ACL Artist Spotlight: Jay Z
Written by Kyle Moreau on October 6, 2017
Brooklyn’s finest, Sean Carter, better known as Jay-Z, returns to the spotlight with a headliner performance set for the Austin City Limits music festival October 6th and 13th at Zilker Park in Austin Texas. Jay-Z has garnered a substantial amount attention of late after the release of his widely successful and critically acclaimed thirteenth studio album 4:44. Singles from the album such as “The Story of O.J” and “4:44” have captured the attention of hip-hop enthusiasts everywhere with each touching on personal subjects such as race, wealth, and relationships. He is unafraid to talk about sensitive subjects in his music with “The Story of O.J.”, which discusses being black and wealthy in America, being accompanied by a music video which is full of racial imagery to emphasize his lyrics. Many people are attracted to Jay-Z’s music for the truthfulness behind his lyrics. Many of his songs include unrelenting descriptions of coming up in the world from nothing in a drug-ridden neighborhood, struggling with relationships, the struggles associated with coming into wealth, and his fear of losing it all. Jay-Z isn’t afraid to speak his mind on a track which adds an authenticity to his music by allowing the stories he tells to come to life.
Jay-Z has been a force in the hip-hop industry ever since the release of his initial album Reasonable Doubt in 1996. This album was released through Jay-Z’s own independent label “Roc-A-Fella Records” which was created out of desperation after no major labels would sign Jay to a deal. Each subsequent album since the release of Reasonable Doubt has gone platinum as “Roc-A-Fella Records” has transformed from a small indie label to a powerhouse in the hip-hop industry. Jay-Z has a large collection of awards to his name as well with 21 Grammy wins, 7 BET awards, and 3 AMA awards for categories such as best hip-hop album and best male hip-hop artist. Jay-Z is unique in the variety of music he releases with radio-friendly hits such as “Empire State of Mind” and gritty tracks such as “Can’t Knock the Hustle”. No matter which style of Jay-Z you prefer, it is undeniable that he has mastered his delivery with him getting the nickname “The Master of All Flows” back in the 90’s. Jay-Z continues to be a perfectionist and works harder than anyone else to perfect his craft and put out the best music possible for his fans.
Make sure to buy your ACL tickets today in order to see one of the greatest rappers of all time deliver one of his many iconic performances:
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