JAY-ZFEATURING: GWEN DICKEY

WISHING ON A STAR

By Moteleola Makinde-Akanni

VideoThe Video ‘Wishing On A Star’ portrays a story of

Jay-Z’s childhood trials and tribulations growing up in his city Marcyville in the 1980’s. In my opinion this song shows the perseverance of those from deprived family backgrounds surrounded by drugs , violence and their dreams to escape. To begin with the song’s title ‘Wishing On A Star’ already illustrates the optimistic tone of the hip-hop song . Though this song touches on recurring subjects, such as :drugs, superficial women and boastfulness typical to the rap/ hip-hop genre, it does so in a deeper fashion as opposed to the ignorant bragging nature of other rappers. The music video is shot in black white. A colourful music video would remove the essence of depression and struggles as colours usually symbolise fun as opposed to the black and white’s dullness and maturity. A young actor playing Jay-Z visually emphasises how young some drug dealers are. Therefore evoking sympathy from the audience. However in contrast to the youth representation this is countered by the maturity of the lyrics from ‘I was too deep for you from day one ,that’s’ why we never had relations, continued in my own zone’ . This quote illustrates the maturity they upheld above superficial women.

‘Reminesin on days I didn't have a pot to piss inNo watches to glisin, no V's with hot systemsMissin my homies that passed right in front of my eyes’ describes just some of the personal ordeals Jay-Z had to live through.

In my opinion by not starring Jay-Z or Gwen Dickey in the music video and allowing it to narrate a story lends the soundtrack realism. In addition this allows the story to be relatable by others as the young boy could be anyone person.

Synergy with the artist

Jay-Z now owns the clothing brand Rocawear.

Jay-z now has an extension of the Skullcandy headphone brand, called the Rocnation Aviators. Jay-Z now owns the 40/40

club, a sports bar and lounge with a club atmosphere.

Jay-Z was CEO of Def-Jam now he owns his own record label Roc Nation, which owns such artists as: J Cole, No ID, Wale, Rita Ora, Chase and Status, Solange Knowles and more.

Jay-z also co-owns the basketball New-Jersey Nets.

Jay-z also has a book to be released on the 16/11/10 called Decoded. A collection of lyrics and their meanings that together tell the story of a culture and an art form.