Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

4:44 isn't a new Jay Z album but a film starring Mahershala Ali and Lupita Nyong'o

But there's a lot we still don't know about it

Christopher Hooton
Thursday 08 June 2017 03:50 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

When Tidal-branded billboards saying simply '4:44' popped up around New York City this week, many speculated that we could be about to get a new Jay Z album.

A commercial for the project that aired during last night's NBA Finals suggests otherwise though, consisting of a black and white film trailer in which Mahershala Ali plays a boxer and Danny Glover his coach.

A card at the end reveals Lupita Nyong'o will feature too, making it a trio of Oscar winners.

The trailer doesn't exactly give a lot away in terms of narrative or tone, but given the 4:44 film will exclusively come out through Tidal music must still be at its core.

A Jay Z visual album? A visual album for a different artist? An 8 Mile-esque musical? Tidal are remaining tight lipped.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in