The Story of O.J.

"The Story of O.J." is a song by American hip hop artist Jay-Z from his thirteenth studio album 4:44. It was produced by Jay-Z and No I.D.. Following the release of the album, the song charted in a couple of regions, entering and peaking at number 23 on the US Billboard Hot 100, as well as charting at number 88 on the UK Singles Chart. It received three nominations at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards: Record of the Year, Best Rap Song, and Best Music Video.[1] The song features samples from Nina Simone's song "Four Women".

"The Story of O.J."
Song by Jay-Z
from the album 4:44
ReleasedJune 30, 2017 (2017-06-30)
GenreHip hop
Length3:52
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Music video
"The Story of O.J." on YouTube

Music video

The music video for "The Story of O.J." premiered on July 5, 2017 on Jay-Z's Vevo account on YouTube. It was directed by Jay-Z and Mark Romanek.[2]

The video uses a style similar to the Censored Eleven cartoons, depicting several well-known stereotypes associated with African Americans. Among other things, the video touches on African American culture, various roles within the black community, and how the black community is affected by money. O. J. Simpson (the song's namesake) is featured saying the rumored line, "I'm not black, I'm O.J.," a reference to the idea that wealth, notoriety, and fame can transcend race. The video was ranked the best music video of 2017 by Rolling Stone.[3]

Criticism of Jewish people lyric

The song's “You ever wonder why Jewish people own all the property in America?” lyric caused backlash and debate users on social media, with Guy Oseary and Russell Simmons defending Jay-Z.[4] An Anti-Defamation League representative told a Rolling Stone reporter that they do not believe Jay-Z’s intent was to promote anti-Semitism but that they were "concerned that this lyric could feed into preconceived notions about Jews and alleged Jewish ‘control’ of the banks and finance.”[5][4]

Awards
Year Ceremony Award Result
2018 60th Grammy Awards[6] Record of the Year Nominated
Best Rap Song Nominated
Best Music Video Nominated

Personnel

Charts

Weekly charts
Chart (2017) Peak
position
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[7] 53
France (SNEP)[8] 103
UK Singles (OCC)[9] 88
UK R&B (OCC)[10] 27
US Billboard Hot 100[11] 23
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[12] 10

Certifications
Region CertificationCertified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[13] Gold 500,000

Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References
  1. Kreps, Daniel (November 28, 2017). "Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, Bruno Mars Lead 2018 Grammy Nominees". Rolling Stone. Retrieved January 15, 2018.
  2. "Jay Z's New Music Video Uses America's Long History of Racist Cartoons to Deliver a Haunting Message". June 30, 2017. Retrieved January 15, 2018.
  3. "10 Best Music Videos of 2017". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2018-01-28.
  4. Blistein, Jon (2017-07-06). "ADL Questions Jay-Z Over Jewish Lyric in 'The Story of O.J.'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2021-01-06.
  5. Andrews, Travis M. "Jay-Z lyric plays into Jewish stereotypes, Anti-Defamation League says". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2021-01-06.
  6. "60th GRAMMY Awards: Full Nominees List". November 28, 2017. Retrieved January 15, 2018.
  7. "Jay-Z Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved January 13, 2018.
  8. "Lescharts.com – JAY-Z – The Story of O.J." (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved January 15, 2018.
  9. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved January 13, 2018.
  10. "Official R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved January 13, 2018.
  11. "Jay-Z Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved January 13, 2018.
  12. "Jay-Z Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved January 13, 2018.
  13. "American single certifications – Jay-Z – The Story of O.J." Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved February 12, 2018. If necessary, click Advanced, then click Format, then select Single, then click SEARCH. 
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