Jay-Z verses can sometimes feel rarer (and more valuable) than diamonds. After all, fans haven’t seen new solo work from Hov since 2017’s 4:44. But he’s been relatively active as far as collaborations, contributing an exultant verse to Kanye West’s Donda anthem “Jail” and working with Nas, Nipsey Hussle and Meek Mill, among others.
Back with Guns Blazing
Now it seems another first-rate Hov collab is on the way, this time with Kid Cudi. The untitled, unreleased song slyly premiered as the backdrop to a new trailer for upcoming Netflix western “The Harder They Fall.” The film, which Jay-Z executive produced, follows an outlaw who, upon realizing his nemesis has been released from prison, rounds up a gang of allies to track him down and serve revenge. The star-studded cast includes Jonathan Majors, Idris Elba, Regina King and Lakeith Stanfield.
As if excitement for the stacked new Western wasn’t high enough, the hype only grew when listeners noticed bars from the never-before-heard Jay Z & Cudi track. In the trailer, we hear Kid Cudi’s voice call “I can make the guns go bang,” over a cinematic, horn-heavy beat. Later, Hov’s voice is unmistakable. rapping “Crosses on the head of an angel/ Faithful till the end, bullets with your name drew, cock back, aim, shoot.” As characters narrowly escape shoot-outs, car chases and saloon fights, Hov and Cudi trade intense bars, perfectly setting the scene.
Is There More Jay-Z in Store?
“The Harder They Fall” will premiere on Netflix on November 3rd. The new song marks the first fans have heard of the film’s soundtrack. With Jay-Z as executive producer, many fans wonder if that soundtrack will mean more new songs from Hov. Either way, the new clip sounds like a full return to old-school form for Jay-Z.
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