Jay Z To Debut Men’s Fragrance, ‘Gold Jay Z,’ On Black Friday

Jay Z is set to debut his first men’s fragrance, Gold Jay Z, through his partnership with Barney’s later this month.

Jay Z collaborated with Firmenich perfumer Ilias Ermenidis to create the fragrance, which hits major department stores across the United States on Black Friday, November 29.

“I was impressed with Jay Z’s style and confidence and was drawn to the ease with which he carries himself and all of his success,” Ermenidis said in a statement. “He has a natural cool that people want a piece of. In developing Gold Jay Z, I wanted to capture both the vibrant ambitious part of Jay Z’s charismatic persona and his effortless style that he naturally embodies through a fusion of notes chosen by Jay Z.”

The fragrance is described as a “layered blend of yellow ginger, white cardamom and grapefruit with a hint of blueberry,” with a “refined infusion of violet leaf, cypress, lavender and luxurious vetiver with a thread of pink pepper,” according to The Hollywood Reporter.” Golden amber, patchouli, teak and bourbon vanilla give [the fragrance a final shot of gilded sensuality,” according to THR.

Jay Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, recently said he felt “demonized” for his partnership with Barney’s after the retailer was accused of racial profiling. Two African-American customers, Trayon Christian and Kayla Phillips, both claimed they were stopped by police after making purchases at the luxury department store. Jay Z didn’t comment on the situation right away, and said he waited to learn the full details before speaking out.

“Why am I being demonized, denounced and thrown on the cover of a newspaper for not speaking immediately,” the 43-year-old rapper said. “The negligent, erroneous reports and attacks on my character, intentions, and the spirit of this collaboration have forced me into a statement I didn’t want to make without the full facts.”

Jay Z also said that he isn’t making any money from his partnership with Barney’s, and that all proceeds from his collaboration will go to the Shawn Carter Foundation.

“I am not making a dime from this collection. I do not stand to make millions, as falsely reported,” he said. “Making a decision prematurely to pull out of this project, wouldn’t hurt Barney’s or Shawn Carter, but all the people that stand a chance at higher education.”

Gold Jay Z will be available in three sizes: 3.0 ounce ($70), 1.7 ounce ($55) and 1.0 ounce ($39).

[Photo credit: JStone / Shutterstock.com]