JAY-Z draws on a history of drug trafficking, both illegal and legal, for DJ Khaled’s “God Did,” analyzed by MSNBC’s Ari Melber and praised by LeBron James
JAY-Z tackles challenging issues in his new collaboration with DJ Khaled.
The title track from DJ Khaled’s new album God Did, released on Friday. Features Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, John Legend, Friday, and a much-discussed verse from JAY-Z. That refers to his experience selling life-sustaining Substances illegally and legally. The United States’ “cruel” drug laws.
Referring to his notorious past as a drug dealer in Brooklyn. The 52-year-old rap icon begins his verse by asking God to forgive him for using the stove to make drugs long before he found fame. JAY-Z also mentions how far he’s come since then, citing himself, Kanye West, and Rihanna as the three billionaire musicians he helped create. (He also said LeBron James, associated with JAY’s Roc Nation, was “technically” fourth.)
“I left the drug game on a clean note / I turned cocaine into champagne,” Hov continued. Referring to a non-existent drug-related criminal record and how he ended up founding the champagne brand Ace of Spades and later owning half of it at the fashion house LMVH sold.
JAY-Z then talked about legalizing marijuana and how he now sells the substance through his company Monogram, featured on Forbes.
“Rate as you like, say we’re going to the company,” he hit back at all the critics.
The rap legend highlights how far he’s come in life. Nodding to his transition from dealing drugs to working with Roc Nation signer Rihanna, 34. Alongside her manager Jay Brown (nickname Breezy) for brands like brands like FentyBeauty. “No matter the deal / We push Fenty like Fentanyl, it’s all legit.”
In “God Did,” he also talks about how he helped his childhood friend Emory Jones change his life after serving ten years in prison for drug trafficking by getting him a job at JAY’s company, Rocawear-Z.