This negative viewpoint of his can be seen in this line (most importantly his reaction, listen to how he says it): Jay takes 2 perspectives in order to urge people not to abandon recognition of their race, as being aware will help to bring change moreso. It shows that people want to separate themselves from molds, but that despite this, due to experiences related to skin colour, there continues to be a common thread and underlying sense of unity. The simply worded hook has so much to offer. His drums, sample flips, everything, No ID is a legend and absolutely kills it.Ī smooth mix of piano and vocal sample (of the legendary Nina Simone) begin “The Story of O.J.”, before Jay comes in discussing the labels that have been attributed to black people in various places of society. No ID handles all the production on the album, and each beat is fantastic and perfect for Jay’s crafting. Jay’s reflective lyrics flow incredibly well over the soulful (yet modern) No ID production. He ends the song on a few lines referencing how he ‘almost went Eric Benét’, Eric had continually cheated on Halle Berry, giving us a quick glimpse at a very prevalent regret Jay currently has that we will learn most about on the album's title track. He touches on his relationship with longtime friend and collaborator, Kanye West, and ultimately we can see they’re not in a good place. Soon after these lines he goes onto discuss how he must change for his children, his tears, pain, regret, and how the mentality he once needed for hustling is no longer necessary. It’s only fitting he opens up so much on the opening track. What makes “Kill Jay Z” so transparent is that in the process of examining his mistakes and how needs to change, he attacks the ego that has helped him to achieve so much. It appears as though he’s still learning how to live with his regrets. Eric Carter did survive the bullet, and Jay was only a child when this instance took place, but we can see his past mistakes still haunts him to this day. You'll never be enough, let's just keep it real, Jay Zįuck Jay Z, I mean, you shot your own brotherįirst thing off the bat, Jay is dismembering his persona and taking a more self-aware approach. No one knew what to expect from a 2017 Jay album, but it’s safe to say he surpassed any and all that prefaced him.ġ0 seconds into the appropriately titled first track, “Kill Jay Z”, we’re faced with these lines: It wasn’t much longer until more went up with a date (6.30.17) and a name, JAY Z. Curiosity began peaking when billboards and sign began appearing with nothing more that the the numbers “4:44”. With controversy at a high surrounding Jay’s respectability, everyone was hungry to hear what he had to say. And finally, his wife, Beyonce, made an entire album about him supposedly cheating on her. Then his once close friend, Kanye West, ranted against him. In the time span between 2013 and now, Solange (his sister-in-law), was caught hitting him in an elevator. The party-friendly, trap-influenced, attempt at mainstream pandering was about as interesting as watching paint dry. Although it did touch on serious topics here and there, it was far from what a 40 year old father would sound fitting discussing. Whether that be his collection of Basquiat paintings, designer clothes, or liquor preferences, by the end… well we got the point. Magna Carta Holy Grail, his previous album (from 2013), spent almost an hour telling us about his love for riches. Although there have certainly been instances of him being personal in the past (selling drugs to his mother, shooting his brother, feeling responsible for his nephews death, and so on), the large majority of his music has been braggadocio. This character being Jay Z, Hov, Jigga, but not Shawn Carter. Throughout all of Jay Z’s past albums, we've come to understand and love this character known for his drug dealing, no-strings-attached sex, and excessive wealth (Jay built his Roc-A-Fella dynasty, became CEO of Def Jam Recordings, and achieved so much more due to his ability to hustle).
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