Pharrell and JAY-Z collide on a new track called "Entrepreneur," which drops on Friday (August 21) in conjunction with the former's new Time magazine cover.
Skateboard P's inclusion in the upcoming feature, which has been dubbed The New American Revolution, also features conversations with Angela Davis, Tyler, the Creator, Naomi Osaka and Geoffrey Canada on the struggle of Black America, particularly the systematic inequalities. "Entrepreneur," which was produced by The Neptunes, hits on that narrative, detailing the hardships bestowed to people of color before even starting careers in business. Click here to hear a snippet!
"The intention for a song was all about how tough it is to be an entrepreneur in our country to begin with," the super-producer said in a statement to the magazine. "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?"
As for HOV's featured verse, the hip-hop titan pivots to the importance of supporting Black businesses. "Black Twitter, what’s that? When Jack gets paid, do you?" he spits in reference to Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey. "For every one Gucci, support two FUBU’s."
"When you have successful beehive-type communities where you can circulate money within your community, it makes a huge difference," Pharrell continued of the song. "They keep saying the American Dream is about the house and picket fence, the wife and two kids. Come on—let’s be honest. It’s always boiled down to money and an opportunity."
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