The lead up to the release of JAY-Z's new album, 4:44, has given fans very little idea about what's to come. The newest teaser featuring Lupita Nyong'o has introduces the idea of the "MaNyfaCedGod" after which it is named, which raises a lot of questions. However, the most important question is could the latest trailer's title possibly be a Game of Thrones reference?
While it's unclear what exactly JAY-Z is alluding to in the newly released visual snippet, there are clues that the video could be a reference to the GOT saga. Over his many years in the music business, JAY-Z has made it abundantly clear that he intends to solidify his position as the king of hip-hop. From taking on the moniker Hov in his start-up days to Watch the Throne in 2011 to sipping from the "Holy Grail" in 2013, the rapper has done his best to climb his way to pinnacle of the entertainment industry. So speculating that his latest project could be a nod to GOT is actually a quite reasonable assumption. If the theory does prove to be true, it seems that the entrepreneur could be comparing his rise to the top of the rap game to that of the war amongst those vying for the Iron Throne on the HBO series.
For those unfamiliar with Game of Thrones' Many-Faced God (stylized in JAY-Z's ad as "MaNyfaCedGod"), it's a deity worshipped by a group of assassins known as the Faceless Men. Members of the Faceless Men believe that they serve the Many-Faced God through their assassinations. Perhaps, JAY-Z has chosen to liken himself to the MFG, painting himself as god of sorts whose followers aka the faceless men, have set out to do his work, slaying others in the rap game.
It's worth noting that on the very night (Jun 15) that he became the first rapper inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, JAY-Z tweeted out a list of rappers, former foes and newcomers alike, that have inspired him along the way. Perhaps, this is part of a master plan to unify his all of his followers.
Of course, this is pure speculation, but it's certainly not a far-fetched concept when it comes to marketing a man who considers himself to be the greatest rapper alive — that is, himself... and former President Obama.
In the 30 second "MaNyfaCedGod" video, Nyong'o piercingly gazes while kneeling on the ground. In the midst of her pain, tears begin to stream down her cheeks as the video fades into the alleged title of the upcoming album. It's presumed that JAY's forthcoming project will be accompanied by a visual presentation, given the string of video advertisements released ahead of its June 30 drop date. However, it remains unclear if the new release will be a video anthology or more of a mini-film, like his wife Beyoncé's Lemonade visual album.
The upcoming project will be JAY-Z's first studio album since 2013's Magna Carta... Holy Grail was released nearly four years ago. If the entire 4:44 album turns out to be anything like the riveting lead-up videos that we've seen thus far, JAY-Z can rest assured that the spot on the throne continues to await him.
