Music mogul JAY-Z is kicking the season off with a new Tidal playlist, ‘2020 Vision COVID-19.’ The set features some of the hottest tracks of the year, including Beyoncé’s “Black Parade,” “Rectifiya” by R&B singer KeiyaA and “Lost One” by Jazmine Sullivan.
JAY-Z has been busy this year—he shared a new song and video, “Entrepreneur” alongside frequent collaborator Pharrell in late August. He also has been advocating for those lost to state violence, issuing a statement following the death of George Floyd in May. “I am more determined to fight for justice than any fight my would-be oppressors may have,” he wrote.
For his playlist, he showed love to a number of artists signed or managed by Roc Nation, like Megan Thee Stallion, Jay Electronica and Benny The Butcher. The late Pop Smoke, who was killed in a home invasion earlier this year, was also included, with his song “Christopher Walking” appearing on the round up. He included newcomers (Fivio Foreign, Sault, Mach-Hommy) as well longtime successes (Busta Rhymes, Drake) and Afrofusion megastar Burna Boy, who recently secured a Grammy nod for best global music album.
A notable standout is KeiyaA, who released her debut album, Forever, Ya Girl, in late March. She has gotten love from the Knowles-Carter family before, with Solange also posting her track “Rectifiya” over the summer.
The cover art is a shot for the playlist is of 23-year-old tennis champion Naomi Osaka at the U.S. Open quarterfinals, during which she wore a face mask with George Floyd’s name on it.
Additionally, if there were were any doubts that Nas and Jay Z had squashed their old beef, Nas’ inclusion for his songs “Spicy” and “Car #85” should put all rumors to rest, once and for all.
Listen to the full ‘2020 Vision COVID-19’ playlist below.