Jay-Z’s ‘D.O.A.’ Video Inspired By ’70s Counterculture Movie

Hov says 1970′s ‘Zabriskie Point’ has the same rebellious feel as Blueprint 3.
By Shaheem Reid

Jay-Z in his video for “D.O.A.” (Death of Auto-Tune)

Photo: Roc Nation via BET

Just as Jay-Z looked to the past for the soundscapes of his original Blueprint LP, it seems he went retro again for the video for the first single from Blueprint 3, “D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune).” This time, it was a controversial 1970 film that served as the muse for a portion of the “D.O.A.” video, Hov told MTV News.

“The visual for ‘D.O.A.’ conveys the direction for Blueprint 3 and is inspired, in part, by the film ‘Zabriskie Point,’ directed by Michelangelo Antonioni,” Jay said in an e-mail about his video, which premiered on Sunday, after the BET Awards. “The film parallels the vision of Blueprint 3. ‘Zabriskie Point’ represents aspects of a counterculture movement. In music, we have to elevate beyond what has become a popular trend or gimmick, pushing ourselves past what is comfortable and challenge the status quo.”

“Zabriskie Point” is the famous Italian director’s documentary-style fictional movie about young American hippies. Taking a cue from Antonioni’s anti-establishment bent, “D.O.A.” features stylistic explosions of the trends Jay wants to perish, such as gaudy chains that symbolize Auto-Tune, bottles of Cristal and a rack of colorfully loud clothing.

Blueprint 3‘s September 11 release date is a tip of the hat to the first album in his series, but Jay says the content of his new album will take a look to the future.

“This trilogy has come full circle,” he explained. “Blueprint encompasses the essence of those that influenced me; it pays homage to the soul music that our parents played. Releasing Blueprint 3 pays homage to that original release date, and in remembering the past, we must look to the future in a different way. Musically, the album recognizes that there is a generation of us that are influencing the next wave of artists. It lays groundwork for what can happen next in music.”

Jay-Z kicks off a set of summer concert dates on July 2 in Phoenix.

Related Videos