Jay-Z References Obama, Chief Keef in 'Open Letter' Response to Cuba Scandal (AUDIO)
Jay-Z released his new song "Open Letter" on Thursday and fans believe the track is a direct response to questions over his recent trip to Cuba.
The hip-hop mogul, 43, along with his wife Beyonce Knowles, 31, celebrated the couple's fifth wedding anniversary in Havana on April 4 and the trip sparked controversy. A decades-long U.S. trade embargo against Cuba prohibits most Americans from traveling to the island nation without permission from the federal government.
The Hollywood power couple's trip was reportedly investigated by the U.S. Treasury department after two Cuban-American lawmakers from South Florida — Representatives Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Mario Diaz-Balart, both Republicans, raised concerns. Violations of the government's embargo can lead to a $250,000 fine and up to 10 years in prison.
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"Ballin til they ban us / you getting' too much bread they try to jam you ... politicians never did s--- for me / except lie to me distort history," Jay-Z rapped in the song, which aired on New York radio station Hot 97.
"Wanna give me jail time and the fine, fine let me commit a real crime / I might buy a kilo for Chief Keef, out of spite, I just might flood these streets / Hear the freedom in my speech," he goes on.
Jay-z, who real name is Shawn Corey Carter, is a firm supporter of U.S. President Barack Obama and their association led to rumors about whether the Grammy award-winning rapper and Beyonce used political connections to enter Cuba. It was confirmed Wednesday that the couple's trip was in fact approved by the U.S. Government.
"I done turned Havana to Atlanta / Guayabera shirts and bandannas ... Boy from the hood got White House clearance," Jay-Z boasts in the song.
"Obama said, 'chill you gon' get me impeached' / You don't need this s--- anyway, chill with me on the beach'" he adds.
Hip-hop producers Swizz Beatz and Timbaland also allegedly worked on Jay-Z's new track and Swizz recently explained how the collaboration occurred.
"[Beyoncé] came in the studio and [producer] Just Blaze came in the studio and this thing just extended to another level," Swizz told Hot 97.
"The whole thing started with me making a track in Jay's office, and it just led to 'Open Letter' and people learning about things today," he continued.
Jay-Z is reportedly working on his 12th studio album.
To listen to the entire Jay-Z song, click below (WARNING: Contains adult themes and lyrics).
