4:44 is Jay-Z’s 13th album released on June 30th, 2017. From his past drug dealing days, investments, and the music industry to cheating rumors, he comes clean and reveals the blueprint for success.
In the intro, “Kill Jay Z,” he addresses his past drug-selling habits. “You got people you love you sold drugs to.“ But growing up in the Marcy Projects, Brooklyn New York, this was everything he knew and his way of income. He would sell drugs to anybody, including close friends despite knowing its long-term effects. Fortunately, he stopped once he fully concentrated on the music.
In late 2016, he and Kanye West were not on the same page. Hence, conflicts started to arise. For those who don’t know, their relationship stretches back to the early 2000s. As a result, they even released a joint project called “Watch the Throne” (2011). So, where did it go left?
In 2015, Jay-Z acquired the streaming service TIDAL, which has rights to many artists including Kanye. After exclusively releasing his album “The Life of Pablo” on TIDAL, Ye would rant about Jay.
Moreover, he felt the streaming service policies prevented him from collaborating with other artists. “You gave him twenty million without blinking / he gave you twenty minutes on stage.” Although they later reconciled, a “Watch the Throne 2” may never see the light of the day.
“The Story of O.J.” has him reflecting on missed financial opportunities. “I could have bought a place in DUMBO for like 2 million / That building today is worth 25 million.“ Something he can’t stress enough is to invest but some artists prefer the fastest route and sign the first music deal they are offered.
“Smile“ finds Gloria Carter having the strength of coming out as a lesbian. “Living in the shadow / Can you imagine what kind of life it is to live? / Love who you love because life isn’t guaranteed.” He came to acceptance of his mother’s sexuality.
When Jay-Z acquired TIDAL, music artist Prince (R.I.P.) was eager to work with him and even gave TIDAL exclusive content. “I sat down with Prince eye to eye / he told me his wishes before he died.” However, after his death in April 2016, Prince’s state and lawyers took over his catalog.
Since early in his career, Prince felt his former label was blackballing him and his record contract was unfair. “This guy had ‘Slave’ on his face / You think he wanted the masters with his masters?” On “4:44,” Jay alludes that if not played the cards right, a musician can have a short career and eventually become a slave.
Another topic, in 4:44 Jay Z discusses, is the cheating allegations against his wife Beyoncé. Back in April 2016, she released her sixth studio album called “Lemonade.” On the track, “Sorry“, Bey sings “Today I regret the night I put that ring on / He better call Becky with the good hair.” The ball was on Jay’s court.
On the self-titled track, he finally comes clean. “Took me too long for this song I don’t deserve you / You risked that for Blue?” However, on “Family Feud“ featuring Beyoncé herself, they seem to have patched their marriage and even released a joint LP “EVERYTHING IS LOVE” (2018).
Furthermore, on the next tracks, “Bam” and “Moonlight“, he continues firing back at the new generation of rap while still revealing the blueprint for success.
“I’m trying to give you a milion dollars worth of game for $9.99.”
-Jay-Z, The Story of O.J. (2017)
On “Marcy Me“, Jay reminisces about his childhood and what it was like growing up in the projects. Unfortunately, not every story has a happy ending. The majority never make it out of the system. Lastly, on “Legacy“, he celebrates his achievements and how he plans to leave a will to his family.
“4:44” itself has many more messages to break it down in its entirety. Knowing his craft with the pen, such records can take up to years to fully decipher. Within every stream, there is a discovery.
To conclude, his venture expands beyond music. From 40/40 clubs to clothing companies to partnering with the alcohol brand Armand de Brignac. Jay-Z is Hip-Hop’s first billionaire.
Watch “Family Feud” and listen to “4:44” in the link below.
