Former ‘Saturday Night Live’ Writer Remembers Jay-Z’s Request to Swap Out a Character During Will Ferrell Sketch

Jay-Z’s Memorable Moment on SNL

Former Saturday Night Live writer Harper Steil recalled how Jay-Z once changed the mood during a sketch with Will Ferrell.

The Sketch and Its Background

In the sketch, which aired in December 2000, the rapper, Memphis of Slik, and Binya Siegel accompanied Ferrell as his character-singer, Robert Gule, to promote his album “Rap-N-Roll” with the song “Murder in the Ball Hall.”

During the dress rehearsal, which occurred just hours before the live show, Steel shared Jay-Z’s unusual request.

“I get there between dress and air, and Jay-Z says: ‘Can we get a real joint?’ And I said: ‘Yes, you are Jay. Of course, you can.’ I got this joint. Jay-Z used it on the air,” said Steel on Late Night with Seth Meyers. “The whole studio smelled of pot until the end of the night.”

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The Reunion and Recent Developments

Steil recently appeared in the Netflix documentary Will and Harper, which focuses on the friendship between Ferrell and Steil. They met during Saturday Night Live in the 90s, and their bond has lasted for over 30 years.

Ferrell also made a comeback on the program for its 50th-anniversary concert, performing a comedic version of Kendrick Lamar’s “HUMBLE.”

SNL50: Homecoming Concert, a three-hour special celebrating the 50th anniversary, aired on February 16. Ferrell showcased performances featuring artists like Post Malone, who collaborated with the remaining members of Nirvana, while David Byrne joined Robin to perform “Dancing on My Own.” Jack White played “Seven Nation Army,” and Lady Gaga teamed up with Andy Samberg for an unexpected medley of Lonely Island hits.

During this memorable episode, past and present superstars, including Paul Simon and Sabrina Carpenter, sang “Homeward Bound” together, while Paul McCartney made his fifth appearance on the show, performing a medley of songs from The Beatles’ “Abbey Road.”

Meanwhile, a woman who claimed she was sexually abused by Jay-Z and Sean “Diddy” Combs when she was 13 in 2000 recently voluntarily recalled her lawsuit.