Magna Carta Holy Grail // Jay Z
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJWzSN1cwIs
Whether we like it or not, all of us are subject to other people’s stereotypes, and I’m pretty sure that anybody’s idea of me includes a love of Jay Z’s Magna Carta Holy Grail. What with my love of floral dresses, rock and indie music and general lack of enjoyment when it comes to rap music, such an album isn’t exactly the first thing to come to mind if someone was to pinpoint my musical tastes. It’s true; generally, I have no desire to listen to rap music, but something really struck me about his latest album when a friend played it to me just after its release two years ago.
Incredible arrangements, amazing collaborations (particularly those with Justin Timerlake and Frank Ocean on ‘Holy Grail’ and ‘Oceans’ respectively) and genuinely good lyrics make for an album that it’s very difficult not to find something to enjoy in. Not only that, having something so unusual in music collection is a welcome change and a great conversation starter.
I’m a firm believer that someone can enjoy as many different genres of music as they choose, and that’s true even if they only like one artist from a particular area. Music is all about expressing yourself, and it’s impossible for that to only take one form.
Words by Amie Bailey