JAY-Z’s coming clean on “4:44.”
On the 10-track album, the rapper suggests he was unfaithful in his marriage to Beyoncé — rapping “I don’t deserve you” on the album’s title track — and also reflects on the kind of husband and father he hopes to be on songs like “Legacy.”
Here are some of the most fascinating track breakdowns from the rapper’s 13th solo album:
“Kill JAY-Z”
In the first track on the album, JAY-Z talks about his relationship with celebrities, including his former best friend, Kanye West. He raps, “But if everybody’s crazy then you’re one that’s insane.” He also addresses his sister-in-law, Solange, and that headline-making elevator fight after the 2014 Met Gala.
“The Story of O.J.”
JAY-Z uses the story of O.J. Simpson as a metaphor for the highs and lows of success, especially as a black man in America. “O.J. like I’m not black, I’m O.J…OK,” he raps, unconvinced. He also talks about building financial wealth by buying property instead of blowing his cash in nightclubs.
“4:44”
Many are calling the title track a response to Bey’s Lemonade album where she tells the painful story of a woman being cheated on. On this song, JAY-Z raps: “I apologize often womanize/Took for my child to be born/See through a woman’s eyes/Took for these natural twins to believe in miracles/Took me too long for this song/I don’t deserve you.”
“Legacy”
If you had any question just where JAY-Z’s head is at, he makes it clear on the final song on “4:44.” His daughter, Blue Ivy, helps on the track in which he talks about his desire to create generational wealth from his success, rapping, “That’s the key.”
Source-ABC
