Jay-Z the Devil Worshipper?

12Jan10

Apparently some commentators are convinced so. Rap/ hip hop music is so often mistaken as unimportant nonsense. Many have found Jay-Z to be a prime example of this “inappropriate” nonsense music. On New Years day his latest single and new music video was premiered, “On To the Next One.” The lyrics and graphics in this music video has created more controversy, and led to more youtube.com comments suggesting that Jay-Z is a “devil worshipper.” Music is often mistakenly viewed as violent or money obsessed, when there may be greater meaning behind certain graphics and/ or lyrics.

While “On to the Next One” may use few crude words or somewhat “devilish” images, and may focus on excees greed for money, this song does not necessarily suggest nor prize these subjects. Rather, if you listen closer we find lyrics for example:

“I move onward the only direction

Can’t be scared to fail

Searchin perfection.”

These lyrics can suggest life’s goals, and positive influence of commitment and dedication, when times are difficult. As for the perceived “devilish” images shown in music video, they may resemble the challenges, temptations, or failure when he raps “can’t be scared to fail.” In fact this music video is so symbolic of today’s “times of crisis” as is something we can all relate to when looking for something deeper than the surface. With all this controversy we find, that music can be portrayed and twisted by media. Whether or not Jay-Z is a devil worshipper is not business of public concern, though is a proficient example of how music can be wrongly perceived and suggested through the media.

Lyrics: http://www.directlyrics.com/jayz-on-to-the-next-one-lyrics.html

Music Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BV3uGGFDnUo