One of the biggest mysteries in the world of rap is this: what is going on with Kanye West and Jay Z? One minute they're the best of friends, the next Kanye is overcome by paranoia, ranting to his fans about how Jay wants to have him assassinated. They seem to really go hot and cold on one another, and the whole situation got extra spicy when Jay Z declined to attend Kanye's glitzy, much-publicised wedding to Kim Kardashian. After that little faux pas, the rumours really kicked off.
The two have been feuding since 2016, and there's no sign that either of them is willing to bury the hatchet anytime soon. This week, Jay Z and Beyoncé released a joint album, entitled Everything Is Love, in which the duo aired a lot of dirty laundry, discussing everything from their marital problems, to Donald Trump and even Kanye West himself. In the new EP, Jay finally reveals the reason why he decided to skip Kim and Kanye's wedding.
The sixth track of the album, (entitled Friends), appears to allude to the complex relationship between the two men, and also appears to address recent comments made by Kanye that he was disappointed when Jay and Beyoncé neglected to make an appearance at his nuptials. Kanye stated: "Respectfully, I have to say I was hurt that they didn’t come to the wedding. I understand they were going through some things, but if it’s family, you’re not gonna miss a wedding."
In the track itself, Jay Z raps: "I ain't going to nobody for nothing when me and my wife beefing / I don't care if the house on fire, I'm dying, n*gga, I ain't leaving / Ty Ty take care of my kids, after he done grieving / If ya'll don't understand that, we ain't meant to be friends."
This seems to suggest that Jay Z chose to decline Kanye's wedding invitation because he was busy dealing with the stress of his own marriage. Awkwardly, Jay also goes on to name-drop a number of people he considers close friends. Kanye? Didn't get a mention. Seems like the feud is very much still a big deal.
Everything Is Love was released for streaming and digital download through Tidal on Saturday, June 16, and later on platforms such as iTunes, Deezer, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Napster, Google Play Music and Spotify. It features additional vocals by Quavo and Offset of Migos, Ty Dolla Sign and Pharrell.
To be honest, I'm still hopeful that the two dudes will get over their issues and settle their differences. It would be amazing to see Kanye and Jay Z collaborate on something new together, but maybe that's nothing more than a pipe dream. When it comes to superstar's egos, it's not a good idea to expect them to be too contrite.
