The enduring depiction of the dead within the artwork frames George as God, while his life was ended by a man who saw fit to play God. This juxtaposition questions who we as a society cherish as deities. Alongside Kanye West at the top of American black and popular culture is Jay-Z, whose era defining concert Fade to Black (2003) is canonised in a documentary of the same name. Fade to Black is a relentless show-reel of great American black artists who contributed to both the performance and the formation of Jay-Z’s associated studio album. The concert features a number of guest performances including a seminal contribution by Beyonce whose flare, composure, intelligence and power are a testament to the brilliance of black people. And so, alongside footage of George’s death and subsequent protests, AmericanGods_250520 runs segments of this performance - a counterpoint of talent and skill framed against the rudimentary brutality of a hateful murder.Ī standout moment of the documentary depicts an interaction between Jay-Z and Kanye West, where Jay-Z (whose alternative moniker J-Hova is a play on the word Jehovah - the Hebrew word for God) seems to be proclaiming Kanye as the prodigal son.

In this scene Jay-Z is recognising Kanye’s capacity, at an early moment in his career, to develop into the idol he has today become. But respect for these two American gods differs wildly Jay-Z is hailed as the role model drug-dealer turned successful billionaire, whilst Kanye is considered a tortured artist who has lost his way. However, within the black community globally, both are considered icons and the tension between these contradictory personalities, and projected black culture in general, is explored within AmericanGods_250520 through imagery depicting both brilliant control and brilliant chaos.įade to Black, took place at Madison Square Garden, the great modern day cathedral of America. Those on stage are at once preacher, priest, pope and pastor.

The concert was to commemorate Jay-Z’s “retirement”, his departure from this world - only for him to return at a later date with, arguably, more soul.

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