex above.

About The Author

Aron A.

Aron A. is a features editor for HotNewHipHop. Beginning his tenure at HotNewHipHop in July 2017, he has comprehensively documented the biggest stories in the culture over the past few years. Throughout his time, Aron’s helped introduce a number of buzzing up-and-coming artists to our audience, identifying regional trends and highlighting hip-hop from across the globe. As a Canadian-based music journalist, he has also made a concerted effort to put spotlights on artists hailing from North of the border as part of Rise & Grind, the weekly interview series that he created and launched in 2021. Aron also broke a number of stories through his extensive interviews with beloved figures in the culture. These include industry vets (Quality Control co-founder Kevin "Coach K" Lee, Wayno Clark), definitive producers (DJ Paul, Hit-Boy, Zaytoven), cultural disruptors (Soulja Boy), lyrical heavyweights (Pusha T, Styles P, Danny Brown), cultural pioneers (Dapper Dan, Big Daddy Kane), and the next generation of stars (Lil Durk, Latto, Fivio Foreign, Denzel Curry). Aron also penned cover stories with the likes of Rick Ross, Central Cee, Moneybagg Yo, Vince Staples, and Bobby Shmurda.