Synopsis
Jay-Z plays a larger-than-life spy figure moving through a world of speed, luxury, gambling and nightlife. The video opens with Danica Patrick and Dale Earnhardt Jr. competing in exotic cars through Monaco before shifting to a high-speed boat chase and an extravagant island party. Jay-Z later joins a tense card game with model Jarah Mariano, while the polished visuals and action set pieces frame his return to music as a bold, cinematic event.
Factoids & Trivia
- The video was filmed in Monaco, with parts of the car race using sections of the route associated with the Monaco Grand Prix.
- Danica Patrick drives a Pagani Zonda Roadster, while Dale Earnhardt Jr. appears in a Ferrari F430 Spider.
- Its structure pays tribute to several James Bond films, including "GoldenEye," "The World Is Not Enough," "You Only Live Twice" and "Casino Royale."
- The card-game sequence features model Jarah Mariano.
- The video helped introduce Armand de Brignac champagne, later widely known by its "Ace of Spades" branding. Jay-Z rejects a bottle of Cristal before being presented with the distinctive gold bottle.
- The clip was promoted during ESPN's Lexus Halftime Show on "Monday Night Football."
- A related Budweiser version reused the video's James Bond-inspired imagery. The campaign later expanded into a Super Bowl XLI commercial featuring Jay-Z and former Miami Dolphins coach Don Shula.