When Nas revealed he would be releasing a new album this week, we had a feeling that meant new Jay-Z music would also be released. I mean, it’s been happening without fail for years now. And sure enough, just hours before King’s Disease was released, Pharrell jumped on his social media accounts to announce his new single, “Entrepreneur” featuring Hov.
Released in conjunction with Pharrell’s new TIME cover package, “The New American Revolution,” the song–produced by The Neptunes–confronts racism and systematic injustice with a triumphant tone as they relay the idea that “when we stick together, treat each other better and welcome each other, there’s more money and more opportunity for everyone.”
“The intention for the song was about how tough it is to be an entrepreneur in our country to begin with,” Williams told TIME. “Especially as someone of color, there’s a lot of systemic disadvantages and purposeful blockages. How can you get a fire started, or even the hope of an ember to start a fire, when you’re starting at disadvantages with regards to health care, education, and representation?
“When you have successful beehive-type communities where you can circulate money within your community, it makes a huge difference. They keep saying the American Dream is about the house and picket fence, the wife and two kids. Come on—let’s be honest. It’s always boiled down to money and an opportunity.”
Released with a matching video (directed by CALMATIC!) that highlights numerous black entrepreneurs in the world, “Entrepreneur” can be heard below. Press play and check Pharrell’s TIME presentation right here.
