Andy Warhol’s “Rorschach” on the Decoded front cover to the eclectic interior artwork, Jay-Z’s book is full of wonder. Part memoir, part instruction guide to rap, part oral history of urban life, part business guide, Decoded captures Jay-Z’s genius. Jay-Z talks about growing up in Brooklyn, dealing drugs, getting into fights, and finding a way to escape the ghetto life. There’s analysis of 36 of Jay-Z’s lyrics which ends up producing a “How-to” guide to creating a hit. I found this book fascinating. If you want to sample more of Jay-Z before you decide whether you want to read his book, I’m including Jay-Z’s interview with Terri Gross from Fresh Air below. GRADE: A
One of the duller FRESH AIR i/vs, by me…but I guess I have 99 problems with Jay-Z, but this book ain’t one…which doesn’t mean I’m forgiving that bit of wimpy thuggery. I’ll stick to rap that runs from Gil Scott-Heron through the Beat-Nigs/D. Heroes/Spearhead to the Roots, with some genuine wit and flow…it might be a Hard Knock Life he’s had, but the music doesn’t cut it for me.
I’m on the fence with Jay-Z’s music, Todd. Yes, I like “A Hard Knock Life” and a few other songs. But I’m more impressed by the story of Jay-Z’s escape from ghetto life and the way he’s become a corporate mogul. Amazing!
I am getting too far out of the loop and rely on you to pull me in.
My students idolize Jay-Z, Patti. They all want to be like Jay-Z (or his equally successful wife, Beyonce). They are the Role Models for this generation.
No chance.
Hey, Jeff, Jay-Z boosted your city in “Empire State of Mind.” His life story is compelling.
Not a huge fan of his music, but I am impressed by his business savvy. I don’t think a lot of people understand just how successful Jay-Z has become.
I know how successful Jay-Z is because my students remind me about him almost every day, Drongo. I’m considering using DECODED as a textbook next semester. This is one book I’m sure most of my students would read.
And he’s a Yankees fan so he has that in his favor.
Not only is he a Yankees’ fan, Jeff, but isn’t Jay-Z a part owner of the Knicks?
On a different note, congratulations about your Bills. The way they came back from a 21 point deficit was very impressive. Now all you have to do is crush the Steelers next week.
And good luck to your Broncos tonight, Drongo. San Diego is the most enigmatic team in the NFL. They can look like a Super Bowl team one week, and be completely dysfunctional the next.
I have no interest in rap or rappers whatsoever.
I teach in a hip-hop world, Bob. I need to know something about rap music in order to relate to my students. But, it’s not my favorite form of music.