“Entrepreneur”; New Song By Jay-Z And Pharrell Drops On Friday

Pharrell and JAY-Z will release a new song, “Entrepreneur,” tomorrow (August 21), TIME reports. The song is part of Pharrell’s TIME cover package, titled “The New American Revolution.”

It includes interviews with Tyler, the Creator, Angela Davis, and others, discussing issues similar to those addressed in the song: “In this position with no choice, the system imprisons young Black boys, distract with white noise,” Pharrell sings, in lyrics quoted by TIME. JAY-Z, meanwhile, scrutinizes the social media model: “Black Twitter, what’s that? When Jack gets paid, do you?”

Pharrell told TIME the song stems from “how tough it is to be an entrepreneur in our country to begin with. Especially as someone of color, there’s a lot of systemic disadvantages and purposeful blockages. How can you get a fire started, or even the hope of an ember to start a fire, when you’re starting at disadvantages with regards to health care, education, and representation?”

In recent weeks, Pharrell has picked up an Emmy nomination (with Chad Hugo for their work on The Black Godfather) and rallied with the governor of Virginia to make Juneteenth a public holiday. JAY-Z’s Team Roc has helped advance several lawsuits over civil rights issues.