In an interview in the most recent issue of GQ Magazine(UK) Jack White dropped an unexpected bomb by announcing that he has laid down a track with none other than Jay-Z. While the charts are currently inundated with songs by artists “featuring” someone else this is really a surprise that goes above and beyond the usual collaboration.
An argument could be made that Jack White was the most influential rock artist of the 2000’s and the same could be made for Jay-Z in the hip-hop arena. In Pitchfork Media’s comprehensive Top 200 Albums of the 2000’s list Jack White’s band The White Stripes came in at number 12 for White Blood Cells while Jay-Z’s release The Blueprint ranked number 5. It would be difficult to manufacture a duo with more credibility than these two.
Here is Jack White’s statement from the interview:
“I just did a record with Jay-Z,” said White. “We did a song together a few weeks ago. It was incredible. I played him something that I’ve been kicking around for a while and he immediately came out with words for it. It’s unbelievable-sounding.”
White didn’t provide any timetable for a release but it’s a safe bet to assume this will be all over the airwaves when it drops. This will be White’s first foray into the hip-hop genre. Jay-Z is a veteran of the rock game including collaborations with heavyweights U2, John Mayer, and Linkin Park.
Here are two recent videos from Jack White and Jay-Z to fuel the fire for the upcoming release.
The Raconteurs – Salute Your Solution
Jay Z – On to the Next One
