Many wondered why Jay-Z pulled a disappearing act as the rapper was nowhere to be found in the remake of “We Are The World”
Speaking with MTV, Jay gave the reasoning behind not being part of the song:
“I have a interesting take on that. I know everybody is gonna take this wrong: “We Are the World,” I love it, and I understand the point and think it’s great. But I think “We Are the World” is like “Thriller” to me. I don’t ever wanna see it touched.”
Although he may not agree with the song, he is thankful for what it has done to further aid Haiti and raised funds.
“I know the plight and everything that’s going on in Haiti. I applaud the efforts. Like 1 out of 2 Americans donated through text to Haiti. That’s amazing. So I appreciate the efforts and everything, but “We are the World” is untouchable like “Thriller” is untouchable. Some things are just untouchable. It was a valiant effort, but for me, it’s gonna be untouchable.”
And Jay-Z isn’t the only one:
Critics agree with the rapper. Sniped The Washington Post of the song, which featured Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber, “The updated take was horribly oversung… save for the 21st-century rap verses added toward the end of the track.” Wrote the New York Times, “Lil Wayne, you’re no Bob Dylan…. as a piece of work, [the song] has all the pitfalls of a Hollywood remake.”
FINALLY, someone with some sense. An Auto Tune of “We Are The World”?
Not to mention Quincy Jones’s whacked take on the whole thing. Much respect to Jay-Z for this one.
