Independence day has been most commonly associated with picnics, fireworks, baseball games and the like. But as always, Jay-Z finds a way to re-write HIStory and insert himself. As of today not only is July 4th the day that the United States declared its independence from Great Britain, but its the day Jay-Z declared himself as the boy from the hood turned mogul who makes New Rules.
As if brining the New Jersey Nets to Brooklyn wasn’t enough; Magna Carta Holy Grail was released July 4th at 12:01 AM FREE to one million Samsung Galaxy S III, S4 and Note II users of the new Magna Carta Holy Grail App. In true Hov fashion the futuristic/technologically advanced ploy shut down the net; fans expressed their frustration through social media sites of all sorts. Jay-Z not only etched himself into association with July 4th; but yesterday The RIAA announced that digital sales will begin counting towards Gold and Platinum certification right away, instead of its previous 30 day wait. How convenient for Blue Ivy’s daddy; he is already Platinum and the album doesn’t officially drop for non Samsung users until July 9th.
The album is mostly produced by Timbaland and Pharell; but also has tracks from Swizz Beatz, new comer Boi-1da, Hit Boy who produced “Ni**as in Paris” for Watch the Throne and The Dream; along with vocal appearances from Blue Ivy’s mom, Frank Ocean, Justin Timberlake and more. So far my favorite track off of the album is Nickles & Dimes. Jay dialogues with himself about finding a balance between wealth and humility and whether he does charitable things for sake of his own guilt or because he actually wants to do it to help another.
If you haven’t heard the album it’s definitely something you’d want to hear; Jay-Z continues to make history and maintain his status as a person in music to be remembered.
