Pharrell Announces JAY-Z Collaboration 'Entrepreneur'
Pharrell and JAY-Z got another one.
On Friday, the super-producer and rap icon will release their new collaboration called “Entrepreneur,” which coincides with the release of Pharrell’s new TIME cover package, “The New American Revolution.”
Produced by The Neptunes, the triumphant track is a celebration of Black ambition and touches on the systemic injustice that Black people have faced in the U.S. “In this position with no choice / The system imprison young Black boys / Distract with white noise,” Pharrell whispers.
.@Pharrell Williams and Jay-Z will release a new song on Friday, “Entrepreneur,” in conjunction with Williams’ new TIME cover package, “The New American Revolution.”
See an exclusive preview here: https://t.co/xdkbEqEmif pic.twitter.com/zNA6PllDmv
— TIME (@TIME) August 20, 2020
“The intention for a song was all about how tough it is to be an entrepreneur in our country to begin with,” he tells TIME. “Especially as someone of color, there’s a lot of systemic disadvantages and purposeful blockages. How can you get a fire started, or even the hope of an ember to start a fire, when you’re starting at disadvantages with regards to health care, education, and representation?”
On his powerful verse, Hov preaches the importance of supporting Black businesses or owning one yourself. “Black Twitter, what’s that? / When Jack gets paid, do you? / For every one Gucci, support two FUBUs,” he raps. “Serial entrepreneur / We on our own stop / Sittin’ around waiting for folks to throw you a bone / If you can’t buy the building, at least stock the shelf.”
“Entrepreneur,” which marks Pharrell and JAY-Z’s first collaboration since “APESHIT” in 2018, carries a unifying message. “The song is trying to communicate that when we stick together, treat each other better and welcome each other, there’s more money and more opportunity for everyone,” adds Pharrell.
The sheet music containing JAY-Z’s lyrics can be seen below.
