JAY-Z fans are on high alert after a new social media post by a potential collaborator seems to indicate that the prolific emcee will be releasing a new album soon.
On Sunday (January 28), video director Hidji took to his Instagram Stories to update his followers on an upcoming production. After sharing a blurry video geotagged “Atlanta, GA” and soundtracked by the Outkast classic “Player’s Ball,” he shared a screenshot of a text exchange between himself and someone else.
Replying to his friend’s inquiry about who he was shooting, Hidji simply texted, “Jay z.” He then shared a photo of a clapperboard which had the production title listed as, “JAY Z – 2024 ALBUM.”
Like his wife Beyoncé, JAY-Z is notorious for keeping information close to the cuff until he is ready to have it out in the open. This would indicate that the posts by Hidji — whose most recent success was the clip to Young Nudy‘s 21 Savage-assisted “Eggplants & Peaches” — did not leak this information without prior authorization.
However, as the rumors began circulating on Sunday, Roc Nation’s official account on X (formerly Twitter) responded to one post, writing: “That’s news to us.”
HipHopDX has reached out to reps at Roc Nation for further commentary.
Even if he isn’t working on his own new album, JAY-Z has already inspired another emcee’s highly anticipated 2024 release.
Earlier this week, Tierra Whack announced her long-awaited debut album World Wide Whack, which will be released on March 15.
The fittingly wacky cover art shows the Philadelphia native wearing a clown-esque outfit and sitting on a crescent stage prop in front of a giant “Joker” playing card.
Following the news, some fans traced the whimsical theme to quotes from an old Tierra Whack interview in which she revealed that JAY-Z once called her “the Joker of Hip Hop.”
Speaking to Apple Music in 2021 following the release of her Rap? EP, she said: “I had a conversation with JAY-Z and he was like, ‘Yo, you’re the Joker of the game.’ And I’m like, ‘What does that mean?’
“And he’s like, ‘You come off happy but there’s a dark side.’ And honestly it stuck with me. And I’m just like, ‘You know what? That’s exactly who I am. I’m the Joker. I’m the wild card.’”
Tierra was praised by people online for seemingly taking Hov’s shrewd insight and turning it into a full-blown album concept.
Rappers need to rap or lose their rapper title!
Legends like Nas, Jay, or Em don’t have to do anything. They’re already certified. They make music when they get inspired, not for any paycheck or label
Jay ain’t been the same since he starting rockin them stupid looking braids
Fr, Jay is the goat but ever since he started this whole midlife crisis look, I haven’t been able to take him seriously. Fuck is with that patchy ass moustache and chin hair too? If you’re in your mid 50’s and you still can’t grow a beard, then just shave that wispy looking shit off your face.
Why is it a secret to say I’m dripping an album? The harm to Jay’s bravado if he’d just day album coming this year like a normal person.
Tierra whack….highly anticipated?
Where and by who?
release the damn thing you already have more than enough money
I know his new album gonna be sick
This new hov album gonna be tough
JAY only black when he sellin you somethin. Also, not sure how a billionaire known for brag raps can relate/appeal to the average person.
That’s the best news I heard all week keep up ur music far away. Catalog is ancient and hasn’t aged well at al.
Hidji be talkin bout a Brooklyn legend but he be talkin bout King Tekashi. In any case, streetz be talkin bout Jay finna drop but dey ain’t know Jay n Tek put on for da hood on wax together.
Stop walking around like u made thriller huh!!!
It gets harder every time with each new project.. Hope it does numbers in sales for his career’s sake.