Rap Critic: JAY-Z - The Story of O.J. 

wait you gave DAMN a 7 but this a.... oh shit wrong comment section

I always thought the title was weird, I only ever knew OJ for football and murder. That little history lesson really taught me some shit.

I'm not black i'm orange juice

Cameroon: people wouldn't believe a nice guy like OJ playing the part of a ruthless killer. OJ: HA! showed him

Kidz Bop Version: [Chorus] Light buddy, dark buddy, faux buddy, real buddy Rich buddy, poor buddy, house buddy, field buddy Still buddy, still buddy I like that second one Light buddy, dark buddy, faux buddy, real buddy Rich buddy, poor buddy, house buddy, field buddy Still buddy, still buddy [Interlude] Orange Juice be like, “I’m not milk, I’m OJ”.....okay [Verse 1] House buddy, be friends with me I'm a field buddy, be friends with me Go play the quarters where the buddies be I'mma be silly where the buddies be I told him, "Please act goofy around the buddies That your mama talkin' Take your buddies and buy some M&Ms That's how you be a good buddy" I bought every V8 fruit smoothie Wish I could take it back to the store I coulda bought a place in the sandbox before it even was the sandbox For like 2 Skittles That same place today is worth 25 skittles Guess how I'm feelin'? Sandy [Chorus] Light buddy, dark buddy, faux buddy, real buddy Rich buddy, poor buddy, house buddy, field buddy Still buddy, still buddy Light buddy, dark buddy, faux buddy, real buddy Rich buddy, poor buddy, house buddy, field buddy Still buddy, still buddy [Interlude] You wanna know what's more important than throwin' away candy during lunch? Buddies You ever wonder why buddies used to own all the property on the playground? This how they did it [Verse 2] More recess my only hope Livin’ on the monkey bars and with buddies I bought some Twix for 2 Milky Ways 2 days later, those two are worth 5 Snickers Few years later, just the left worth 8 Kit-Kat I can't wait to give this candy to my buddies Y'all think I’m your buddy, I'm like, I am But I'm tryin' to give you a million snickers worth of game for 9 twix I turned that Twix to a Milky Way, Milky Way to an Kit-Kat I turned my life into a nice life with buddies Y'all out here playin’ on the playground, huh? Me and my buddies helpin’ the teacher clean up, uh Y'all on the slide, taking turns like good children There's an open swing, y’all get out of line and run over, yeah [Chorus] Light buddy, dark buddy, faux buddy, real buddy Rich buddy, poor buddy, house buddy, field buddy Still buddy, still buddy Light buddy, dark buddy, faux buddy, real buddy Rich buddy, poor buddy, house buddy, field buddy Still buddy, still buddy

He brings up how rappers under record labels have advancement money. It's basically money you'll have to return to your label in the future. The money to their ear isn't really *their* money hence Jay Z, the owner and producer of his own stuff, says that ain't money.

YES! Thank you for bringing up the issues with Jewish line. As someone Jewish, I've only heard two types of opinions on it: "lol it's true tho you guys own everything stop being butthurt" and "obviously Jay-Z is a horrible anti-Semite and believes in the conspiracies!" I love how you handled it by observing the nuance behind it -- though it's over-generalizing a negative stereotype, anyone listening to it in context should be able to tell that Jay-Z didn't mean it in a hateful way. I've experienced anti-Semitism, and this isn't it. It's misguided, sure, but it's not malicious.

Holy shit. Steve Harvey had hair???!!!

Lol that Steve Harvey with a high top

I'm not black I'm o.j

I really love Rap Critic issues for how he addresses complex issues in media earnestly and with a real and obvious love for the media he addresses. I feel like too many video creators are afraid to show they care, and even when I don't agree with RC's opinions, I appreciate his good intentions.

The Jewish line is what threw me off about this song because of the continued "Jews own everything & run America" so on so on. Especially after I saw all the ppl on my thread praising Jay Z for "calling out the Jews" even though they didn't get the context.

I kind of feel like the non-rhymes are better served in this song. I don't know, it feels organic, it feels like it fits the kind of jazzy piano nature of the beat he's using. I also like that he's using the rap format to basically talk directly to us and give advice. Compare that to "Sit Down" by Kent Jones, where Kent can't even make the fucking effort to rhyme any words, while also talking about nothing of any substance. I don't know. I know that you're about the lyrics and the purity of the artform, and honestly that's what I think everyone should be. But should rhyming be a mandatory and permanent part of that artform? Can rap be like a sand castle, where it shifts and shapes according to the tide, or does it have to be rigid like a barrier reef?

I’m glad this song is still getting attention. I’m Latino and still listen to this song all the time and I learn more about it as time goes on. Seriously, I think this song is genius. There’s many levels of embedded allusions that people don’t get. And there’s still more to discover, I’m sure.

I'd love Rap Critic to do a history show. I'm learning more from his reviews and the podcast than from Humanities. Australia is more than a little ignorant so large swaths of world history tend to get overlooked here in our High School curriculum.

anybody else came back after... yknow?

I always read the line on Jewish people as Jay Z trying to say "look at a group of people who throughout history have been oppressed - from Ancient Egypt to WWII. But here is a group that owns a lot of wealth because they reinvest and build wealth. Not spend it to look wealthy." Does this make it less bigoted? No, definitely not. But I think (or I hope) he was trying to draw more parallels between two underrepresented and undervalued minorities than just call names.

My favorite documentary of all time is called "OJ: Made in America". It's really, REALLY long, being 5 parts with each of them clocking in at about 1 and a half hours, but it is completely fascinating. It goes into everything - the racial tensions of America, OJ's rise to success, the controversy surrounding him, the murder, the trial, the aftermath, everything. If anyone out there sees this, I highly recommend you see it if you have the chance, though you'll probably need to put aside the time to do so since it's so long.

I really liked this episode, I learnt a lot

Over decades Jewish people rose out of poverty, genocide and created generational wealth. As a people thy played the system well and are reaping the benefits. I see that line as an example of what black peoples can do to escape poverty. Not the surface level "Jews own everything"

Just a quick side note: I was in 5th grade when the verdict for O.J. Simpson was read out live on television. This was such a huge deal that most the school was allowed to either watch or hear the verdict live. The area and school district I grew up in was primarily extremely mixed. Primarily Latino, black, Asian (the entire continent represented), Arab, and so on. The only white people were those that were mixed. Anyway, when the verdict was read the entire school erupted in applause and screams of happiness. You have to understand as ethnic minorities we felt powerless against the police and the entirety of the judicial system. In the 1980s/1990s we felt they actually made our neighborhoods less safe. We grew up seeing our neighbors and family roughed for no reason other than there they looked a certain way. I’ll never forget the day my friend’s Dad was walking us home from school and a police officer drove by, turned around, and told him to immediately stand with his hands above his head, and to lean against the hood of the car. It was 1990 and I was in 1st grade. That poor man was made to feel embarrassed in front of his daughter and her friends. The reasoning for the stop and frisk? Supposedly there had been a burglary and my friend’s father matched the description of the suspect which even then I knew was BS. The supposed “burglary suspect” was a young, black male. After questioning him and asking dispatch about his ID and background the cop let him go. By that point we were all crying as we were just kids and we knew my friend’s Dad had done nothing wrong. From that day on I forever have never trusted the police. Ever. Maybe some year American law enforcement training will be taken seriously as it is in other countries (I.e. Various places in Europe) in which those who wish to become police officers train for years no different from medical practitioners. 6 weeks, 6 months, or even a year is not enough time to train people who wield power over civilians using arms. So if you’re wondering why the mistrust of law enforcement turned into celebration over OJ’s verdict that’s just one anecdote of many. Of course now we think differently, but at that time to have a black man found innocent or for cops to get their due justice was a major deal for us back then.

WHY THE FUCK YOU COVERING THE STORY OF ORANGE JUICE?

I'm Jewish and I don't own shit

The Jewish line is simply saying this: Jews (generally speaking) came from a very bad situation in life but were able to financially pull themselves up in America and have made themselves part of the legal and financial system in ways that other minorities who have come from similar positions have not. Jay is simply saying that the only way to gain respect for the black community and become influential and powerful in America is to make similarly wise and clever investments. He's using the Jewish people as inspiration for today's aspirational black youth. Now, I'm a white person, so this message isn't really meant for me, but I personally love this analogy.

Fantastic video as always, RC! I actually have an interesting story about O.J.'s trial. Everyone in my family thought O.J. was innocent, except for my grandmother. She was adamant about his innocence and nothing could persuade her otherwise. Shortly after he was found innocent, O.J. went to golf at the course behind my grandparent's house in Florida. O.J. hit the ball pretty close to the house, so my grandmother saw this as an opportunity to talk to him. O.J. seemed very cautious about this old (usually cranky) woman storming up to him, but she shot him a huge smile and said "way to go, O.J!!!" He gave her a wide smile and gave her a "thanks."

1:39 Iol actually clicked off the video to rewind what he said, I never actually thought about that .

i really like how in this song he doesn't just name off the problems black people and/or black communities face, he explains why they're prevalent and what needs to be done to fix them.

Personal story: I work a job transcribing lyrics for Apple Music (yes, this is a real job). We get all kinds of music, but Soundcloud rap rules the charts right now so it's most of what we get. And most of what we hear is mediocre beats with generic slurred lyrics about rollies, the Benz, Xans, Percs, and bitches. What makes this song so powerful is Jay-Z lived that too, slinging crack and drinking Cristal. Now he's older, wiser, and realizes where real value comes from. "I'm a huge success, but I waste too much money on stupid shit. I got lucky. Don't make my mistakes."

“People wouldn’t believe OJ playing a ruthless killer.” Oh boy if they knew

“I’m not black, I’m OJ!” *OK.*

when he said "i can hear people clicking off the video" was the minute I liked and subscribed yessss I love this so much!

All these ignorant "why does OJ have to be black?" comments make me glad that guys like Hov are still trynna hold it down.

I think there's fundamentally a difference between being ashamed of or entirely disinterested in being a certain minority group when one has money and not wanting to be simply recognized as or required to conform to certain ideas and issues just simply because you're from said minority group. Granted, I don't think OJ is latter in this case, but I just wanted to make that point as an ethnically Arab dude who would just rather be seen as an American.

Absolutely first-rate, rigorous, insightful commentary: rare in any medium, especially RU-vid. You said, "I can hear people clicking away," and I'm sure you are right. That part of your commentary was powerful. People certainly tuned out because it was dense-in two ways. The subject matter was dense and you can't change that. Second, the presentation in this video was dense, and it's possible, especially in this medium, to change the production. Your commentary is excellent, and I firmly believe that we would all benefit if more people heard your voice. To reach more people, don't change your message, but perhaps change the way you use this medium. I sincerely wish you the best of luck-and happiness.

On a RAP Critic video where the systemic issues of racism facing black people (i.e. the original basis that hip-hop was founded on) are discussed, the comments are entirely heckling or accuse RC of being too liberal. This pick-yourself-up-by-your-bootstraps attitude really shows how much more people love black culture than they do black people. *sigh*

I just realized the orange juice reference. With the OJ thing and the orange Juice ad

"Yeah, I'm still not letting him [BOB] live that one down" I don't think anyone is. That one song basically made him a laughing stock for good reason.

It’s me peter griffin.

Man I need y'all to help me by dropping some pornstars names

Damn I'm only two minutes into the video and I couldn't be happier I'm subscribed to this channel. So much truth in just two minutes😌

Thank you for calling out that line. As a Jew I can tell you it's disturbing to hear that kind of shit in a tremendously successful song. The other day I turned on the radio just in time to catch that line and let me tell you it's freaky as hell to hear what sounds like Nazi propaganda being broadcast out to thousands even though I don't believe Jay-Z ment it in a negative way. It sucks because I like the song's production and lyrics and Jay's flow for the most part but that line just makes me feel sick when I hear it. Many others have glossed over that line or ignored it completely so thank you for bringing it to light. We need more solidarity between Jews and black people and I hope the black community feels that we are there for them and if not I hope we can work to repair that divide. Also I love your videos and you crack me up so keep doing you.

I honestly love this song. He is critical towards different cultures, including the one that he comes from, and raps about some important issues within these cultures. The beat is catchy and the music video is genius.

4 out of 5? Its easily a 5/5

love your videos critic keep up the gd work

4:55 THANK YOU! Too many people were not seeing the issue with this line, I like the song still but that line is ugly.

Liked the vid, but addressing the fact it is based off a Malcom X speech would show a lot more depth about what JayZ was doing. It’s another level of brilliant after hearing the speech and maybe one of the greatest rap songs of all time in both returning to the roots while progressing the artform. My 10cent

Oh man, I thought I was the one critic reviewing this.

Not big on rap, not big on Jay-Z. Love this song so much though!

“I’m Not Black, I’m O.J” - Orange Juice

This guy is so smart and well spoken. His vocabulary, enunciation, and coherence is out of this world. Well done, you've earned my sub, and as far as I'm concerned you deserve many more.

when he mentioned the Terminator thing I just thought, "how ironic"

You know Jay Z is really living that idea of accumulating wealth cuz he’s literally become a billionaire

yo i always thought you were just a person who just hated popular rap, but damn, you actually know your shit. respect.

I looked this song up on genius and it made absolutely no sense. But then I watched this video and now I actually know what Jay Z means. Thanks rap critic

Here's what really gets me about the context of this song. There was that whole thing where OJ had 'transcended race'. I do wonder if Jay-Z brings it up because he's starting to feel like he's the same way. I can imagine some black people being a little irritated by what he says about generational wealth, like 'he's just lecturing us and thinks he's better than us'. I think he's wrestling with the question about whether being a super-rich and famous black person who a lot of white people really love and respect means he's somehow 'turning his back' on the black community.

Hey rap critic maybe i can help give some context to some of the conspiracy theories about my people conspiracies about Jewish wealth started of in the middle ages as a reaction to Jewish immigrants not being allowed to hold most jobs they started many new business and took position in the newly blossoming financial industries of old Europe and the middle east. when these position were found to be very financially successful many jealous European spun tales of tales of greed and in some cases witchcraft to explained these marginalized peoples success. Regarding the song i really liked the controversial line as to me it was jay talking about the fact that despite being less than 3 % of of the population and being very disproportionately hated the Jewish community has a high rate of success and community with a lot of important customs and traditions relating to sticking together something i've always had a sense of pride in. anyways keep on keepin on loved the review

That terminator part had me Dying *figuratively of course lol*

this dude is actually so fucking smart

A really Good Analysis, I immediately thought about all your banned cartoons series with Jess when "OJ' came out.

Jay-Z owns more property than 99% of American Jews

RU-vid randomly suggested this video. I enjoyed it. It was focused and I trusted your informed viewpoint without feeling talked down to it worse bored. Nice job

So why did people say he wasnt black?? Because he was a nice guy trying to fit in society??

Reminds me of something Chris Rock said when it came to being rich vs being wealthy: "Shaq is rich. The white man who signs his check is wealthy."

Wish racial tensions in the US were already solved. I'm Italian buy still caucasian so when I sing this in public they give me the stink eye :( /jokeoff

What you're doing with these videos is rad. Super interesting, thought-provoking and entertaining. Thanks for taking the time for your audience. Kind regards to you Rap Critic

I don't have patreon money right now so I'm just gonna ask here. Lil Dicky's Pillow talking would be a perfect song to review here.

This is the first time someone has put OJ's verdict and the ramifications of it in that context and it finally makes sense. Thank you.

"what did the jewish people do to you.." palestinians: 🤨🤨

This video should've lasted like 30 minutes. You had a great point, RC, it would be great to hear you talk about it more.

Glad you brought up that Jewish line

Clicking off the video?? Fuck, this is the kind of rap critique I've wanted for years!! Keep going there!!

OJ did it

Been looking around for an explanation for a while and this was by far the best (most thorough and sound) Thanks

"I'm not black I'm O.J." O.J. could mean Orange Juice A show is called Orange is the New Black Whattt

I had to watch this over on the same day. This is probably one of your best videos.

Hey look an actual new song

you don't fight Capitalism with Black Capitalism you fight it with Socialism - Fred Hampton

About the Jewish thing. Notice how he never says that the Jewish people have the money. It is only shown in the video. This might be a reference to the fact that what we see and what's actually happening are to verify different things.

This review is really damn good, writing, structure and everything. Awesome!

Dude Jews own a lot of major shit in New York City not to add major record labels too and media outlets. Jay-Z meant what he said.

FINALLY no fucking bs video's. Finally reviews and good feedback.

Well let's be honest, no football player in general ever get shamed for them being garbage people. Hell, that gos for everyone who is rich. If people of all colours actually cared then people like Chris Brown, Bill Cosby, Woody Allen, etc. It's really stupid how Americans believe their own bullshit when everyone else sees it's clear as day that ethnicity doesn't matter when you got cash in America.

"oj, rejected any opportunity to uplift black America" I can see why pusha t used the same sample for Drake

Thank you so much for this review👍🏼

1:38 No way, I was more like: PROGRESSIVE POLITICS DETECTED *[[ interest intensifies ]]*

The rap critic got some bad info in his liberal arts college. You don't have to conform to whiteness to be successful in this country or need their help. The group of people who have the highest standard of living and per household income are Asian Americans. They did it by building strong communities and financial security. They never had this need for white acceptance and validation that black people had. When they were kept out of neighborhoods through racist laws they moved elsewhere and opened businesses. When members of their communities they set up civic institutions to help each other and didn't petition white people they helped each other. They took advantage of every opportunity. Even if a Asian family was in a terrible school they made damn sure their kid was valedictorian so they could go to college and get a high paying job later. it's possible to pull yourself out of poverty and it starts with smart decision like O.J. Not killing someone but not seeing your race as a inherent disadvantage and making smart decisions until no body cares about it.

I agree with you on the "Spending money on stuff that will increase in value for your family and the "Spending less on frivilous things"

"Let's stop talking about race." doesn't mean "Let's stop talking about racism." It's an admission of the fact that the conversation about race has become toxic to the point that it's actually creating racism. Think about it, you're making people acutely aware of their differences while guilting innocent people into feeling bad about shit their ancestors (or just people that happened to have the same skin color) did. The open hostility and double standard creates resentment that can lead to racism because you've just given them the justification, if they hate you based on your race why shouldn't you respond in kind?

well, the idea that OJ Simpson couldn’t play a evil killer (in the terminator) did not age well… 😂

Only 71 days until OJ is free again!

thnks for the nice little lecture at the start I really needed that. the more reason I love the channel

I thought the "I'm not black I'm oj" I thought that was supposed to be him saying he is not defined by his race he is himself

As a Jew, I honestly didn't have a problem with the line about Jewish people. It's obviously meant to be tongue in cheek, like "There's a reason the Jewish community IS more financially stable, you know." And he's completely right: most of the other Jews I know, especially my grandparents, became very conscious of their spending once they lifted themselves out of poverty (and frankly don't seem to understand why other people can't) in ways that I never found irrational. It's how my parents managed to retire early and they earned every bit of it. At the very least, I have less of a problem with it than I do with the line "mad stacks like Hebrews" from "It's All About The Benjamins," which does actually rub me the wrong way.

Check out the list of the 100 worst NY landlords. Then come back to me how his statement was false. Pointing out a (close to) fact is not anti-Semitic. He's giving an example what could have been if black people owned their homes instead of renting, invested instead of stripclubs and build wealth for their kids.

Dude this is by far my favorite one videos. Normally you just shit on a video and an artist but in this one you actually taught me something. Kudos

The Jews are the sole reason you have problems; like if you forget to pay your mortgage, or how you dropped the remote on your toe this morning.

Still listening to this song in 2019. I can watch this video and listen to this song all day and still love it, even though I'm a metal head.

Why do you get offended by such small issues like J saying Jews own all the property in America

Why are the clips of the video backwards except when you're playing a lyric?