Swizz Beatz Talks Jay-Z’s ‘Magna Carta Holy Grail’

Swizz Beatz spoke with Vibe Magazine about his contributions to Jay-Z's highly-anticipated 'Magna Carta Holy Grail.' According to Swizz, the commercial that aired during Game 5 of the NBA Finals took place in his studio. He went on to add that what viewers saw during that commercial were actual studio conversations and processes, and not an act put on for the camera. Which would explain why Rick Rubin was passed out on the couch every other frame.

Meanwhile Swizz said that fans can expect Jay to return to his roots on 'Magna Carta Holy Grail.' Swizz said that the album will satisfy those who want to see their favorite artists go back to "the classics." That definitely seems to reflect what Jay himself said in the commercial when referring to "that's what hip-hop is," contrasting the simple drum lines with "live instrumentation" that everybody else seems to be relishing. At the end of the day though, is the Jay-Z of today a lyricist capable of matching up to the bar set on 'The Blueprint' or 'Reasonable Doubt?' The answer will come on July 4.