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Jay-Z Transcends Hip-Hip With Obama Video and Silent Cognac Commercial

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Jay-Z stands among a small group, if not the lone rapper who can debut two vastly contrasting videos on the same day. Jay-Z, born Shawn Carter, released a stylish commercial for one of his many multi-million dollar endorsement, this one, liquor brand Cognac.

The commercial begins with the 42-year old rapper sitting in a posh apartment with a gorgeous skyline, sharp stylish suit on, cigar in hand as he slowly reaches to grab his glass of Barcadi D’USSÉ cognac. Did we mention the entire 60-second commercial is silent!

Meanwhile, Mr. Carter dropped his hip-hop swag and replaced it with his political hat and filmed a less than two minute video to inspire young voters to cast their ballot for President Obama. He opens the video stating,

“When the president got in office initially, what he represented to a nation of kids was hope. The hope of people all across the country who would look and see themselves and know the possibilities.”

The video also featured the president himself speaking fond words of the tenacity of the hip hop mogul and the inspiration many can draw from his story.

“To me the idea of America is that no matter who you are, what you look like, or where you come from, you can make it if you try. Jay-Z did. He didn’t come from power or privilege. He got ahead because he worked hard, learned from his mistakes, and just plain refused to quit.

Jay-Z is definitely bigger than hip hop. Watch the two videos below:

The Power of our Voice

Cognac Commercial

Bonus: Rapper Ludacris also premiered a commercial for Cognac directed by actor Larenz Tate

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