January 21, 2009 15:23

Jay-Z explains meaning behind Barack Obama 'History' song Jay-Z Tickets

'It's about trying to find victory', says the rapper

Photo: Dean Chalkley Next Previous

Photo Gallery: Jay-Z
Photo: Dean Chalkley

Jay-Z has explained the thinking behind his new song 'History', which he performed at the pre-inaugration ball at Washington DC's Warner Theater on Monday (January 19).

The rapper, who headed to Capitol Hill to watch
Barack Obama's Presidential inauguration yesterday (January 21), told MTV News he hoped that the song, written for Obama, came across as "deep but fun".

He said: "The 'History' record is really about – once again – about making history. But I use different words as if they were women: 'Success. I met success and success was a sister of defeat'.

"You know, if you listen to the record it's pretty much talking about trying to find victory, victory being a woman, and so me and victory can make a kid – the kid being history, and then history tells your legacy. It's deep but it's fun. It's not really that complicated."

Watch Jay-Z performing the song by clicking on the video below.

Read more

Visit NME Video for the latest music videos and artist interviews

Jay-Z Tickets
Date/Time Venue Town/City Seetickets Viagogo
Jun 11, 2012 20:15 Manchester Arena Manchester

Buy Jay Z Tickets
from £53

 

Jun 13, 2012 19:30 Lg Arena, The Nec Birmingham

Buy Jay Z Tickets

 

You may need to upgrade your Flash Player

You can download the latest flash plugin here.

If you have installed flash but keep getting this message:

1. Try to bypass flash plugin detection here.

2. Ensure you have javascript enabled in your browser.

3. Try using Firefox

Listen to more Free Music at we7.com
Comments

Comments do not always reflect the views of NME, or IPC Media, for guidelines visit our Ts & Cs page

Date/Time Venue Town/City Seetickets Viagogo
Jun 11, 2012 20:15 Manchester Arena Manchester

Buy Jay Z Tickets
from £53

 

Jun 13, 2012 19:30 Lg Arena, The Nec Birmingham

Buy Jay Z Tickets

 

More Jay-Z Tickets

Featured Videos
Latest Tickets
NME Store & Framed Prints
Most Read News
Popular This Week
Twitter
Inside NME.COM
 
New Issue Out Now
Newsletter

Free weekly music news, videos and MP3s in your inbox

On NME.COM Today