2024 the best of jay-z review

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Decoded is a book like no other: a collection of lyrics and their meanings that together tell the story of a culture, an art form, a moment in history, and one of the most provocative and successful artists of our time.

Praise for Decoded

“Compelling . . . provocative, evocative . . . Part autobiography, part lavishly illustrated commentary on the author’s own work, Decoded gives the reader a harrowing portrait of the rough worlds Jay-Z navigated in his youth, while at the same time deconstructing his lyrics.”—Michiko Kakutani, The New York Times

“One of a handful of books that just about any hip hop fan should own.”—The New Yorker
 
“Elegantly designed, incisively written . . . an impressive leap by a man who has never been known for small steps.”—Los Angeles Times
 
“A riveting exploration of Jay-Z’s journey . . . So thoroughly engrossing, it reads like a good piece of cultural journalism.”—The Boston Globe 

“Shawn Carter’s most honest airing of the experiences he drew on to create the mythic figure of Jay-Z . . . The scenes he recounts along the way are fascinating.”—Entertainment Weekly 

“Hip-hop’s renaissance man drops a classic. . . . Heartfelt, passionate and slick.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Publisher ‏ : ‎ One World; 1st edition (November 1, 2011)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 352 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0812981154
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0812981155
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.1 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.34 x 0.85 x 9.14 inches
Reviewer: Baseball Fan
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Discovering Hip Hop
Review: I've always enjoyed a broad spectrum of music, ranging from classical to jazz; from popular to reggae; from stage/screen to R&B Soul; from ragtime to country. However, although I've enjoyed some of the rhythms of rap and hip-hop, I've never really become enamored with this music genre for two reasons: (1) I've usually had difficulty understanding the meaning of the lyrics, and (2) some lyrics clearly convey violent messages. The main reason that I read `Decoded' (by Jay-Z, aka, Shawn Carter) is that it was highly recommended by Oprah. After reading Jay-Z's fascinating book (which decodes the lyrics of 36 of his songs), I'm able to see rap and hip hop music in a different light. Specifically, I found Jay-Z's lyrics to be a form of poetry that contains many positive messages for listeners.In `Decoded' Jay-Z candidly states that when he was growing up in the Marcy Projects in Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, he lived the life of a hustler (i.e., a street level drug dealer). As Jay-Z explains, through his lyrics he is attempting to share his life story with the listeners. As he puts it, the story of the hustler is the ultimate human story, the story of struggle.In the lyrics of `Public Service Announcement' Jay-Z relates the difficult conditions that cause many inner city kids to become hustlers in the first place. Specifically, (in the decoded version of these lyrics) Jay-Z states, "...And we---the hustlers at the street level---definitely didn't invent the poverty and hopelessness that drove a generation of desperate kids to start selling drugs..." In the decoded version of his song titled, `December 4th' Jay-Z states, "I'm making the point that poverty, as bad as it is, was one reason why I ended up hustling, but there were deeper reasons, demons that I had stemming from abandonment." However, Jay-Z's lyrics avoid placing the total responsibility for the perpetuation of the `hustling lifestyle' on the `acrid' environment in which hustlers live/operate. By contrast, Jay-Z places a fair amount of the responsibility on the shoulders of the hustlers, themselves. Specifically, (in the decoded lyrics of `Public Service Announcement') he states: "...But then there's a point where I'm not so innocent anymore. It's when I `do it twice'. The second time is not out of desperation to survive or to resist the status quo, but out of greed for the spoils of the game." Moreover, in the decoded version of `American Dreamin', Jay-Z warns young people against getting drawn into hustling, when he states: "...(the lyrics are) meant to show how impossible it is for anyone to have the level of vision you'd need to make the dream of the hustler really come true. There are too many threats, too many hazards; even the smartest, most discerning hustler can't anticipate it all. This song is like the blues. It's about the inevitable tragedy of the hustler's life, the inevitable piercing of the hustler's dream. It's about a wish that can't come true. Can it?"The art work and photography in `Decoded' is outstanding throughout. Moreover, to facilitate comprehension Jay-Z's thirty-six (36) songs are grouped into broad categories, each corresponding to a particular theme. Jay-Z exhibits extraordinary lyrical skills (i.e., his lyrics are replete with brilliant metaphors/double entendres). Accordingly, I found it necessary to read this book carefully, in accordance with the following deliberative process:1. I read the lyrics for each particular song aloud (I had previously learned that poetry should always be read aloud).2. I (silently) read Jay-Z's decoded version of the song.3. I watched (and listened to) the video of the particular song on YouTube while following the lyrics in the book.This process enabled me to read with satisfaction and comprehension, and to gain a better appreciation of hip-hop.In summary, `Decoded' tells the story of a human being (Jay-Z, aka Shawn Carter) who used to be a street hustler, but who has since turned his life around via talent, hard work and determination. Today he is an elite rapper, a skilled artist, and a highly successful entrepreneur who has become very rich, but also gives back via acts of charity and philanthropy towards various groups. As Jay-Z points out, via hip-hop, he aims to make the lifestyle of the hustler visible through the lens of one who has actually lived `that life'; and in the process, to share with youngsters and other readers some life lessons that he has learned the hard way. In the future I plan to listen to more of Jay-Z's songs, and to hopefully gain a better appreciation for hip-hop in the process. I would recommend this book to everyone (young, old and in between), regardless of whether or not they are hip-hop aficionados.

Reviewer: George Washington
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: A read that forces you to "Decode" to really get it
Review: I approached Decoded from a "businessman's" perspective to get insight on how and why Jay does what he does. Like his rhymes, his writing takes a moment to digest, and re-read (often over and over again) as I believe he operates strategically to the "tee." I say this that because during his developmental years (from his early teens into his mid to late 20's) he spent his life in an environment where first level thinking would get you killed, or in jail. Someone of Jay's caliber has to think and process multiple levels down as he took on a leadership role even during his time working in capacities that weren't productive to American society. Instead of staying in Brooklyn to sell drugs, he chose to take a pioneers route and explore new territory (which is the fastest way to get killed, or arrested - Jay reflects on this within his writing as well). Thinking about that perspective, you will see how and why he was successful, and many times within the book if you actually take time to read (I'm not saying that you didn't take the time to read, I'm just rambling a bit here) what he's writing, he even repeatedly notes it himself. Someone who chooses to title his book "Decoded" is not an average thinker, nor will a reader totally digest all he has to say in one reading. In a way, I believe Jay wants you to dig deeper into what he's always saying whether written or "spoken" word. Think about it....He sold drugs, yes, but, from what I took from his writing was that he was always looking at a larger goal. He fully embraced rapping from age 9, so I'm sure he always had a goal of transitioning and using his "past" life to fuel his future. He personified his "hustler" status from day one, and from his many successes and failures (there are more than any would like to think) but it was Jay being real with Jay. Why no one knows much about his personal life? My opinion is that as anyone who is extremely successful, they keep their circles tight which likely keeps them successful. If you pick up any "how to be successful in business, or life" book, they all speak about having "think tanks" (think generalities with this term), thus meaning they keep their circles small.All said, I am enjoying the book, and Jay offers many, many "gems" which show why and how he is where he is today. Additionally, if anyone is foolish to think this will be Jay's only book, I'll place all bets and say that within 5 years he will write a "business" book for all to gobble up, and likely delve deeper into his thinking during his drug dealing years, and how it ties into his latter thinking, and even influences his decisions today.Jay - Z's book will force you to look at him how he views himself, as a hustler, artist, business, business-man, and HUMAN. He manages to weave personal trials and tribulations and turn them into meaninful songs which people from all backgrounds can relate to. His world is not exclusive, and if you've read any other books on "How to Be Successful" you will see how Jay, from a young age, even to this day fully embodies these characteristics which ensure continued success. I went on to purchase "The Seat of the Soul" by Gary Zukav. I know, the two don't seem to pair well together unless you've read "Decoded" yourself. So, happy reading with some great tributes, fantastic images, and a compelling story.

Reviewer: AditC
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: An iconic book from an iconic artist. This is a must have for every hip hop fan, and it looks beautiful on a shelf.

Reviewer: Caio
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: Surpreendente

Reviewer: Victoria
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: I originally bought this for my partner, then had to get myself one after I read one or two pages while wrapping it up.You have to look at this book with an elite mindset and when you do, you will be able to read between the lines and learn everything there is to know about having a mindset like the GOAT.No it is not told in bullet points, it is told through stories and Lyrics - you may not see straight away what it is that you want to see - but if you know what you're looking for, its a gem!

Reviewer: JanBP
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: A lil piece of art.

Reviewer: Petru
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: Veramente bello, ti ispira. veramente ben fatto, un must per i fan di Jay Z anche se in inglese con l'aiuto di un dizionario è facilmente traducibile, ultra consigliato