Jay-Z and Pharrell Williams have released their collaborative new song, ‘Entrepreneur’.
The Neptunes are credited with production on the song, which is today (August 21).
“In this position without choice, the system imprisones young Black boys in captivity, with distractions with white noise,” Pharrell says about one verse, while Jay-Z asks: “Black Twitter, what is that? When Jack gets paid, do you? ‘, referring to Twitter CEO, Jack Dorsey.
He later adds: “Support for every Gucci two FUBUs.”
‘Entrepreneur’ came up with a music video showing black entrepreneurs, creatives and business owners around the world. Tyler, the Creator and Uncertain creator Issa Rae appears in the clip. It also pauses for a moment of silence for Nipsey Hussle, the influential rapper and entrepreneur in California who was shot dead last year.
Check it out below:
The song comes alongside a cover package that Williams has worked with TIID magazine. Called ‘The New American Revolution’, the package includes interviews with Tyler, The Creator, Angela Davis and more following the worldwide movement Black Lives Matter this summer. TIID have described the song as “a celebration of Black ambition.”
Talk about the song after TIID, Said Williams’ Entrepreneur ‘is about’ how difficult it is to be an entrepreneur in our country to begin with. Especially as one of color there are many systemic disadvantages and deliberate blockages.
“How can you start a fire, or even a member’s hope to start a fire, if you start with disadvantages regarding health care, education and representation?”
Williams added: “The song tries to communicate that if we hold each other, treat each other better and welcome each other, there is more money and more opportunity for everyone.”
TIID adds that the journal issue will examine “the systemic inequalities that Black people have experienced in the history of the United States and how a more equitable future can be achieved across policies, medicine, culture, sports and education. “
Back in June, Williams delivered a powerful speech to drive for legislation that would make Juneteenth – the day that marks the end of American slavery in 1865 – a state holiday in Virginia.
“This is a very special moment,” Williams said during his speech. ‘From that moment on you look up, you see the vastness of the night sky, and you see those stars moving up there – knowing that those stars are dancing our African ancestors.
‘She danced in celebration as her life was finally recognized. And I can not say it too many times today, a paid vacation. It’s not the end. It’s just the beginning. Their lives matter. The life of her offspring matters. Black life matters in the eyes of the Commonwealth. ‘
