Do You Know Who is Your Biggest Competitor In Life?

nicelook 200x300 Do You Know Who is Your Biggest Competitor In Life?

Jay-Z

Throughout the years I’ve had people try to bait me into heated arguments about the many beefs that Jay-Z has been involved in and the perceived flaws of his career. Did Nas ‘Ether” Jay? Why won’t he respond to Beanie Sigel? What about his beef with Cam’ron? Jim Jones? Game? DMX? 50 Cent…and probably at least a dozen or so more rappers that “shall forever remain nameless?” Why does he bite Biggie’s lyrics? Would he be the “King of New York” if Biggie was still here? Can he make another Reasonable Doubt or Blueprint? It’s really funny to me (and sort of sad) that critics completely miss the point when it comes to Jay’s music and career. He has changed the game in so many ways for its betterment. Unless Jay is living under a rock (and obviously he’s not; he’s everywhere) he has certainly heard all of this chatter himself. Years ago, Jay would “go all in” when it came to confronting his critics and rivals. But at this point in his career, he rarely responds directly if he responds at all. Sometimes the best response to attacks is no response at all.

In his memoir Decoded, Jay shares how he views ambition, personal growth and development in life in the face of competition:

“I’m only competing with myself to be a better artist and businessman. To be a better person with a broader vision.”
*From Jay-Z’s memoir, Decoded

Sure, Jay-Z could respond to every “Tom, Dick and Harry” who disses him today, tomorrow or next week. After all, Hip-Hop is competitive and battling is apart of the essence of Hip-Hop, right? True, however, if you haven’t noticed the evolution of Hip-Hop then you’re simply in denial. And let’s clear one thing up: There’s a difference between “beefing” and “battling”. Very few MCs battle anymore, period. Many MCs engage in pro wrestling style beefs with each other in order to drum up interest in their upcoming albums. The media plays a crucial role in all this as well. Fans wh... o can’t see that are simply blind.

I remember watching an interview Charlie Rose (who, by the way, is my favorite interviewer. To Hip-Hop ‘journalists’: step your game up- wayyyy up) conducted with Jay-Z. When the subject came up about other rappers constantly taking shots at him, Jay told Rose that it really didn’t bother him because he understood that they were only verbally attacking him out of competition. Rose chimed in, (paraphrasing) “You’re the guy at the top and they want your spot.” I could not have said it better myself. That’s all it is. Rarely is “beef” personal, in fact, Jay made the comment to Charlie Rose that oftentimes he barely knows the rappers who attack him.

Jay understands the objective of his rivals but he doesn’t play by their rules, he plays by his own. He stated in Decoded that he wants to be a better man and businessman. He has a “broader vision” that is bigger, better, greater and more profound than beefing with rappers who are not anywhere near his stratosphere in the music game or in business. Jay tackles this very subject on his song, “Already Home” from his latest album, Blueprint 3. I also write about this in my upcoming book, “I Will Not Lose! The blueprint to achieving greatness for those who got next.”

Let me just say this: Jay-Z, no matter how big he is or how much bigger he becomes, he is NOT above criticism. Because the nature of Hip-Hop is ultra competitive, Jay should fully expect confrontation. But to use a sports analogy, Michael Jordan was the best player on the basketball court every night. A player that was only the second or third best player on the opposing team or even sitting on the bench didn’t have any business even thinking about challenging him. Until that player proved his worth on the court, his taunts at Jordan from the bench or as he’s getting dunked on, is weak. I think this can also be said in reference to MCs that lyrically attack Jay who have only half his resume and a quarter of his skill/hustle.

Competition in life is real, whether referring to school, sports, careers, business, etc. You can’t escape competition; it is a necessary part of life. But what you might not understand is that the biggest competitor that you have in your life is: YOU. Today you’re competing with who you were 5, 10, 20 + years ago. How have you changed? How have you grown and matured as a person? Are you more disciplined? Are you more focused? Are you wiser? If so, how so? How can you better perform on your job or in school this year than you did last year? What can you do differently or better that will improve your performance in every aspect of your life?

It’s easy to get so caught up in the moment especially in this day and time. By all means, live for today and enjoy it. But I would also encourage you to have a broader vision for your life. Don’t just think in terms of today or tomorrow. How will you secure your future 5 years from now? Where do you want to be in 10 years? You’re going to be competing every day for the rest of your life to be bigger, better and greater. But life is not a race, it’s a marathon and your goal should be to get stronger, build up your endurance and beat your personal best…and to keep embracing challenges. The greatest challenges you face are the ones you pose to yourself. No one should expect more from you than YOU!

While others attack you, keep attacking your goals on the road to success!

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