No doubt you're aware by now that hip hop icon Jay-Z recently released a new album called 4:44, featuring a song called 4:44 that runs for four minutes and 44 seconds and was apparently written at 4:44 in the morning.
Aside from being 11 seconds away from a cease-and-desist letter from John Cage, that's a whole lot of thematic numerology, which may or may not have something to do with Jay's infamous elevator fight with Solange Knowles.
It's all very mysterious, but what's fairly cut and dry is that, as a result of all this focus on that particular number, a New Jersey band called — we shit you not — 4:44 has decided to capitalise on Jay-Z's new album and all the (inadvertent) attention it's brought with it.
The trio have released a new EP called JAY-Z, as you would, and, as The Key reports, they aren't shy about calling it what it is — "a shameless marketing technique". (They actually say as much on the album's cover.)
In truth, the EP is comprised of previously released tracks — opener Hallelujah comes from the band's March 2017 album, Greenwave, as is closer Derf; Blood Red Moon from June's Cardinal LP; and Child Of God is the title track of their 2015 album. Still, you can't blame them for seizing the opportunity.
If nothing else, it provides a nice little jumping-on introduction to the band's jammy brand of psych-touched indie-rock, and will undoubtedly bring a broader audience their way, so really, you have to admire their initiative.
Give the EP a spin below and, if it's to your liking, head over and give them the ol' thumbs up on Facebook.
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