Jay-Z has released his first new solo track in over a year, “Open Letter,” via his Life + Times website yesterday morning which commented on recent events in Jay and Beyonce’s life, including the controversy surrounding their “educational” trip to Cuba, as well as his sale of his share in theBrooklyn Nets.
The track was produced by Timabland and Swizz Beatz and recorded just last night. Swizz Beatz called in to Hot 97 this morning to discuss the track. According to the Huffington Post, he told the New York Hip-Hop station that the track began in Jay’s office. “I had the portable drum machine with me, then we went down to the 40/40 [club] to watch the game,” he said. “Then [Timbaland] came by and was like, ‘That beat is crazy.’ Next morning, Jay called me with verses.” Hot 97 PD Ebro Darden is also heard on the track, as is Trey Songz.
Referencing the controversy around his visit to Cuba, Jay raps, “Politicians never did sh-t for me / except lie to me, distort history,” adding that he “done turned Havana into Atlanta.” He continues,“They wanna give me jail time and a fine — Fine, let me commit a real crime. / Obama said, ‘Chill you’re going to get me impeached’ / You don’t need this sh-t anyway, chill with me on the beach.”
It has been reported that Jay-Z must sell off his share of the Nets to make his move into becoming an agent for atheletes, as per NBA rules. That is also referenced on “Open Letter,” with“I woulda moved the Nets to Brooklyn for free / Except I made millions off you f–king dweebs / I still own the building, I’m still keeping my seats / You buy that bullsh-t, you better keep your receipts.”
You can hear “Open Letter below”:
