Another day, another “Magna Carta Holy Grail” teaser video. In anticipation of his forthcoming 12th studio solo album, Jay-Z released two new previews for songs, “Jay-Z Blue (Daddy Dearest)” and “Heaven.”
Although both songs are inspired by Jay-Z’s daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, they’re nowhere near the same. The preview video for “Jay-Z Blue,” which dropped earlier today, features the rapper discussing fatherhood and manhood with iconic producer Rick Rubin. It begins lighthearted: “[She’s] something that we both created; we still marvel her,” Jay tells Rick Rubin. But the mood changes as Jay addresses his fatherless upbringing, wondering if he’s prepared to handle the responsibilities of raising a daughter and maintaining his marriage to Beyonce.
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“My pop left when I was young, so he didn’t teach me how to be a man, nor how to raise a child, or treat a woman. So, of course, my karma, the two things I need, I don’t have. And I have a daughter.”
“It’s the paranoia of not being a great dad,” he concludes.
Where “Jay-Z Blue” has Jay contemplating his life as a father and husband, “Heaven” has him contemplating the uncertainties of heaven and hell.
“For me, my idea of heaven is in your daughter’s laughter; hell could be if your child is missing for three minutes–you’re in three minutes of hell,” he tells Rick Rubin. “It’s just not my belief that a just God would make you burn for eternity for [the] free will that he gave you.”
Earlier this week, Jay released the lyrics for “Heaven.” Along with borrowing some lines from another ’90s alternative rock band (this time, the R.E.M. classic, “Losing My Religion”), “Heaven” has him attacking Illuminati rumors, and proclaiming himself a rap prophet.
“Jay-Z Blue” and “Heaven” are only the latest previews leading up to next week’s “Magna Carta Holy Grail.” Jay has also given fans sneak peeks of tracks “Ocean” (featuring Frank Ocean), “Holy Grail” (featuring Justin Timberlake) and “Part II (On The Run)” (featuring Beyoncé).
“Magna Carta Holy Grail” will be available on July 4 for Samsung Galaxy owners that downloaded the album’s mobile app. The album will be available for retail sale on July 7.
In anticipation of the album, Jay will perform on the marquee of the Ed Sullivan Theatre (“The Late Show With David Letterman”) on July 8, according to Rap Radar.
Check out the lyric sheet for “Jay-Z Blue” below:
