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Pharrell Williams and JAY-Z Team Up on 'Entrepreneur'
Mogul talk.
Pharrell Williams and JAY-Z reunite on their powerful collaboration “Entrepreneur.” Produced by The Neptunes, the triumphant track is a celebration of Black ambition while confronting 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 / The brainwashed become hype boys,” whispers Pharrell over the soulful groove.
On his insightful verse, Shawn Carter preaches the importance of supporting Black businesses. “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.”
“The intention for a song was all about how tough it is to be an entrepreneur in our country to begin with,” Pharrell told 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?”
The celebratory video spotlights the achievements of over a dozen Black entrepreneurs including Nipsey Hussle, Tyler, The Creator, Issa Rae, Robert Hartwell, Debbie Allen, and more.