The Nina Simone-sampling clip, directed by the rapper and Mark Romanek, plays off and subverts traditional African-American stereotypes. The style of the cartoon is a direct nod to the racist minstrel animations of the early 20th century where many black stereotypes that continue to pervade culture originated from.
Speaking on the song to iHeartRadio, Jay-Z said, “‘The Story of OJ’ is really a song about we as a culture, having a plan, how we’re gonna push this forward. We all make money, and then we all lose money, as artists especially. But how, when you have some type of success, to transform that into something bigger.”
The rapper released his new album – his first since 2013’s Magna Carta Holy Grail – as a Tidal exclusive on June 30th. It’s unclear how long the album will remain exclusive to the streaming service, or if a physical release is planned. He also partnered with iHeartRadio to air the album on 160 radio stations nationally until July 1st at midnight ET.
The new album comes weeks after mysterious “4:44” subway posters and banner ads started cropping up without explanation. It was soon revealed that 4:44 was, in part, an upcoming Tidal-only film starring Mahershala Ali, Lupita Nyong’o and Danny Glover. Jay-Z’s mom Gloria Carter, Frank Ocean, Damian Marley, Beyoncé, The-Dream and Blue Ivy Carter all appear on the album.
HOV’s fans can tune into his new album over the next 24 hours for free via iHeartRadio’s 160 Pop, Rhythm and Urban radio stations. The new release will continue to spin across iHeartMedia’s Urban and Rhythm stations until midnight July 1, along with “never-before-heard” commentary from Mr Carter.
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