Decoded by Jay-Z Does Its Part to Elevate Hip-Hop Culture

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I finished reading Decoded a few days ago. It was a good read. Though I wasn’t surprised, Jay-Z really showed depth in the book. His perspective on Hip-Hop and the streets is quite profound. Though we have different backgrounds and he’s about 8 years older, I found myself really able to relate to many of the experiences and feelings that Jay shared in Decoded. Some of the things he shared about his personal life was revealing and made an impression on me because they were similar to certain aspects of my life. For example, his feelings about his father really struck a chord with me because I too grew up without my Pops in my life. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and much of his philosophy on life seems to be aligned with mine. I will say that there were certain perspectives he shared in the book that didn’t necessarily click with me. But even then, his words made me think.

When I was reading certain parts of the book (especially parts where I took issue with his position) I found myself wishing that Jay was in the room so that I could “chop it up” with him, to engage in a conversation that would really give me greater insight. Maybe my thoughts would have an impact on him.

I have to be honest, I paid close attention to certain parts of the book (particularly the parts where he gave us interpretations of lyrics from his songs) because I wanted to see how aligned his interpretations are with mine. I wanted to see just how well I “got it” when it comes to his lyrics and what makes him tick as a hustler. You have to understand that Jay is a MC that I have religiously listened to for almost 15 years. I felt like Decoded finally gave Jay-Z a chance to prove his artistic genius without dropping one rhyme, to reveal just why his lyrics have had such a meaningful impact on many in the Hip-Hop generation; including myself.

I read Decoded seeking inspiration but also looking for validation. I wanted to know for myself, “Did I get it right?”. All of th... e points I’ve made about what Jay’s lyrics reveal about achieving success-at any level- did Decoded substantiate my claims?

I realized after reading the book that there is no absolute right or wrong because the experience one has with art is personal. Jay delivers lyrics from his perspective. Fans and critics have attempted to interpret his lyrics going in all directions. Some, like myself, call his talent as an artist (and hustler) brilliant, while others are convinced that he’s either overrated, a fraud or even worst- pure evil! (I’m being a little facetious). Jay has actually become more polarizing within the Hip-Hop community as his profile has gained greater global awareness and appeal. This isn’t surprising because phenomenal success often creates a disconnect. Some celebrate. Others hate. That’s just how it is.

Instead of giving a review, I thought it would be more insightful for you (and more enjoyable for me in terms of writing) if I shared and expound on some of Jay’s most memorable quotes from Decoded. Some of the statements he makes in the book are profound and gave me an even greater appreciation of the lyrical content in his songs. However, in an effort to give some balance, I will also give my perspective on certain quotes by Jay in the book that I took some issue with.

Over the next several weeks, instead of writing about his lyrics (I’m doing plenty of that as I finish up my self-help book), I’ll dig deep into some of his quotes throughout Decoded. Jay’s memoir has only given me greater inspiration to succeed despite my struggles. If you’ve read it (or plan to) I hope the book does the same for you. As for my own book: “I Will Not Lose! Winning the mental game on the quest for success”, I’m about halfway through writing it and I hope to have it available online no later than my 34^th birthday, 1-26-11.

While anticipating the release of Jay’s memoir I wondered if my own writings could still contribute real value to the discussion of not only Jay’s artistry but of the greatness of Hip-Hop itself. But after reading Decoded, I’m even more confident that my self-help book, I Will Not Lose…, can do its part in elevating the game and inspiring our generation to hustle hard for greatness.