With twelve studio albums to his name, Jay-Z has written rhymed about wine…often. In honor of the recent news that he bought out his Armand de Brignac partners at Sovereign Brands, we took a look through his lengthy catalog to pick out his thirteen best wine related rhymes.
Pop a gold bottle and enjoy.
Can’t Knock The Hustle
Featuring: Mary J. Blige on Reasonable Doubt – 1996
Referencing his own lyrics on his debut album (‘vintage flows‘) he’s letting you know that this one is going to age well like the ‘fine wine’ he likes to sip. Jay-Z also mentions that he likes to sip Rémy Martin on the rocks, and drinks so much Cristal that he often loses his balance in the club. That part didn’t age as well.
See the lyrics @ Genius.
Politics As Usual
Reasonable Doubt – 1996
Certain things in life are inevitable. Death and taxes are the usual ones mentioned. For Jay-Z, it’s that Champagne bottles will always be popping.
See the lyrics @ Genius.
It’s Like That
Vol. 2… Hard Knock Life – 1998
Jay-Z lets us know that his drinking tastes have matured as he no longer needs to chase his Cognac – Hennessey in this case – with anything. He can appreciate the cognac on its own.
See the lyrics @ Genius.
I Just Wanna Love U (Give It 2 Me)
The Dynasty: Roc La Familia – 2000
In the opening verse Jay-Z pays respect to his mentor the Notorious B.I.G., in the process announcing that the Rémy Martin is in his system and that he’s ready for the models to begin heading his way. He’s got Belvedere and Cristal if any of the models need a drink (or three) to get in the mood.
See the lyrics @ Genius.
Get Your Mind Right Mami
Featuring: Memphis Bleek, Rell & Snoop Dogg on The Dynasty: Roc La Familia – 2000
Jay-Z proposes to a lady that she should relax by a) partaking in his ‘cases of Belvedere’ and b) joining him for a game of Truth or Dare. His goal? To see if she has what it takes to enjoy the many many finer things in life that she would enjoy as his companion.
See the lyrics @ Genius.
Fiesta (Remix)
R. Kelly Featuring: Boo, Gotti & Jay-Z on TP-2.com – 2001
Back in Jay-Z’s Cristal sipping days his on-tour routine took him from the stage to the after-party to the hotel lobby. As for his drinking on those evenings, he started with Belvedere vodka and capped the night off with Cristal.
See the lyrics @ Genius.
Excuse Me Miss
The Blueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse – 2003
Jay-Z advises you, the listener, that this song is so damn classy that you had better learn how to pronounce the very expensive French Champagne he is sipping…that or buy a bottle of 1997 Gaja.
See the lyrics @ Genius.
Go Crazy (Remix)
Young Jeezy Featuring: Jay-Z on Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101 – 2005
Jay-Z, in boasting that he isn’t just a hustler, but in fact is the definition of hustle itself, explains to us that the world is drinking Armand de Brignac due to his influence. As for the Cristal he no longer drinks? He reminds everyone that he set off that trend as well, back when the likes of Puff Daddy and Biggie were still settling for Moët & Chandon.
See the lyrics @ Genius.
Show Me What You Got
Kingdom Come – 2006
Jay-Z is letting you know that he’s back from his ‘retirement’ and that during his downtime he was actually aging and improving, like a bottle of Opus One (whose makers suggest a minimum of 8 to 15 years worth of bottle aging).
See the lyrics @ Genius.
On To The Next One
Featuring: Swizz Beatz on The Blueprint 3 – 2009
Jay-Z immortalizes his 2006 spat with Frederic Rouzaud of Cristal, who told The Economist his brand wasn’t interested in Jay-Z’s (presumably considerable) business and the free marketing exposure he had provided for over a decade. Jay-Z moved on to a gold-bottled brand, Armand de Brignac…one that he now owns entirely.
See the lyrics @ Genius.
Run This Town
Featuring: Rihanna and Kanye West on The Blueprint 3 – 2009
Jay-Z’s banquette in the club is the one that attracts a crowd (of female admirers). As the gentlemen who occupy the next table over (n.b. not a banquette) don’t have any bottles of Champagne, let alone (gold bottled) ones made by a brand they own, they might as well just throw in their cards and call it a night.
See the lyrics @ Genius.
Ni**as In Paris
Jay-Z and Kanye West on Watch the Throne – 2011
Jay-Z, having been cooped up for six days in a multi-floor, $20,000-per-night suite at Paris’ Le Meurice, has had it (not really) with the models who keep bumping into him at the Parisian clubs and spilling Champagne (Armand de Brignac specifically) on his Air Jordans.
See the lyrics @ Genius.
Tom Ford
Magna Carta Holy Grail – 2013
When Jay-Z is in Paris you can expect him to consume a variety of wines: Bordeaux, Burgundy and for good measure some Riesling too (whether it’s Alsatian or German we’re left to wonder).
See the lyrics @ Genius.
Header image via Beyonce’s Tumblr
