New Music: Poo Bear feat. Justin Bieber & Jay Electronica - 'Hard 2 Face Reality'

Justin Bieber and Jay Electronica make a surprising connection on “Hard 2 Face Reality,” a single off singer-songwriter Poo Bear’s upcoming album.

While frequent collaborators Poo Bear and Bieber handle the melodies and harmonies, Jay E supplies the bars.

“Rain’s a requirement for flowers to grow,” he raps. “And pain’s a requirement for power to grow / It’s a miracle how one could change from what one was just hours ago.”

The Roc Nation MC’s intricately woven verse also references shifting perspectives about Michael Jackson. “One day, you could be the King of Pop,” he acknowledges. “The next one, just be ‘Wacko’ Michael.”

Poo Bear says he wrote “Hard 2 Face Reality” for Justin Bieber three years ago. After retooling the track, he added Jay Electronica. “I’m a lyricist,” Poo Bear told Rolling Stone. “[Jay Electronica is] every rapper’s favorite rapper. I’ve always been a fan of his brain. I’m really into witty brains and minds. That’s the business that I’m in: writing.”

Bieber also approved of the collaboration. “I played it for him as a surprise,” he added. “He was excited to hear it. He was impressed. Poo Bear, Justin Bieber and Jay Electronica – it just sounds weird. But it’s cool for the world to hear more of Jay. And I think a lot of new fans are going to get introduced to him. I’m just a songwriter, but with the Beliebers, that fan base is the world.”

If fans don’t know Poo Bear, they certainly know his work. After all, 112, Usher, Justin Bieber, and J Balvin are among his songwriting clients. He was also one of the parties responsible for Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee, and Justin Bieber’s chart-topping sensation “Despacito (Remix).”

“Hard 2 Face Reality” is set to appear on Poo Bear’s solo album, Poo Bear Presents Bearthday Music, which also features contributions from Ty Dolla $ign and J Balvin.