Will Decoded Inspire?

Tuesday, 16 November 2010 15:35 Duane L. Lawton

Jay-Zs-Decoded-Book-Cover

I haven’t purchased Jay-Z’s memoir, “Decoded” yet (the book has been released today) but I plan to later on this evening. Like most Jay-Z fans, I’m very interested in what he has to say in the book. I really don’t know what to expect from Decoded but I don’t think Jay will disappoint. When you’ve followed an artist/entrepreneur’s career as long as I have Jay’s, I can say that I definitely have some excitement due to the release of Decoded. I’ve always been fascinated by the lives of successful people, particularly those who have excelled in business and the arts. I’ve read several autobiographies and memoirs by successful artists and businesspeople. The struggles and successes of others serve as great inspiration for me. I anticipate Decoded being added to the many sources of my inspiration.

I believe that a person’s life’s story can inspire and encourage others to keep living and fighting to make it through their own struggles. In the case of Jay-Z’s Decoded, you might have a lot in common with Jay or maybe you don’t have much in common with him at all- still, his story can have an impact on your life. You don’t have to be an ex-crack dealer from Brooklyn to relate to Jay’s life story. You don’t have to be young, black, male or even a fan of Hip-Hop to get something from Decoded. I have read books by and about people who I had little in common with except for one thing; ambition. Jay’s life and music is really driven by ambition and that is something that we all should be able to relate to.

People have asked me how is my book, “I Will Not Lose: Winning the mental game on the quest for success” different from Jay-Z’s Decoded. Well, from my understanding, Decoded is a memoir where he shares his life’s story and reveals literal interpretations of his song lyrics. The book, written by the talented writer, Dream Hampton, is Jay’s story. “I Will Not Lose” is a self-help book; Hip-Hop style. Using the song lyrics ... of Jay-Z as a “blueprint”, I share with readers how and why the mental game must be won in order to be successful in life. While Jay reveals the literal meanings behind his lyrics, I attempt to show philosophically what Jay’s lyrics mean in the universal pursuit of success.

I look forward to reading Decoded over the next few days (it doesn’t take me long to read as long as a book is compelling) and I’ll write a review once I finish. If you’re currently reading Decoded or plan to soon, seek inspiration. The purpose of inspiration is to motivate. Let the details of Jay’s life story and the words in his most insightful song lyrics motivate you to dream big and hustle even bigger until you reach the pinnacle of your success.