Jay-Z Drops “Dead Presidents” on Streaming Platforms

Jay-Z has made a big move by releasing his classic hit “Dead Presidents” on streaming services for the first time. Fans can now listen to the original version of the song, which was produced by Ski Beatz and features a sample of Nas’ “The World Is Yours.” Although the track was the first promotional single from Jay-Z’s debut album Reasonable Doubt, he ultimately decided not to include it on the album. Instead, a different version, “Dead Presidents II,” made the cut.

Not only did Jay-Z release the song on streaming platforms, but he also dropped the music video. Shot in New York City, the video features Jay-Z and former Roc-a-Fella Records co-founder Dame Dash riding around in a 1993 Lexus GS 300. Interestingly, the same car was on display at The Book of Hov exhibit at the Brooklyn Library in 2023. The video also includes appearances from AZ, Lil’ Cease, Kareem “Biggs” Burke, Tyran “Ty Ty” Smith, and the Notorious B.I.G.

Fans were surprised to see “Dead Presidents” and its music video available for streaming. Some even raised eyebrows when Jay-Z changed his name on streaming services to “Jay-Z,” reflecting the stylization he used earlier in his career. In anticipation of the 30th anniversary of Reasonable Doubt, Jay-Z has launched a new website, jayz30.com, hinting at more surprises to come. You can watch the music video for “Dead Presidents” below and listen to the track on iHeartRadio now!