JAY-Z - Moonlight

[@AGGIEFURY101]

The meaning: The song Moonlight has an overall theme that while we dream about fitting into a world that doesn't belong to us once we take it over they find a way to diminish it. Moonlight refers to a movie which was in the running for best picture against La La Land. The winner of Best Picture usually receives more money due to the prestige of winning and usually elevates the careers of cast. This particular year even though Moonlight won they announced LaLa Land won mistakingly overshadowing the accolades of Moonlight. The video refers to black people being interchangeable with what white people deem as quality and it becomes better because of black involvement. Notice how people in the comment section say this would be a dope show even though it's a parody of Friends. Jerrod consults his conscious,Hannibal, who tells him the show is wack. Jerrod realizes he's stuck in a weird place because he now knows this was never meant for him no matter how good he plays the role he just isn't "Friends". Issa tells him to be quiet to not mess it up for the ones who don't know and sends him to a place where he can breathe and reflect on why they are there. The backstage area is the truth behind the truth. That we are stuck in La La Land and once we make something ours they find a way to down play it. Moonlight

[@Locopueblo]

I refuse to believe they said lalaland by accident. Lalaland... Moonlight. They don't look alike. So unless they all can't read, I don't believe it was an accident.

[@Locopueblo]

Also, friends is a parody of living single.

[@brock985]

leah hugie Well the cue card said La La Land on it, they gave the presenter the wrong one

[@lareinedesglaces]

that was so lovely interpreted! thank you for this 🙌

[@khulilenkomo8303]

Okay now tell me about my relationship with my dad

[@73zambia]

How am I only seeing this now?? These guys are a whole generation of black actors in one place.

[@magicmakerify]

Tiffany Haddish is an OK actor imo

[@TerrellMatthews]

Kinaar Samuel Nah, she’s terrible.

[@maneitzme]

Confessions Of A Movie Freak No she’s not good but she’s still one of the most popular female black actresses and comedians of this century.

[@TerrellMatthews]

M E You are delusional. The century? Maybe last year but she ain’t done shit.

[@maneitzme]

Jahir Matthews absolutely of the century. She’s very popular within the black and comedy communities. Name 5 more popular black female comedians. She’s extremely popular idk how me observing that makes me delusional.

[@noahcoates1075]

Jay Z has been putting out the most artistic and creative videos of the year. Why don't these get more recognition?

[@umanyways...3110]

Noah Nevermind you know why

[@fastboidylan7885]

98lipsticks I dont

[@zellkingpromotionszellking1465]

SHIT WAS CORNY AND THE LEAD IS A SIMP HE SHOULD HAD LAVAR BALL THROWING UP THE ROC

[@noahcoates1075]

Jay Z has been putting on for the culture. For the black community, that's why I respect him so much. But that's probably also the reason his new videos aren't getting the mainstream attention they deserve

[@NiNiTheWarrior]

hustleman500 Celo but did you grasp the MEANING behind all that? That's what matters. Don't be so quick to shoot a brother down and judge. That's what they want.

[@ShonenJoe]

Why do I feel like KZbin hid this video? It’s weird how it’s my first time seeing this. Extremely weird, eerie...

[@udvallg]

i fucking knoww.... i am also seeing this just now. what the hell???!!

[@m_degozaruhouse1735]

I thought it was a new released. I felt confused af watching this vid

[@Beatriiiiiizzzzzz]

Same!!

[@HeyouitsAdy]

Same hereee

[@feliscuragi4779]

I think we all needed this now... Don't y'all think so?

[@jacksonjeter3405]

Who else jus now seeing this for the first time in 2020

[@jjwsvtk9987]

Yeah

[@ht1ps555]

Jackson Jeter I watch this every year so no rip

[@eadie0_026]

yeah i can’t believe i never knew this existed

[@yasminiara8336]

OMG

[@emmi6975]

ME

[@mariapol17]

Wow the set looks so much like the original one awesomee

[@C-Lyfe85]

Livin single?

[@jasminevaliente96]

@@C-Lyfe85 friends but living single is kinda the point of this video friends stole their whole concept from living single

[@C-Lyfe85]

@@jasminevaliente96 I was being sarcastic, duh.

[@jasminevaliente96]

@@C-Lyfe85 yea sarcasm doesnt translate well over the internet

[@C-Lyfe85]

@@jasminevaliente96 Delayed replies don't translate well over the Internet either. Neither does common sense.

[@bruh-xz1ed]

i can’t believe this has been out for the past 2 years and i didn’t notice. it’s weird how it only has near 7 mil views for the past 2 years. feel like that says something. mind blowing.

[@keniaromero5461]

_ It’s because the algorithm of KZbin will recommend you shit and not real messages

[@cooldude5280]

I from 2020 and it's been 3year and now it's 7.3M views

[@THEESTARQUEEN]

same here

[@pc6461]

Imagine how I feel. Just now seeing it today

[@ishughimire9994]

I’m watching this during quarantine. FOR. THE. FIRST. TIME.

[@sujaangiri2052]

Same here. I didn't know something like this existed until now. How come KZbin recommend me this video this late?🤔I am shocked.

[@wynterwinston4703]

SAME

[@dianamonteiro3754]

Same

[@arlo247]

Yup same

[@abumebubedike]

Same here

[@RyanCelsiusMusic]

All star cast, i could watch a whole season of this meta

[@AirQuotes]

R y a n C e l s i u s ° S o u n d s the only ones I regonised were haddish and that's only because of snl and monica from veronica Mars and pickle juice guy

[@AlchemyCAWS]

mriee Monica(Tessa Thompson) making moves she's underrated

[@lorenzo21276]

Nellzartworx "underrated" she literally in so many movies

[@yungrhoam464]

“The Carmichael Show” has some of the ppl from that cast... until it got canceled I believe

[@Ivanatis]

because you got no taste mate

[@kaylajackson9490]

This not only shines light on how Friends overshadowed Living Single just as Moonlight was overshadowed by La La Land.

[@zariahwilliams2648]

And then announced for an award they didn't win, and they weren't go to publicly announce they made the mistake on stage or the next day, , but allow those to believe it so, and tell cast of Moonlight about it later

[@Kanyeforpresident-hd5ms]

Kayla Jackson they weren’t overshadowed they just weren’t quite as good

[@enloveyduvey001]

Fact

[@fuyoutube5708]

God I know the bar is low people say Friends is good

[@Kanyeforpresident-hd5ms]

James Ketlon it really is tho the storylines aren’t phenomenal but chandler and joey are hilarious and Rachael is HOT also I would’ve thought Jay did this cos he likes the show not cos it overshadows anything

[@graciedison]

Everyone that’s saying “Omg I need there to be a black Friends now!! This is amazing!” has completely missed the point of this film.

[@ajantsmith6139]

Really? Please enlighten.

[@Prettybrwneyes167]

Ajant Smith there already was a “black friends" it’s called living single

[@ajantsmith6139]

@@Prettybrwneyes167 never heard of it.

[@pleasehelp3319]

Ajant Smith, that’s the point; you’ve never heard of it.

[@camrynnn02]

Ajant Smith exactly

[@grooviestmaster]

I felt this short film. Literally all of the decisions they made are clearly intentional. This was powerful. Down to the casting, props, and imagery. Crazy dope

[@Vivalarosa45]

Sometimes you have to leave LaLa Land to simply enjoy the Moonlight.

[@luxury-style6905]

Omg i love this comment so much this shit is so deep.

[@elle7074]

my mind just blew tf up

[@sebastianmaregatti]

It’s sad these two movies will forever be tied together even though they are total opposites

[@cjdsf]

wooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooow thats the point

[@machocheenito]

You are a genius.

[@getjaynesmith4770]

This is just genius on so many levels. The song, the Refugees sample, and the Lauryn Hill reference, even the key of Lauryn's "Ooh La La La" being lower, the message, the "subversion" of the icon #1 White comedy of "our" generation, the candid criticism asking "what are you doing," the fact that the Black woman (Issa with her hit comedy) pointed out the way to go and didn't go with him, the fact that Jarrod did in fact walk out on the industry that tried to play him, the La La Land "win" over Moonlight at the end, the best picture being Moonlight for real, but as in real life, moonlight only getting a few seconds of what was supposed to be their big moment, the big moment being lost and clouded by the controversy, the other work being seen while ours is barely a reference.... THERE'S SO MUCH GOING ON. Genius. Brilliant. Applause worthy. So much commentary in a short "music video." Also not lost is that Jay-Z is only heard and never seen in his own video. What's that saying?

[@breonnarogers3059]

Love the analysis!

[@AJRAOfficial]

GetJayne Smith amazing break down why didn't issa go with him though im still mad at that and i think that's jay's whole thing he wants to help us but wants to do it without making it about him at all

[@princessjoy007]

I love your dissection and the passion that went right along with it!!!

[@AJRAOfficial]

Adreana Langston wow brilliant point for sure and true and it does take away from what moonlight did they broke down doors and now all they talk about is how the Oscar was a mixup

[@kannajohnson6274]

adeleke adewale ll

[@memlongody]

...The One Where They're Not Ready??

[@senget13]

The One Where No One's Ready

[@senget13]

Yin Tong Athena Chan I already said that. See above 😡

[@Sabertoothlive]

@Yin Tong Athena Chan 🤣🤣

[@jaylalewis8184]

Why did this just randomly pop up on my time line... and WHY IS THIS THE FIRST TIME IM SEEING THIS 😭😭😭😭

[@beatsbybella6489]

Tiffany Haddish as Phoebe makes me sooo happy.

[@brianapina3069]

I personally would've love to have seen Amanda Seales as Phoebe.

[@anastaysia]

Friends stole the idea from living single...

[@rebeccaliu5591]

Hi I’m Tiffany haddish and I use Groupon so much they made me the spokesperson!!

[@nicolegiovanniello8214]

Beats by Bella you’re stuck in la la land

[@THEESTARQUEEN]

Same here😂😂😂

[@mistarhymes68]

I feel like I just saw a black mirrors episode

[@manzeve1218]

Right!!!

[@spikeflee1596]

Yes.

[@claws811]

omg

[@prathammarfatia3268]

yes.

[@stuck_in_a_dream9891]

Tessa Thompson as Monica Geller is something I never knew i needed

[@luvmecurlznall]

I feel the same as tiffany hashish as phoebe 😂😍

[@inezfragasmith763]

You've completely missed the point

[@jordanrodriguez6412]

@@luvmecurlznall tiffany haddish is absolutely terrible. She had two lines and the delivery was horrible.

[@Kate303x]

@@jordanrodriguez6412 You're missing the point. It wasn't meant to be a great performance. Think about it.

[@terriz.2981]

@@jordanrodriguez6412 have you seen the verbatim Friends episode? Her mannerisms are exactly what Phoebe did

[@kamicloudss]

youtube didn’t hide this y’all just don’t listen to jay z

[@francisco-id9zg]

True 🤣

[@sensimania]

True that

[@bookswithbenjamin8902]

Facts

[@Alecexo]

I mean.. u didn’t lie

[@krystalkrystal9873]

Lmfao exactly, they want to make a whole conspiracy out of it.

[@bicarbonat1]

Now I feel sad because I want to see all of these people starring on a sitcom together.

[@itsbigcliff5178]

mara.iara the Charmiceal Show ... peep it

[@yungrhoam464]

Carmichael show

[@boopydoopy23]

watch atlanta

[@nora4981]

It's a no for me...

[@moboxp]

mara.iara me too

[@altart8102]

Saw too many comments of people who have an issue with this video or don't get it, and I'm like....did you guys watch the video all the way through? Like where the one guy (Hannibal Buress) is literally telling him that the show and his acting is wack because it's just like a white demographically aimed show except with all black actors? So the dude starts to realize how unrealistic the show he's playing in is, question what he's even doing on this set that's got an all black cast as if it's supposed to be groundbreaking for African American culture, supposed to be some sort of win and representation of black people, but nothing about the show resembles that culture besides their black faces. So what's the point. Same candy just in a brown wrapper, being marketed as something that it's not. Some comment was bothered that this was a white vs black thing and was ranting about it. How black people are doing the woe-is-me thing and how we're just complaining about not being acknowledged, etc. ...pretty annoying. There's complaints because the identity of African Americans in media has often been an issue (both in music and film). That's kinda why a ton of shows were made and are still being made that more accurately depict African American lives realistically (even at the cost of popularity and viewer consumption which at times seems to not want to support or market that kind of media much). So beyond being a white vs black issue, I took from the video the message of not losing your identity to get ahead and appeal to people that don't even want to accept you unless you act different. Identity is the issue for me. Honestly, I still haven't watched Moonlight and when Friends was popular back in the day, I didn't really care to watch it unless my fam was watching it. But even on my first watch-through of this video, I get at least some basic points. Media issues, shows being ripped off of each other and just packaged with a different color, misrepresentation, the La La Land - Moonlight issue where it seems like even with an incredible movie like Moonlight, the system still doesn't want to allow it to win. Some dude in the comments was saying how Jay-Z made that whole mix-up issue to be too deep and that there was nothing really to it in reality. But really, regardless of it just being a mistake, it had impact, and to Jay Z, it meant somethin. Anything's as deep as you wanna make it, and the social commentary that he made from that issue onto this song and this video shows it was deep for him (and a ton of others in the comments). But ya know, seeing as I didn't watch much of either media talked about in this video, feel free to discredit everything I say. I just wanted to add something since alot of people were lost and/or hating on people that gave explanation. Walks off the set, through all the blinding lights, out the back door, out into reality, lets the moonlight shine some light onto his situation. Because that Moonlight issue pretty much summarizes it. "Even when we win, we gon' lose."

[@kritimehra99]

You have articulated your points so well.

[@danso1586]

Aaron Tucker this comment deserves more likes

[@tinytiny7539]

Aaron Tucker damn that was good, you are so right man

[@frankskskskslulu9633]

Aaron Tucker damn 👏👏👏👏🙌🏿🙌🏿

[@ChristophaB]

💯💯💯✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾

[@Totmorgen0]

Even when we win, we're going to loose.

[@jahjohnson31]

Tot Morgen *lose

[@nikkilately]

We gone lose

[@aspebb]

*lose* *

[@CGBalla1014]

It’s been a year... I hope you learned how to spell “LOSE”

[@danihydrant9767]

@@CGBalla1014 i really don't get when people mock others for a spelling error. Its like imagine a kid got a maths problem wrong and you said oMG yOu forGOt To CaRRy tHe OnE haahaHa. Like chill dude.

[@DC-qc2yj]

Fun Fact: Lakeith Stanfield had never heard of friends before this.

[@implive17]

Is that true?

[@DC-qc2yj]

@@implive17 yeah he said it himself on Jimmy Kimmel

[@ImAllisonWonderland]

This comment needs more likes

[@ricosmith1989]

He was being sarcastic

[@nickjames464]

Hearing this always cracks me up

[@dramaticvirghoe]

Gave me Black Mirror vibes damn

[@ontaku503]

caitlyn who r u sgnb

[@ontaku503]

caitlyn who r u rrbn

[@JCMaldonado13]

Gave me “Get Out” vibes

[@mrlego611]

More Twilight Zone vibes

[@noahcoates1075]

People really dont undertand the message. Making Friends with an all black cast is corny and uninteresting, ok you're right. Hannibal Buress pointed that out, even though the main character thought he was advancing the culture. He realizes that he's doing nothing for black culture but riding the waves of a white show and he leaves to go seek the truth under the moonlight. "Even when we win we gone lose" -Jay Z

[@noahcoates1075]

Another theory is that even though Moonlight won best picture, it ultimately was for nothing. If you consider that the Oscars was getting a lot of backlash from not representing Black culture

[@ThePaulg123]

Noah Nevermind just in the award part it's implying that even though moonlight won, la la land was given the spotlight to take away the sheen and limelight of the rightful winner, tarnishing their moment forever

[@rlvixen]

Noah Nevermind ... you can drop your mic now! ✔✔ great job!! Best explanation on the thread

[@gzooradio]

ThePaulg123 EXACTLY.

[@palestinianloco4506]

Noah Nevermind Im white and cool xD. But the white americans arent cool. Lol

[@chargeittothegame688]

This is just genius on so many levels

[@babies4food675]

kinda mad that i haven’t seen this until TWO years later

[@mohammadwaqas6608]

3

[@BiancaBrett_Beauty]

No Grammy for this album! A joke! This album was deep on so many levels!

[@Youutterwasteof]

What was the album called ?

[@jojo-ds2wx]

@@Youutterwasteof 4:44

[@helloxonsfan]

Well, we know that the Grammys almost always gets it wrong. They ignore great works like this... & reward mediocrity...!!! ... At this point, they're a joke & an embarrassment...!!!

[@greasy13]

Damn was a better album.

[@neverhungryagain2187]

@@greasy13 stop bro

[@kammieschanz3021]

Who else just now seeing this in 2019

[@phyllis9853]

🙋🙋

[@rockinrobin222]

Me

[@blingychicken]

Kammie Schanz me becuase all of a sudden it showed up in my recommended

[@KERYNN007]

I’M SO MAD THIS IS JUST NOW BEING BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION

[@Autumn-wx2zy]

Kammie Schanz wait..this didn’t come out recently?!

[@theepicalpaca9725]

That moment when u cant pretend to be happy anymore

[@jermainejr11]

TheEpicAlpaca, you are absolutely right.

[@MrUrkel0730]

I want to like... but I'm not gonna. Gone try to keep it at 666 lol

[@sandrasmith8343]

MrUrkel0730 Illuminati Numbers won't get you anywhere

[@MrUrkel0730]

Teen Rarity Diamond lol Triple Six!

[@MrKrabs-el5um]

I don't think that's the main point of this piece but sure

[@SadeWatkins]

THIS IS MASTERFUL ART THAT IS RELEVANT TODAY RIGHT NOW

[@GreyRaj_YT]

I know there's this whole like "what's the message" and controversy going on, but can we just acknowledge how cool it is that they recreated the set for Friends.

[@HyliansPower]

ExplodingCoconuts is it bad that I low key wanted to see this recreation of friends??

[@Bubbleg26]

ExplodingCoconuts Ha, I was thinking the SAME thing!

[@erickiam25]

ExplodingCoconuts it's ok but it's not mind blowing

[@CamFBA]

ExplodingCoconuts totally went over your head..

[@GreyRaj_YT]

Cameron Powell my statement is not in regards to the message or subject of this video. I was just talking about the set itself. This has nothing to do with "going over my head".

[@conduitofthegospeldarrellb9154]

"4:44" just made Jay-Z's overwhelming favorable case for the GOAT that much stronger

[@90asb50]

God I love Tessa Thompson

[@coolgirlraquel]

THATS WHO THAT WAS OHHHH FUCKIN VALKERIE

[@mikeasimms]

Why isn’t this being given more attention. And let’s be real, in this day and age, 8 million viewers is nothing with the names attached.

[@rainer_uncrowned]

“Even when we win we gon’ lose”

[@bennyrashasha9920]

I like the music and all, but that lyric kinda sounds like a victim mentality.

[@rainer_uncrowned]

@@afokeoyibocha112 thank you! I didn't even want to reply to this guys stupid ass comment. When people of colour complain about something it's victim mentality when other people complain about something it's a "protest". People remain blind to the oppression that still exists.

[@dbchoobie1924]

@@rainer_uncrowned because so many people of color make it such a victim thing, it's the default response.

[@rainer_uncrowned]

@@dbchoobie1924 you're exactly the type of person I was referring to in my reply. Civil rights activists were also seen as having a victim mentality, as nothing seemed to feel wrong to the ruling class, and why should they feel like anything was wrong? The system was made to cater to the upper class. The same thing is happening today with the privileged people in society looking down on those who want change for true equality, and again claiming it's "victim mentality". I feel like as people we have a responsibility for taking into account each of our human experiences in order to allow for greater cohesion between everyone, and avoid making ignorant statements that could seriously affect the way someone other than you lives and experiences the current social climate.

[@sontho6995]

@Juan Carlos Rivera White people were complaining about MLK and the civil rights movement.

[@aasthabisht3431]

This video becomes even more sad when you realize FRIENDS was inspired from a show 'Living Single' w all black cast living in New York City and as we know now, got more recognition than the original show ever did

[@lunaForever2020]

What is all your fucking point with we had "living single " first? You all had fresh prince of Bellaire and Martin and family matters

[@jazzygoodaz4president]

Gypsy soul it was ours first then white people took the idea and made it their own

[@DXVI9]

Gypsy soul ...really?

[@truecamillec350]

Gypsy soul it’s the fact that even with all of that talent and work black people put into our art, whatever white people do overshadows that, even if theirs is not that good. Yes we had prince of bell air, Martin, and family matters but if you think those shows allowed Hollywood to understand that there’s more to black actors than just being the token black character, then you’re unfortunately wrong. Those shows were amazing, but black people still generally face the same crap we’ve had to deal with in that industry. It may be slightly different now, but not so different to where the black community can say that there has overall been tremendous progress for us in Hollywood. If you feel like you need more evidence I highly recommend watching They Gotta Have Us on Netflix. They can get deeper into the conversation than a simple comment on KZbin can

[@lunaForever2020]

@@truecamillec350 Maybe your shows just suck like everything else you all do 🤷‍♀️

[@HipHopUniverse]

I would love to see a video for "Marcy Me", that was one of my favorite songs of the album. The beat fits perfectly to JAY's flow and style. I would love to see him in the video.

[@Acemaceface22]

Hip-Hop Universe best jay z solo song in a long time

[@frankjum]

Don't worry it looks like he'll get around to each song on the LP.

[@naruto1coolestfan]

Cancer of youtube

[@markusmims16]

I like marcy but smile is the best to me

[@Phucduybao104]

OLD HEAD ALERT

[@nosiphongcobo7098]

I get chills every time I watch this . It just a slap of reality...

[@ashleylove7298]

This line "Even when we win, we gone lose"👏 2017 Oscars Moonlight win best picture but lala land stole there spotlight .

[@danielpridemore3997]

Ashley love Correction: They stole the 'Moonlight'

[@mystical2846]

Daniel Pridey perfect lol

[@bobbypunkt8937]

Why the line "Even when we win, we gon' lose" ?? Moonlight won the oscar and not la la Land. It was mistankely mixed up but damn GET OVER this happening. The line should be "Even when we win, we're not satisfied"

[@mrtony80]

A huge uproar was made over the the fact no black actors were nominated the previous year, so this year, a record number of blacks were nominated, and black ppl STILL found something to complain about. It's really ridiculous.

[@SilvioPorto]

Jermaine's Jukebox lol you dont and cant know that, Get Out and 12 years a slave were critically acclaimed and each year more and more successful "black" movies are made.

[@virgil292]

" their grass is greener cus they always raking" damn.

[@KG0000GK]

“they always raking in mo’ “. Double entendres: 1) grass is greener cause they always raking and mow (literal: grass) 2) grass is greener cause they always raking in more (metaphorical: money)

[@boughofthewillowtree]

Yeah!🔥

[@zintlemvana7955]

Fuckin masterpiece. Subversive as Fuck. Shout out to Moonlight for winning that Oscar

[@maxdondada]

Zintle gets it

[@nikolavgeorgiev]

Moonlight was mediocre.

[@coolsandhots]

Zintle Mvana that's because you don't get the song

[@zintlemvana7955]

Greg W do you even understand what "subversive" do you?

[@coolsandhots]

Zintle Mvana what I'm tryin to say is that Moonlight didn't when the Oscars. La La Land did.

[@rain5459]

I got chills when I heard the Oscar presenters cause I remembered what happened and then understood why the song is called moonlight. Genius

[@jordantaylor3597]

This is a visual representation of what “waking up” looks like

[@theconsciousobserver6829]

Yes. You notice everything differently and you notice that everyone else notices nothing you notice.

[@mynameisuju]

The point of the video is that if you "win" within the limits of a structure that serves and protects white culture, is it really a win?

[@Angedoescoversongs]

Uju Ugwu well said....

[@lifestraight]

That being said should we look at the likes of Barack Obama, Jay-Z, Floyd Mayweather Jr., and other wealthy Black celebrities as having "won"??

[@mynameisuju]

lifestraight their successes are very much deserved. But Barack is half white, and we just need to understand that that fact was necessary for his win. No fully black man would have made it as far as the primaries.

[@leodavis5886]

black? white? bothered

[@wxvy.charli7780]

Uju Ugwu also obama was taunted his entire time on office, about his race.

[@zainaib7776]

Lakeith Stanfield is everything though! I'm so happy that he was apart of this creative masterpiece.

[@suzeesix]

Zainaib 777 I agree!

[@Tajare215]

Zainaib 777 Yaaas girl!! 👐

[@vb8428]

This is an insult to his potential

[@xXChinxX14]

Can’t believe I missed this and just now seeing it in 2021 🤦🏽‍♀️

[@fightclubnotebook9701]

This was depressing in the end, but had a message that would really stick in your mind. How many of us are true to who we are inside, regardless of race or circumstance?

[@milesdixon9267]

Jay z is the goat and this deserves video of the year

[@jayz1419]

I know right!

[@bobbypunkt8937]

This video doesn't make sense.

[@OilBarronFromTheOldCountry]

Miles Dixon why because there aren't any white ppl in the vid

[@mauricecalhoun3778]

My interpretation of this video is what African American shows and movies have to go thru. I feel like the Moonlight reference could refer to this Gay Agenda that is set in place to emaculate the Black man. Two Oscars ago...they shut out African Americans from being nominated in all of the Major Categories. Now they make a spectical of Moonlight...which I believe promotes this Gay Agenda...in the hopes of creating more of a buzz. By winning an Oscar, more ppl will see it. It may be a conspiracy, but it's just my opinion. #NoDisrepectToNone

[@YTtunes222]

+Bobby Punkt elevate yourself fool

[@mikebee3601]

Even when we win we gone lose

[@maximalexis9618]

Mike Lee word

[@Laughing_Man44]

Moonlight

[@Beautifulthingsheis]

Shit

[@Sadidesifamily]

If Living Single was given the budget and marketing. I shall leave this here.

[@bambii_thinks3147]

The social commentary in this is just amazzzzzzzzzzzziiiinnngggg, like I could write a thesis on this

[@moonanaii]

This is about not giving black people their credit. Or giving them time to shine. Friends was a copy and paste of living single and moonlight won the award however the night was totally messed up with LaLa land being announced as the winner. And instead of the main story being about their win, it was about the mix up and how they two films should share the award. Rather than a black movie and its stars being able to get the recognition they deserved in the 50+ years the award ceremony has been about.

[@gmg03]

LuxCresent absolutely my friend. You get it. We're woke. They are still in La La Land..

[@KILLEDAWAY]

to be honest, mainstream awards are irrelevant in 2017. Before the actual oscars nobody even cared about the nominated movies anyway. The whole comitee is out of touch

[@Ava-mo1ij]

spot on

[@nicholashayes5773]

I totally agree. White people didn't give a shit about rock 'n' roll until Elvis came out. White people didn't give a shit about hip-hop until Eminem came out. This is about black people not getting credit, and then what happens is we end up trying to mimic the mimic, which only makes us look like fools.

[@Saulgoodmane]

Grace Gomez lol we're woke

[@ladynixx]

Y’all missed the part where “Ross” started to think right when one of the other character said “I’m a little too comfortable...”

[@EyemSoreel]

White people can't notice things that obvious lmao

[@jamesnjonjo4092]

Yeah black versions of white shows would be completely ignorant to the black experience because they would not be about black experiences

[@kriptoniteXD]

What would that mean? Forgive my ignorance but I can't tell how would that be different for an African American. I'm not American.

[@boughofthewillowtree]

Wow!

[@boughofthewillowtree]

@@kriptoniteXD It means that Joey the character was comfortable in what is just a replica of a white T.v. show, while Ross' character realise that this is one of those instances of casual and/or systemic racism

[@itsBenzie]

I’m watching this for the FIRST TIME in July 2021. 4 YEARS after it came out. What in the world 🌎

[@freethugr]

Omg, me just realizing this BEEN CAME OUT!

[@replicxnt]

Been came out?

[@CGBalla1014]

replicxnt ignorance is bliss, so we stupid as shit. Never flip a script. Follow the pre-writ.

[@RayanBayatiHD]

“been came out” I feel bad for English 😂

[@karlaleal9237]

Who’s else just now got recommended this masterpiece.

[@jpeg398]

Almost thought there was no song

[@larptroll69er22]

Nigerian Prince There isn't.

[@bells561]

NOBODY Beats The 9/11 Perps lol

[@MoRasheed]

Look at KZbin recommending this after BLM protests. Y'all needed to do this before protests, Equality. Also it's time black creators get recommended and put on the trending page. We, black people are very creative but are forced to fight double for recognition just like Moonlight was overshadowed by Lala land.

[@Ohjustbrowsing]

They fear our creativity outshines them.

[@17MrLeon]

You do realize that pushing black actors into position like academy awards new guidelines does not give black people recognition for their tlent. It will just give them recognition for their color. Do you want to be awarded for your color? Or for something you earned?

[@OReily08080]

@@17MrLeon I want black people to be recognized for their talent period. But why is it taking so long for black directors and their works do be promoted?

[@christconsciousness_7779]

I feel that the fact that blacks seem to be more creative artistically, more soul if you know what I mean, might have something to do with secreting more melanin

[@jdsmooth.2388]

You guys are seriously overthinking this, KZbin doesn’t decide what gets recommended, it’s an algorithm that chooses what is trending currently.

[@EmperorDraconianIV]

it's a critique of the academy awards giving recognition to very white films and ignoring black art.

[@jactuscack7423]

Race card much?

[@jordanwebster1728]

David Stephens didn’t really like Black Panther

[@IblewuponyourfaceIII]

Amadu Kamara You realize that Jay-Z’s favorite Sitcom of all time is Seinfeld? Lmaooo he said it in the 90’s because he said it made you think, it was smart comedy. Hahaha

[@theweekndincludesthursdays8016]

IBlewUponYourFace That has nothing to do with this video. He is not criticising or discrediting Friends or white sitcoms on a whole, he's playing with the matter of lost or rejected racial identity in media and entertainment. Dial down on the petty, stop and think and make your own deductions.

[@ricardooliveira8752]

yeah, 'cause using the same concept as friends but with black people is truly revolutionary

[@blumountaindew]

This was a commentary on how Black people get their culture stolen. Friends was a rip off Living Single with an all white cast and ended up becoming much more popular and a cult classic... Even though Moonlight won the Oscar, it was La La Land's moment.

[@EGMADH]

blumountaindew ok, thanks for the explanation. I am latinamerican woman and I watched both but I love friends even to this day I enjoy it, with living single I have even showed to some people that never heard of it. What I'm trying to say it's obviously of preference and if I have to chose I will take friends every day not because of color. What I don't understand is why the black people instead of do this kind of thing they should of have done and episode of LS and celebrate their culture. Sorry this is too long and not sure of my point any more.

[@ericstephen1]

blumountaindew rip off or not people enjoyed it more than Living Single, this topic shouldn't even be of discussion. It's not about race, it's whether the show is funny or not; which contributing factors such as characters and actual acting come into play to determine if it's good or not. If the Fresh Prince of Bel Air was remade into an all white lead roles but had horrible flow and acting abilities it would be the same case. Videos like this point out unnecessary factors that divide us as a people when in reality it's not that serious

[@dreday3987]

blumountaindew very good ⛅

[@blumountaindew]

EGMA Friends was chosen over Living Single partially because Friends was the more popular show out of the two. Because of its popularity, more people resonate with Friends over Living Single as you do. The aim is to show people how it feels to have someone take something that they hold dear (like culture) and use it as their own. If you go through the comment section some people are genuinely upset that Friends was remade with an all Black cast in this clip.

[@blumountaindew]

Bluebri Muffin Please refer to my previous comment.

[@UnapologeticallyEboni]

I honestly was not feeling this song like that... until I saw this video...🤤when I revisited the album and played this song I almost teared up because now I get it🙄

[@vuyolwethu_m26]

I literally just got what the song's about

[@BMDecipher]

Somebody clue me in...

[@_negus_6783]

i dont get it

[@AnthonyCayne]

Y'all need to watch the Oscars smh

[@shars3511]

Commenting so when someone explains I’ll get a notification.

[@karlfostercandio]

I am in the "Why I m seing this for the first time" team too. Yeah, weird.

[@sancofa7]

This is one of the most deepest videos that I have ever seen.....am sure Dave Chappelle would agree !!!!

[@100Grand4eva]

Damn, this is deep. It's clearly going over a lot of people's heads though.

[@williambradford1272]

100Grand4eva right who do they think is pushing these damn mumble rappers music,it's white record label owner's,they want everyone to keep talking about hoes,lean,perks,and murder.but soon as a brother put out something to make you think niggas ( see I said niggas not black ppl)get pissed cause they can't get so called "Lit"

[@maxlegend1374]

yes because im definetly confused asf

[@FlintWilson]

William Bradford #RealSpit

[@MrThekikster]

100Grand4eva So then explain it instead of saying it's just going over people's heads lol.

[@Jakenbake98]

and yours it seems as well

[@praiprai2678]

Oh damn. "And the academy award for best picture.." "La La Land".

[@BrijanbMentalIron]

Prai Prai that made me sad. The odds will always be against us in this world

[@estefaniagtz8342]

.

[@nhhv7]

even when we win we lose

[@Kentennial]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKeuXppnp8qbprc

[@lalyjohanna3701]

I didn’t get that part?

[@kojrachang6381]

The one where no one is ready This is one one of my fav episode.

[@yournotbwtter]

Jay-z spitting so much truth yet reading these comments more than half of you still missing the point. All these people claiming to be woke yet you still sleep.

[@johnbryan3386]

So how're you gonna work out listening to that pile of crap! I like my music flowing! Jay z is in with the NWO and idiots like you don't get it! Fuck his message cos he signed the Jew contract with his blood!!

[@EverydayWandaful]

Shania Samuel amen

[@debbiemarquis3231]

John Bryan stupid

[@Repsolthefirst]

Who fucking cares how woke he is or what hidden message is here? Remember this is still music you fucking specimen -- and the music is trash.

[@FaEMelLLaflare]

Right, yet this is why Jay z continues to stay on top. In the meantime, people are still wondering why. This man has always been the truth

[@-a-cb-l9000]

"Black friends" guess yall never heard of the ORIGINAL Friends called Living Singles.

[@didodhio8547]

Yhgatss just Megan

[@truthseekeralways7050]

Friends Was Copied and Dumped down Version Of Living Singles Even the Hollywood Insiders know about it I Don't Know Why They Feel Entitled to black people's stuff GOD Almighty Knows Everything

[@lunaForever2020]

@@truthseekeralways7050 wow... so know black people jealous and mad about friends tv show! .... acting like there was no black shows on tv ! There was fresh prince of Bellaire, Martin, family matters, oprah Winfrey show, soul train.... and you all mad jealous cause white people had 1 cheese tv show... gtfo

[@lunaForever2020]

What is your point??

[@kizzychronicles]

Gypsy soul it’s the truth you dummy.

[@dawnibolical]

I always thought Friends was the white acceptable version of Living Single. Mainly because Living Single was on before friends

[@aaliyahgi2998]

Dawn Michelle it is, they ripped it off

[@judybudy5921]

Friends was better.

[@danielbrooks1740]

The created of friends said that his format is based on living single. Let that sink in

[@LTee313]

Yeah and Living Single was much better. You couldn't pay me to watch Friends

[@RighteousSouljah]

Dawn Michelle For real

[@KIMONSKIN]

Why TF am I just seeing this now? What an incredible video with such an important message for all within White society, and society as a whole

[@MrKrabs-el5um]

The message is technically FOR black communities but race isn't really real

[@SpinAgain-TooSLiCK]

my 3 favorite black comedians in the same room WOAH

[@naeemahb.2189]

I love the concept! When Jerrod walked off the "Friends" set, I thought he was going to walk onto the "Living Single" set. How dope would that have been? Jerrod walks through the "Living Single" set and goes on the roof (like how the casts did in the show). He sits on a chair and looks up at the moonlight.

[@ruthweeks6743]

finally someone said it

[@ThatGuyPrincePaul]

I thinm i finally got the video and message. Moonlight was snubbed at the academy awards for best picture and La La land won. We're stuck in "la la land" making art thinking we are gonna get the recognition.

[@PatrickRamdial]

uh, didn't Moonlight win though?

[@ThatGuyPrincePaul]

Patrick Ramdial I meant being announced wrong. Whoops . point still stands lol ha

[@EmprezzzTa116]

My exact thoughts

[@ratsnotagain]

anyone notice the song starts at 4:44

[@williamj.s.rodriguez4761]

Timing of The Elevator .Name of the album and track and full timing of "4:44" Track

[@taliakellegg5978]

yeet but not really

[@roadrunner5104]

It really doesn’t.

[@chief_queef69]

Wow. Was that on purpose

[@Publicsins]

it dead doesnt.. lil reach

[@maridefazio4848]

It is June 2020 and I am just seeing this. Hmm wonder why😡. This video was so well done I wasn’t ready but I’m so glad I’m seeing it now

[@justinwarner1183]

I feel like corporations hid this

[@ProfessorZo]

I watched Friends on WB11 every night as a kid in the projects. I think it’s super ill that Jay is playing Richard. Which was Tom Selleck or basically “the old dude who legendary and still killing”. Creatively that was a perfect placement

[@Dclayallday24]

A lot of funny, talented people in one place.

[@darkskindrake1314]

just let your sooouul glo!!

[@datedylan2187]

too bad they had to read wack ass scripts

[@TheRealNabil]

They picked a great episode for this though.

[@reno2859]

Powerful message.

[@takeriagriffin3904]

I was watching this episode of friends and he captured it perfectly

[@martinbedolla-mendoza6325]

takeria griffin what episode is this?

[@victorsuarez3]

"The One Where No One's Ready"

[@maliknova6063]

Hannibal Buress, Issa Rae, Darius from Atlanta, and Jerrod, Bobby, and Nakeisha from The Carmichael Show in 1 video??? Damn

[@tammiemichelle6880]

All the woke millennials 😎

[@oh2618]

YO JAY Z OUT HERE DROPPING SOMETHING NEW HERE AND THERE BLESS 🙌🏼

[@husslecrowe925]

"We stuck in La La Land Even when we win, we gon' lose " Lyrical mastery

[@imanmahad5476]

How does this beautiful masterpiece video only got 4 million views im shoook

[@bobbysealejunior6590]

Iman Mahad yep, and Migos and Cardi B got 100 million....it’s not an accident.

[@islandloverizy4338]

Iman Mahad some will overlook because they don't understand

[@SuperPVZFan221]

I hadn’t watched it before because I didn’t know it was a music video.

[@PR7-82]

4 million is a lot and I also didn't know it existed until I saw the thumbnail because I'm a Friends fan and I recognised both the set and the costumes from that particular episode that they are spoofing

[@aaliyahcollins9969]

I'm here for Issa & Tiffany♥

[@user-jo8vl5dh2v]

Aaliyah Collins issa knife

[@dominicsanchez2972]

Let's not forget what the show Friends was based on, Living Single. Even Queen Latifah has been interviewed pointing that fact out. Minor network vs Major network, all black cast vs all white cast. Living Single was way more funny and 2 years ahead of Friends.

[@sumkid702]

Also Martin

[@therickyzegeshow]

There's a reason Friends lives on to this day, not because of their race, it's because of the quality and relatability

[@dominicsanchez2972]

@@therickyzegeshow You should watch Living Single, the quality and relatability are on par, it was just on a minor network with way less promotion. And it's not a trade secret that the network head of NBC said he wanted a show like Living Single.

[@dominicsanchez2972]

@@therickyzegeshow Here's a link of a video that just came out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXrQXodjd9Grq9E

[@tonylancer7367]

The truth is if there wasn't any Living Single, there probably wouldn't be Friends. Living Single was a pioneer in TV sitcoms in the 90's.

[@pokemonluvr96]

found out about this from jerrod carmichaels wikipedia. i didnt even know this existed. incredible video, even better commentary 15/10 ty jay z (sidenote- WHY AND HOW DOES THIS ONLY HAVE 8.1M VIEWS AND UNDER 200K LIKES???!?!?! currently the story of OJ video [beautifully animated, poignant, and genius as well] has over 146M views and 1.7M likes despite only being released a month before wtf)

[@HK80sbabii]

Mind, blown! Jay is a genius and so is his wife

[@dimitrijoestar158]

Nwright TV nah it’s just jay z

[@shardeemahaffey9322]

I love that Issa rae is in this. Beautiful black woman

[@RazCloset]

Maybe people will start understanding. Jay-Z is the G.O.A.T.

[@Burty_YT]

Its January 2022, how many legends are listening to this masterpiece💚

[@helloxonsfan]

2022 right here

[@kung-fukennyfamily]

Moonlight 》 La la Land , That Hook is Iconic 💯🔥 Hov such a Limitless G.O.A.t 🐐 .

[@WTFTheLeftIsBigger]

Kung-Fu Kenny Family Did you even see them? Or the rest of the nominees...?

[@aisongpool]

The song references how niggas think they winning when they actually lose, just like the la la land > Moonlight situation. In other words niggas are stuck in la la land (an illusion). And the rappers sounding the same, wearing the same things, f'ing the same girls.....no distinction. But they swear they're winning.

[@deepstate3358]

Kung-Fu Kenny Family facts. Jay z is the greatest rapper alive

[@eurythmicslaps6515]

L. Hill

[@Onlytoview1]

i agree

[@animec-dramaskpop6362]

"I play a parrot with a bad attitude, but he's got a heart of gold." I'm dead XD......all jokes aside Jay thanks for putting out content that makes people *think.*

[@gwynnielsen5081]

Jay Z has staying power as an artist. I totally respect him.

[@jraybay]

Damn. Jay-z on fire lately

[@majorharris8194]

This is J's greatest album, no contest.

[@jordanrobinson8572]

Blueprint, blueprint 2 or the black album, lose of contest.

[@slimmstrongsworld]

reasonable doubt 2 thats what 4:44 is, it was the double up of his song 2-22's

[@zionwhitmire4026]

That album Jay z did with linkin park will always be my favorite

[@jordantbryant9861]

Nope

[@dannyolgetree]

Our prayers have been answered.... pure genius

[@MissSandieB]

A lot of people STILL think LaLa Land won Best Picture. I had to correct someone 2 weeks ago.

[@kylaleche2533]

Ayyyeeee Issa movin on up

[@pascal590]

kyla leche` Tiffany haddish movin up! Everybody movin up!

[@callmekc1512]

i know im so proud!