On Monday, Jay-Z announced that his 13th album would be released on June 30. Normally, that would not be news around these parts, but Hov went and gave the record a very Syracuse Orange-adjacent name -- 4:44. So now it’s very important for us.
First and foremost, though, did he ask the committee to use the number? If not, this isn’t a sanctioned 44 event. Assuming he did, however, what Syracuse-related song titles might be on the yet-to-be-released track list?
We took some guesses...
“Silent G”
Former Syracuse star and current Detroit Pistons player Michael Gbinije signed with Jay’s Roc Nation last year, so this one’s a natural starter. It also provides a second meaning that could fit right in with Jay-Z’s later-career persona as more of an entrepreneur than his earlier hip hop side projects would could be perceived as more stereotypically “gangster.” That history’s still there, but it — the G — is more silent now. Such a song would reflect on that dichotomy.
“Dynasty Reunion”
It’s been 10 years since Rick Jackson’s dad dubbed the 2007-08 Orange team “the Dynasty.” The shirts and bravado that came with that would’ve been awesome... if the team hadn’t been hampered by a glut of injuries which caused it to completely miss the tournament. Hova throws the dynasty sign up one last time for Donte Greene, Jonny Flynn & Co.
“Brand New Babers”
Beyonce just had twins, so they’re brand new babies. Dino Babers has been around Syracuse football for over a year, but he’s still in the process of installing a new culture within the program. Here, Jay talks about both his newborn children and SU’s football coach. A perfect match.
“Direspekt”
There have been a few rap feuds involving Jay-Z over the years, and they’ve largely been fueled by perceived disrespect. Syracuse has an ongoing feud with Clemson on the internet, largely fueled by perceived disrespect. Here, he examines the similarities between the situations... and accidentally throws shade at Dabo because it rhymes with a bunch of stuff.
“Not in My House”
Syracuse basketball went 0-for-2 in Brooklyn’s Barclays Center last year, losing to both the South Carolina Gamecocks and Miami Hurricanes. Being from New York, Jay understands the significance of Orange hoops success in the city. But he’s also acknowledging their inability to get it done last year. He’s not taunting them. He’s coaching them up.
Have more made-up definitely real Jay-Z tracks to add to the list for 4:44? Share them below.