Wow...what a way to start 2010. So much has happened. President Obama is catching flack from both sides for failing to measure up to the mammoth expectations set before him, Port Au Prince, Haiti experienced perhaps the most devastating national disaster to ever hit the western world, and apparently Jay-Z is a devil worshiping, satanic mason out to rid the world of all good and plunge us into a destiny as black as his wardrobe for the better part of a year.
I don't think dude is a devil-worshiper. Eccentric? Absolutely. Different? Most geniuses are. But a mastermind behind a conspiracy to re-ignite the flame started by the illuminati? Conspiracy theorists can work off that. Don't get me wrong, the stuff is interesting, but like everything else, sometimes if you look for a reason to distrust someone or something, you'll more than likely find it. I don't wanna be written off as a nut job commenting on that which I don't understand nor makes me any money (not that I get crazy paid for blogging my thoughts) but there's enough people doing it that I don't need to hump the trend. Just Google search it.
"What makes mentioning all that relevant then?"; you're probably asking. Well if people thought Jay was evil before, they might really question it now. Everyone is doing as much as they can in terms of relief efforts in Haiti. The American Red Cross has set up a text to donation fund accessible through most cell phone carriers that will allow you to make a $10 donation by messaging the word "HAITI" to 90999. I've done it several times. There's been countless benefit concerts hosted by BET, comedians giving their jokes for a good cause and countless advertisements keeping the effort at the forefront of our consciousness. The latest is a remake of the 25 year old classic "We Are the World".
The original version, written and produced by Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie was recorded by a cast of celebrities and musicians famous during that time. Most notably the King of Pop, Micheal Jackson. The new version, updated for the iPod generation has included the likes of Kanye West and his girl Friday, Amber Rose. Barbara Strissand, Trey Songz, LL Cool J, Wyclef Jean, Anthony Hamilton, Jennifer Hudson and too many other artists to name all added their vocals as well. The new version is vastly different from the original, only the gloved one's vocals remain accompanied by his sister Janet. The new version includes a unison rap and elements of Reggae. The only thing missing is Young Hov.
One might find it curious that one of the number one selling artists of our time, with more number one albums than Elvis would miss an opportunity to once again make music history. But he did, and he wasn't alone. Madonna passed it up. As did Beyonce. One might ask...why?!? This is obviously a worthwhile cause, all proceeds from downloads will go to benefit the relief efforts in Haiti much like the original did to fight famine in Africa a quarter century ago. Jay was personally invited by Quincy Why then would Jigga not want to contribute? This is what he had to say...
"I'm a fan of music. I know the plight and everything that's going on in Haiti. I applaud the efforts: (Millions have been raised) through text (donations) to Haiti. So I appreciate the efforts and everything, but 'We Are the World' is (musically) untouchable like 'Thriller' is untouchable. Some things are just untouchable. It was a valiant effort, but for me, it's gonna be untouchable."
I tend to agree. Jigga famously stated once: "when a trend becomes a gimmick, get rid of it." So why jump on the RIP MJ bandwagon and re-record WATW and not make a whole new song? Wouldn't that be a more earnest and valiant effort? Or maybe Jones and company just really wanted to give MJ one more chance to posthumously give back? The world may never know, and Jigga will definitely not be on the remix.
here's the USA for Africa Version:
here's the WATW - 25 version:
