JAY-Z and Nipsey Hussle appear together on “What It Feels Like”

Taken from the soundtrack to new Fred Hampton movie Judas and the Black Messiah: The Inspired Album.

February 12, 2021
JAY-Z and Nipsey Hussle appear together on “What It Feels Like” Getty

JAY-Z appears alongside the late Nipsey Hussle on new song “What It Feels Like.” The posthumous collaboration is featured on the soundtrack for Shaka King’s new film Judas and the Black Messiah, which tells the story of Black Panthers chair Fred Hampton and the FBI informant who betrayed him.

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“What It Feels Like" catches both rappers looking back over history, both ancient and more recent. At one point JAY-Z references the January 6 riot at the Capitol Building in a line seemingly pointed at Trump ("You let them crackers storm your Capitol, put they feet up on your desk"). Nipsey, who passed away in 2019, meanwhile, compares himself to "Young Malcolm" stating, "I’m the leader of this movement."

Judas and the Black Messiah: The Inspired Album is out today, February 12, and also features H.E.R.'s "Fight For You." That song was nominated for a Golden Globe last week and is on the longlist of potential Best Original Song Oscar nominees.

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The soundtrack also features new music by A$AP Rocky, Polo G, G Herbo, Lil Durk, and more. Hit-Boy and Black Panther director Ryan Coogler are among the project's executive producers.

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JAY-Z and Nipsey Hussle appear together on “What It Feels Like”