Call it curious timing but on the eve of the release of Nas’ surprise album King’s Disease, Jay-Z has joined Pharrell for the release of “Entrepreneur.” The song arrives supporting a massive campaign powered by a partnership between Williams and Time magazine. The New American Revolution, a special project curated by Pharrell, examines America’s oppressive past – and potential for an equitable future.
The project’s timing is convenient and possibly a scramble to assemble something to speak to current social and political qualms. The full track release is available Friday, August 21. Today, at 5 am, a promotional video teasing the track Time while linking to a press-release style article including the sheet music and background of what the song means.
“I’m Black ambition / I’m always whisperin’
Lyrics from “Entrepreneur” by Pharrell Williams and Jay-Z
They keep tellin’ me I will not / but will won’t listen”
The project features conversations with prominent Black figures Angela Davis, Tyler The Creator, Naomi Osaka, Geoffrey Canada, and many more. The conversation centers around the impact of systemic inequalities for Black people. The observation timeline covers the past in addition to the present to build a solution for the past.
Black Twitter, what’s that? When Jack gets paid, do you?
Lyrics from “Entrepreneur” by Pharrell Williams and Jay-Z
For every one Gucci, support two FUBU’s.”
Despite the funny stuff involved (the timing and Jay-Z with Jack Dorsey, Twitter CEO, in the Hampton), the campaign serves as a reminder that both Black joy and Black ambition are still a protest. A perfect segue for the conversation I personally started with my recent opinion piece about my life as a queer, Black cannabis advocate.
spotify:track:7E1lnnPsrnHslXSWomUkLP
