The Story of O.J. by Jay-Z (2017)

From blackwiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
The Story of O.J. Cover

The Story of O.J. is a song released on June 30, 2017 by American hip hop artist Jay-Z, from his 13th studio album 4:44. The hip hop song was produced by the singer himself and No I.D.. Following the release of the album, the song reached number 23 on the US Billboard Hot 100, as well as peaked at number 88 on the UK Singles Chart. The song, which also features samples from Four Women by Nina Simone’s song, received three nominations at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards: Record of the Year, Best Rap Song, and Best Music Video. [1]

Jay-Z

Key Lyrics

Skin is, skin, is

Skin black, my skin is black

My, black, my skin is yellowLight nigga, dark nigga, faux nigga, real nigga

Rich nigga, poor nigga, house nigga, field nigga

Still nigga, still nigga

I like that second one

Light nigga, dark nigga, faux nigga, real nigga

Rich nigga, poor nigga, house nigga, field nigga

Still nigga, still nigga [2]

Black Empowerment

The Story of O.J. depicts stereotypes associated of African-Americans as the video touches African-American culture, shows various roles within the black community, and how black people are affected by money. The line rumored which has been uttered by Simon in one interview, "I'm not black, I'm O.J.," refers to the idea that fame and wealth can surpass race. [3]

The song title refers to the former NFL running back, O.J. Simpson who was accused and acquitted of killing his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman. This song also features Nina Simone’s Four Women song, the story about four black women with different skin colors and the difficulties they faced. The metaphor from Simone’s four women in the chorus tells that no matter how wealthy or poor one person is, light skinned or dark one, people of color are more relevant markers in a racist society. [4]

In other words, the song's theme points how one's skin color can be viewed in society. Regardless their financial status or class, or even levels of fame.

“There was no doubt that ‘The Story of O.J.’ was going to be one of the [songs] most spoken about,” Kutch adds. “Just like he did in Reasonable Doubt 21 years [earlier], JAY tells the story about the world around him. The story has changed, but it is still told in an incredibly honest, poignant, and poetic fashion that only he can do.” [5]

References