Pharrell Williams and Jay-Z's Powerful New Song Celebrate Entrepreneurs, Struggle, Hope , Ambition

The five-minute video is a story that many entrepreneurs can relate to. And the biggest learning is how racism, casteism, and classism are feed into each other around the globe

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By Priyadarshini Patwa

Facebook/ Jay-Z/Pharrell Williams

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The two powerhouses Pharrell Williams and Jay-Z have released their new single 'Entrepreneur' together and within no time it has created waves around the globe. In a matter of four days, the video has got over 10.66 million views.

Directed by Calmatic and Produced by Candice Dragonas, Tina Pavlides & Lola Ridgell, the song comes across as a powerful testimony that simply touches your heart instantly. The song brings forward a series of Black entrepreneurs and highlights their social and business journey.

Powerful Stories of Black Entrepreneurs:

The five-minute video is a story that many entrepreneurs can relate to as each of them has in some or the other way faced and overcome the same situations. Featuring among many are Rapper Tyler, The Creator, filmmaker Issa Rae, Broadway performer Robert Hartwell. Every story leaves an impact on you and leaves an emotional imprint on you. There is also a beautiful moment of silence late American rapper, activist, and entrepreneur Nipsey Hussle.

With the moment 'Black Lives Matter' and ongoing protest against the racial violence and brutality against Black people, this song comes as the perfect narration of what disadvantages and obstruction as someone of colour go through.

Talking about what made Willam come up with the song, he said to Variety, "The intention for a song was all about 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?"

Image Credit: Youtube/ PharrellWilliamsVEVO

Story of Every Indian and Global Entrepeneur:

While the song highlights one section of the society, it does resonate feelings and thoughts of those who have been suppressed based on caste, race, creed in other parts of the world. India has always been divided based on caste and battle between the upper and the lower is quite similar to the struggle recited in the song.

Throughout the video, Jay Z is seen promoting the importance of Black business, supporting each other, and starting one's venture. It's interesting to see how the song also comes at a time when India is finally focusing on homegrown companies and promoting the agenda 'Vocal for Local'.

The video also features other entrepreneurs Six Sev, TyAnthony Davis, Vincent Williams, Chace Infinite, Chef Alisa, Iddris Sandu, Beatrice Dixon, Arthell & Darnell Isom, Neighbors SkateShop, Alrick Augustine and more. Every person featured talks about their achievements.

Image Credit: Youtube/ PharrellWilliamsVEVO

Racism and Casteism:

Racism, Casteism, and Classism are feed into each other around the globe. The privileged are often blinded and fail to see the damage being caused around. With so much happening around the globe, it's time to understand what humanity stands for and be compassionate towards each other. While ignorance is often bliss, at times it leads to some unforgivable crimes.

Priyadarshini Patwa

Entrepreneur Staff

Features Editor, Entrepreneur India

Priyadarshini Patwa is the Features Editors of Entrepreneur India and hosts an Instagram show every Friday named ‘Lighten Up’, about people from different walks of life and talk about their work and beyond. She handles the lifestyle, features, technology, entertainment segments and also is responsible for the Digital Covers. Previously she has worked with MensXP, a Times of India entity and Deccan Chronicle. 

She’s @Priyanka_Patwa on Twitter and @priyadarshinipatwa on Instagram.

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