Jay-Z subtly returns to Instagram after a two-year hiatus

The rapper deactivated his Instagram back in November of 2021

Kaleigh Werner
New York
Wednesday 30 August 2023 00:23 EDT
Comments
Jay-Z launches Tidal

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.

After a two-year break from social media, Jay-Z has made a subtle return to Instagram.

The 53-year-old previously moved his presence offline, deleting his account on the platform before making his comeback on 29 August. But, while he may have been following more individuals prior, he’s now only shown interest in one person’s account – his wife, Beyonce’s.

Jay-Z took to the app to post one reel promoting the upcoming film, The Book of Clarence. The star of the film, Lakeith Stanfield, assumes the role of a family man living in Jerusalem during 33 AD. Clarence’s journey in meeting Jesus Christ and deciding to become a messiah is documented with a legendary soundtrack featuring a Prince classic, “I Would Die 4 U,” along with new music from Jay-Z and Samuel.

Along with Stanfield, the cast includes Anna Diop, David Oyelowo, Micheal Ward, Omar Sy, Teyana Taylor, Caleb McLaughlin, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, and Eric Kofi-Abrefa. Jeymes Samuel wrote and directed the film, while Jay-Z is one of the executive producers. Samuel and the “Empire State of Mind” creator previously worked together on his Netflix movie The Harder They Fall.

Speaking to Vanity Fair, Jay-Z expressed concerns about what the audience would think about the new film ahead of its release. He thought people would “immediately just focus on the religious aspect of it and not the human story”.

“This story is about a young man who finds his faith through love and through wanting to become somebody in the world, which is the story of everybody,” the rapper proclaimed. “Everyone wants to find love and everyone wants to leave this place having accomplished something, having left their mark that they’ve been here and hopefully affected the world in a positive way.”

Jay-Z’s been known to use his social media to promote his movie-screen projects. When the “Young Forever” creator joined Instagram in November 2021, he posted to his story adorning The Harder They Fall.

The renowned artist has been paving his way in the film industry for over 15 years. Jay-Z’s produced several projects starting from State Property in 2002.

“Great films have melody to them,” Jay-Z told The Hollywood Reporter about The Harder They Fall. “And great songs, you can close your eyes and see them.”

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