Jay-Z, Meet Ellen Grossman - NYTimes.com In "When My Friend Ellen Grossman Met Jay-Z," Tanzina Vega writes about the woman in the video posted above. WHERE did the rapper Jay-Z meet Ellen Grossman, a 67-year-old woman who did not know who he was? WHEN did the encounter happen? HOW does this writer describe her friend? WHAT were some "unfounded" worries this reporter had about what people might say and write about her friend? WHY, according to Ms. Grossman, have so many people been charmed by the video? WHOM do you wish would sit down next to you on public transportation and introduce themselves? Related: Our Student Opinion question, "Who Would Be the Ideal Celebrity Neighbor?"