“The Story of OJ” is a song/music video by Jay-Z that depicts the realities of American culture and society, specifically regarding the black community, and how the history of this country – beginning with slavery – has culminated in oppressive economic circumstances and damaging African-American stereotypes for those who identify as black in America. The cartoon animated video shows Jay-Z’s character walking the streets of New York City rapping about the different societal depictions of black people, whether they be “light,” “dark,” “rich,” “poor,” in the “house” or in the “field,” as well as showing these characters engaging in stereotypical activities, including eating watermelon and riding at the back of a public bus. He goes on to show images reflecting the uneven distribution of wealth in black neighborhoods, and how he’s used intelligent business investments – in property and artwork, for example – to combat the historical disadvantage he faces simply because of his skin color.
The video shows how the roots of economic racism originated and have progressed. It urges individuals not to succumb to the path that this racist culture pushes on black people, but to instead try to find their own (financial) success, and subsequently use that success to transform society for the better. The song also communicates the idea that although one may have unique, individualistic attributes, one’s blackness is the most important attribute in a racist society. Jay urges his audience to not accept this, and says “financial freedom my only hope,” demonstrating that economic progress and the taking back of wealth (which his ancestors were forced to help make) is one way to take back power, freedom, and identity. “The Story of OJ” effectively traces both the historical and modern realities of racism in America, specifically how economic oppression is inherent in a systemically racist society. It does so in an entertaining way (it’s a good song, the music video is unique), it uses an abundance of recognizable imagery and visual metaphors (like picked cotton going into a factory and coming out as KKK robes), and pushes for radical change in mindset and outlook for the nation’s future.
Music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RM7lw0Ovzq0&ab_channel=JayZVEVO
I love this video! fav bar is:
‘I told him, “Please don’t die over the neighborhood
That your mama rentin’
Take your drug money and buy the neighborhood
That’s how you rinse it”‘
I love how Jay ties himself to the history of Black art and culture by sampling Nina Simone. By elaborating on her reflection of the effects of slavery, he shows that the racism of 1966 endured by Simone is still alive today.