Jay-Z’s “Open Letter” Silences Critics
April 11, 2013 by Staff
From fake pregnancies to the ever-elusive Illuminati, there’s nothing that hasn’t been said about Jay-Z and Beyoncé. Yet the power couple rarely addresses gossip despite being targeted by countless rumors on any given day. But today is different and Jay-Z has clearly had enough. Early this morning, the hip hop mogul released an “Open Letter” via his Life and Times site. The no holds barred track is undoubtedly his response to the latest headlines.
Not one to mince words, he immediately addresses the controversy surrounding his and Beyoncé’s recent trip to Cuba. “I done turned Havana to Atlanta / Guayabera shirts and bandannas,” Jay-Z boasts. Recall that the recent criticism came to a head when Florida politicians spoke out. Senator Rubio challenged that the Obama administration had not properly enforced the ban on Cuban tourism and thereby approved the funding of an oppressive regime.
But Hov reassures the critics, “Boy from the hood got White House clearance.” Unapologetic in his delivery, Jay-Z wants everyone to know that he’s sorry he’s not sorry. “Politicians never did s**t for me / Except lie to me, distort history,” he declares. “Wanna give me jail time and a fine / Fine, let me commit a real crime.”
As if those searing lyrics weren’t enough, the seasoned rapper moves on to brag about his most recent ventures, which include a new Roc Nation deal with Universal and the shift from Brooklyn Nets minority shareholder to sports agent. “Got an onion from Universal, read it and weep / Could’ve bought the Nets to Brooklyn for free / Except I made millions off it, you f**kin’ dweeb/ I still own the building, I’m still keeping my seat/ Y’all buy that bulls**t, you’d better keep your receipt.”
And in case you forgot just how much power he yields, Jay flaunts his political connections. “Obama said chill, you gonna get me impeached” he raps. “But you don’t need this s**t anyway/ Chill with me on the beach.”
Produced by Timbaland and Swizz Beatz, “Open Letter” is the hip-hop heavyweight’s first solo track since he released a touching tribute to daughter Blue Ivy last year. Not unlike his wife’s much-talked about single “Bow Down,” Jay-Z doesn’t hesitate to flex when necessary. But perhaps what this song best illustrates is that there’s nothing more powerful than the almighty pen.