The JAY-Z music video features top comedians from his album 4:44. The Alan-Yang-directed “Moonlight” music video recreates “Friends” Episode: “The One Where No One’s Ready”. Some of the biggest names in comedy star in the music video portraying the iconic Friends characters:
- Ross: Jarrod Carmichael (The Carmichael Show)
- Rachel: Issa Rae (Insecure)
- Phoebe: Tiffany Haddish (Girl’s Trip)
- Joey: Lil Rel Howery (Get Out)
- Chandler: Lakeith Stanfield (Atlanta)
- Monica: Tessa Thompson (Creed)
“Moonlight” follows the script of the original episode. However, it takes a sharp turn to expose an ominous critique of black and white entertainment.
Described as “subversive”, “powerful” and “profound” the video sheds light on the Hollywood veil that masks the undercurrent of a predominantly white dominated industry. JAY-Z sends an undeniable esoteric message with a cast of renowned top urban comedians. There are two equally brilliant aspects of Yang’s work; the heavy irony of comedians depicting a serious directive and the weighted, cynical truth concealed behind this notorious 90’s TV sitcom.
Master of None’ co-creator, Alan Yang’s collaboration with JAY -Z is revolutionary genius. It exposes the distractions of an industry; gifting the audience with an unsettling but awakening perspective of entertainment.
