music / Hip-Hop
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Watch JAY-Z Read New Anthemic Poem “Dream. On.”

JAY-Z and Budweiser join forces to celebrate those who make the most of their freedom.

August 30, 2017

With only days to go before JAY-Z’s much-hyped return to the annual Budweiser Made in America festival, JAY-Z and Budweiser have teamed up to create a short film that captures the essence of JAY-Z's American dream in just 90 seconds. Inspired by Budweiser’s commitment to saluting ambitious dreamers everywhere, JAY-Z infuses the film with an anthemic poem to human power and determination.

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In the clip, which you can watch above, JAY-Z talks about how growing up in the Marcy Houses of Brooklyn fueled his ambition and led him to pursue his dreams, no matter the obstacles. “It takes tears, sweat, blood, five CCs,” the rapper says. “Because I know what a kid in apartment 5C see.”

The video takes us into that very same humble apartment, painting a picture of JAY-Z’s past with long shots of period details such as an old TV, boombox, and ornaments alongside peeling wallpaper and a basketball. The message is clear and powerful: JAY-Z has come a long way from places like this, and his dreams are what brought him there.

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Budweiser is proud to partner with JAY-Z to inspire the next generation of dreamers. Budweiser Made in America takes place in Philadelphia on Labor Day Weekend (September 2nd and 3rd), with a headlining set from JAY-Z himself on Sunday, September 3rd. Tickets are available now.

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Watch JAY-Z Read New Anthemic Poem “Dream. On.”