What is the big deal about the friendly hug Rihanna gave Jay Z before pulling him onstage to accept her Grammy? That hug was an innocent one between a protege and her mentor. According to close associates, Jay Z is like a big brother to Rihanna. Give it up already! So what if she gave him a hug? As you can see from this video, he extended his arms to her and she gave him a hug because he was a big reason for her winning. But leave it to messy women to make something out of nothing.