Double Tap to Zoom

In the wake of George Floyd's murder, media discourse has sharpened around America's history of systematic racism and how that system continues to disadvantage and endanger Black Americans. But Pharrell and Jay-Z’s new "Entrepreneur" video clip doesn't confine Black identity to the past, nor does it present it through a lens of trauma alone. Instead, musical titans offer a future-focused narrative that centers Black excellence and entrepreneurship.

As part of the “New American Revolution” package he curated for TIME Magazine, Williams argues that economic empowerment is key to uplifting all communities. “When you have successful beehive-type communities where you can circulate money within your community, it makes a huge difference,” he told TIME. “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.”

Like the broader message of Williams' TIME issue, "Entrepreneur" makes the case that America deserves "a Black future" while foregrounding the accomplishments of Black people, like Tyler, the Creator and “Insecure’s” Issa Rae, as well as LA skate shop owners, and Princeton’s first Black valedictorian.

At a time when Black death and pain has inundated the news cycle and social media, "Entrepreneur" shows that there are many other stories that also need to be told. And though the track and video are celebrations of Black success, Williams acknowledges that that success comes at a far higher price for people of color.

“The intention for a song was all about how tough it is to be an entrepreneur in our country to begin with,” Williams explains. “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?”

"Entrepreneur" debuted as part of TIME's New American Revolution project which features conversations with Angela DavisTyler the CreatorNaomi OsakaGeoffrey Canada on how a more equitable future might be achieved across policy, medicine, culture, sports, and education.

Watch the "Entrepreneur" video below.

Your Highsnobiety privacy settings have blocked this YouTube video.
We Recommend
  • Pharrell Is Building His Legacy Brick by Brick
  • Pharrell’s Secret to an Unbelievably Stylish Wardrobe? Be Boring
  • Pharrell Talks Meditation, Mentorship, & Creative Methods
  • Here's How Pharrell's Friends Think His Brain Works
What To Read Next
  • New Balance's Techy Runner Was Already Fresh. Now It's Military Fresh
  • How Does the World's Premier Artisanal Shoemaker Go About Making a Trendy Sneaker?
  • Nike's Swarovski-Covered Running Shoes Are Almost Too Lavish for Running
  • It Took a Decade to Perfect This Proudly Un-Technical Trek Gear
  • From ASICS to Vans, the Seven Best Sneakers to Cop Right Now
  • A Military Boot-Style Air Jordan Steps Out of the Shadows