Legacy

Album: 4:44 (2017)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Here, Jay-Z describes how he wants his financial legacy to be divided. He explained to iHeart radio:

    "The song is just about what it is, it's like a verbal will. Just a song about speaking to my daughter. She starts the song off, and she says 'Daddy, what's a will?'"
  • During the second verse, Jay describes how his preacher grandfather, Adnis Reeves, Sr., molested his daughter—Jay's paternal aunt. He explains how the effects of that sexual assault made him reject religion but after studying Islam, Buddhism, and Christianity and forgiving his grandfather Hova feels he has found his place in this world.
  • Producer No I.D. chopped up for this song the horns and vocals from Donny Hathaway's 1973 track "Someday We'll All Be Free." The Chicago beatmaker also borrows elements from El Michels Affair's tune "Glaciers of Ice."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Art Alexakis of Everclear

Art Alexakis of EverclearSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer of Everclear, Art is also their primary songwriter.

Rick Astley

Rick AstleySongwriter Interviews

Rick Astley on "Never Gonna Give You Up," "Cry For Help," and his remarkable resurgence that gave him another #1 UK album.

The 10 Bands Most Like Spinal Tap

The 10 Bands Most Like Spinal TapSong Writing

Based on criteria like girlfriend tension, stage mishaps and drummer turnover, these are the 10 bands most like Spinal Tap.

Bryan Adams

Bryan AdamsSongwriter Interviews

What's the deal with "Summer of '69"? Bryan explains what the song is really about, and shares more of his songwriting insights.

Grateful Dead Characters

Grateful Dead CharactersMusic Quiz

Many unusual folks appear in Grateful Dead songs. Can you identify them?

Edie Brickell

Edie BrickellSongwriter Interviews

Edie Brickell on her collaborations with Paul Simon, Steve Martin and Willie Nelson, and her 2021 album with the New Bohemians.