Izzo Hova

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

The song's title is a reference to Jay-Z's "Hova" nickname, which itself is a reference to Jehovah, one of God's names. He said the nickname was given to him by a friend for his ability to rap without writing down the lyrics—like a "God". "Izzo (H.O.V.A.)" is one of four songs on The Blueprint produced by Kanye West. An upcoming producer at the time, West sold the song's beat to rappers Ghostface Killah and Cam'ron before it was ultimately used by Jay-Z. Billboard described "Izzo (H.O.V.A.)" as Jay-Z's "song of triumph". Its instrumental features kick-drums, orchestral strings, and a sample of the song "I Want You Back" (1969) by The Jackson 5. On the track, Jay-Z raps about his life story, including his past as a drug dealer. He also discusses his not guilty plea for allegedly assaulting record executive Lance Rivera in 1999.

In Their Own Story

On October 31, 2001, a copyright lawsuit was filed against Jay-Z by Demme Ulloa, who claimed that she was not paid for her contribution to "Izzo". Ulloa asserted that it was her singing "H to the izzo/V to the izzay", though she didn't receive any money for her contribution and was not credited in the liner notes of The Blueprint. The joint authorship claim was dismissed in 2004 but continued to proceed for a copyright infringement claim, which was ultimately settled.

Reader's Guide

The music video was filmed in Los Angeles on a street made to look like New York City, and features cameos from Damon Dash and Kanye West. It was directed by Dave Meyers. The video was premiered on MTV's Total Request Live on August 21, 2001. Credits adapted from the liner notes of The Blueprint list Jay-Z for songwriting and vocals, Kanye West for production and songwriting, and The Corporation (Berry Gordy, Alphonso Mizell, Freddie Perren, Deke Richards) for songwriting of the sampled elements. The song was recorded at Baseline Studios, New York City, New York, mixed at Right Track Studios, New York City, New York, and mastered at Masterdisk, New York City, New York.

Did You Know?

• Kanye West sold the beat for "Izzo (H.O.V.A.)" to rappers Ghostface Killah and Cam'ron before Jay-Z ultimately used it.
• The song was debuted at the inaugural BET Awards on June 19, 2001.
• Demme Ulloa filed a copyright lawsuit claiming she sang 'H to the izzo/V to the izzay' and was not paid or credited.
• The music video was filmed in Los Angeles on a street made to look like New York City.
• The song's instrumental features kick-drums, orchestral strings, and a sample of The Jackson 5's 1969 song 'I Want You Back'.