Jay Z just released the latest short film to accompany his album, 4:44, and it's completely brilliant. Not only does the video reference the moment that La La Land was wrongfully presented with Moonlight's Best Picture Oscar, it also recreates an episode of Friends with an all black cast (opens in new tab).
Friends was often criticized for a lack of diversity throughout its ten year run, which makes Jay Z's latest video all the more satisfying. Although the new cast repeat the episode's script verbatim, the film isn't a simple recreation. Instead, it's a comment on the erasure of black artists in popular culture, particularly in light of La La Land stealing the screen time and celebration that Moonlight deserved during the Academy Awards.
Watch: @S_C_ x Moonlight x @TIDALHiFi https://t.co/We5OlPBrLl pic.twitter.com/8tvYNDNdfPAugust 4, 2017
As well as recreating an excerpt from "The One Where No One's Ready" (Season 3, Episode 2), which first aired in 1996, "Moonlight" also features a conversation between Hannibal Buress and Jerrod Carmichael about the roles that people of color are offered onscreen. And the end of the video sees Carmichael's Ross leave the Friends set, go outside, and sit basking in the moonlight.
In an example of perfect casting which will make you wish Jay Z's version of Friends (opens in new tab)was a real show, Issa Rae replaces Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Green. The video also stars Get Out's Lil Rel Howery, Atlanta's, Thor: Ragnarok's Tessa Thompson, and Girls Trip's Tiffany Haddish.
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook (opens in new tab) for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
-
Miley Cyrus' New Song Is Packed With References to Ex Liam Hemsworth, And People Are Obsessed With Her "Queen Behavior"Exhibit A: She released it on his birthday.
-
Taylor Swift Fans Have Big Feelings About Ticketmaster Crashing Due to "Historically Unprecedented Demand"
There was heartbreak.
-
Taylor Swift Beat the *Actual* Beatles With Her New Billboard Chart Rankings
I am shaken to the very core.
-
Taylor Swift Removes "Fat" Scale Scene From Music Video Following Backlash
The discussion rages on.
-
The 78 Best Celebrity Couple Halloween Costumes of All Time
Honestly, we're impressed.
-
Britney Spears and Elton John Have Recorded a Song Together, Apparently
It's Britney, b*tch!
-
Jennifer Lopez and Emme Sang on Stage Together Again, As Emme Debuts Gender-Neutral Pronouns
Emme previously sang with their mom at the Super Bowl.
-
22 Captivating Films About Royal Life
Once you've finished 'The Crown,' cue up one of these royally good films.
