A look at the subtle African influences on Jay z's 4:44

Jay Z's 4:44 has been dissected to death from nearly all angles. We've seen people talk about the shots fired at Kanye West, the decision to produce only with No ID, the cheating confessions etc, BECKY, I could go on.

However, it's also worth noting some of the African influences we saw on Jay's 4:44, further evidence of his interest in the continent's talent.

It all began when he used Lupita Nyong'o to act in this teaser for the album before it even came out:

The newest commercial for Jay Z's '4:44' stars actress @Lupita_Nyongo. https://t.co/4QxjhwN6vGpic.twitter.com/Zpgi9Ljplr

— Pigeons & Planes (@PigsAndPlans) June 29, 2017

And then there were hints that Young Paris, the Congolese rapper who is signed to Roc Nation, might have had a hand in this record:

I been on a serious self healing Vacation but when I come back, Nobody Safe... #Afrobeats#Nyfwm#KingParis 💪🏾 pic.twitter.com/IQ04BOf5t2

— Young Paris ☥ (@YoungParis) July 4, 2017

There has also been speculation that he listened to South African hip hop artists before dropping his album, after all, Cassper references him in 'Top Shayela', could Jay Z have returned the favour subtley?

Jacob Zuma was list.... Oooops I mean Jay Z been listening to #TopShayela@CassperNyovest before coming up with #444,he's a fan... pic.twitter.com/AWTaijQJ09

— Lill Teller (@Teller0303) July 5, 2017