Jay-Z Releases Footnotes for “MaNyfaCedGod” Video

Another day, another release supporting JAY-Z's 4:44 album, which has proven to be one of the more immersive musical projects in recent memory. This one is a footnotes video for "MaNyfaCedGod," a stunning visual with Lupita Nyong'o and the dimensions of love as its focus. Check out the video via Tidal below.

Following in the footsteps of Hov's previous footnotes, this edition finds a group of Black celebrities offering their takes on a visual from Jay's newest album. Meek Mill, actor/activist Jesse Williams, Daily Show host Trevor Noah, Chris Rock and Black-ish star Anthony Anderson are among those featured. The video finds its subjects discussing the more seldom-addressed aspects of masculinity.

For his part, Hov speaks on the stigma attached to men taking a trip to the therapist, seemingly alluding to the idea that people from impoverished communities are most affected by it.

“You crazy at that point. It’s like, a psychiatrist? You crazy. No, you need help," Hov says in the vid. "Three of your brothers are dead and your mother used to beat you. You need help. Someone needs to talk you through why you’re feeling these feelings.”

Williams touches on the weight of the expectations usually accompanying simplistic notions of masculinity.

"I think as we look at our relationships and we look at fucking trying to be something for other people, specifically men, it's this barrage of, 'You gotta be the man in a relationship,'" the actor says. "What does that mean? Does that mean 'have courage'? And courage to do what? Does that mean be a leader? Be a leader how? Does that mean be physically strong? Because the weakest people that I've met in my life have been physically strong men."

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