Decoded. Part 7

I started my set off with "What More Can I Say" and I ended the night with "December 4th," the song I named for my birthday. I ended the concert by "retiring" myself, sending a giant jersey with my name on it up to the rafters. As it was making its way to top of the Garden, I looked into the crowd and saw a girl in the audience crying, real tears streaming down her face. It was all I could do to stop looking at her and focus on the person next to her. My songs are my stories, but they take on their own life in the minds of people listening. The connection that creates is sometimes overwhelming.

DECEMBER 4TH.

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[Jay-Z's mom] / Shawn Carter was born December 4th / Weighing in at 10 pounds 8 ounces / He was the last of my four children / The only one who didn't give me any pain when I gave birth to him / And that's how I knew that he was a special child / Shawn Carter was born December 4th / Weighing in at 10 pounds 8 ounces / He was the last of my four children / The only one who didn't give me any pain when I gave birth to him / And that's how I knew that he was a special child1 / / [ [Jay-Z] / They say "they never really miss you till you dead or you gone" dead or you gone"2 / So on that note I'm leaving after the song / So you ain't gotta feel no way about Jay so long / At least let me tell you why I'm this way, Hold on / I was conceived by Gloria Carter and Adnis Reeves / Who made love under the sycamore tree / Which makes me / / So on that note I'm leaving after the song / So you ain't gotta feel no way about Jay so long / At least let me tell you why I'm this way, Hold on / I was conceived by Gloria Carter and Adnis Reeves / Who made love under the sycamore tree / Which makes me / A more sicker MC, A more sicker MC,3 my momma would claim / At 10 pounds when I was born I didn't give her no pain / Although through the years I gave her her fair share / I gave her her first real scare / my momma would claim / At 10 pounds when I was born I didn't give her no pain / Although through the years I gave her her fair share / I gave her her first real scare / I made up for birth when I got here I made up for birth when I got here4 / / She knows my purpose wasn't purpose She knows my purpose wasn't purpose5 / I ain't perfect I care / But I feel worthless cause my shirts wasn't matchin my gear / Now I'm just scratchin the surface cause what's buried under there / / I ain't perfect I care / But I feel worthless cause my shirts wasn't matchin my gear / Now I'm just scratchin the surface cause what's buried under there / Was a kid torn apart once his pop disappeared Was a kid torn apart once his pop disappeared6 / I went to school got good grades could behave when I wanted / But I had demons deep inside that would raise when confronted / Hold on / [ / I went to school got good grades could behave when I wanted / But I had demons deep inside that would raise when confronted / Hold on / [Jay-Z's mom] Shawn was a very shy child growing up / He was into sports / And a funny story is / At four he taught himself how to ride a bike / A two-wheeler at that / Isn't that special? / But I noticed a change in him when me and my husband broke up Shawn was a very shy child growing up / He was into sports / And a funny story is / At four he taught himself how to ride a bike / A two-wheeler at that / Isn't that special? / But I noticed a change in him when me and my husband broke up / [ / [Jay-Z] Now all the teachers couldn't reach me / And my momma couldn't beat me / Hard enough to match the pain of my pop not seeing me, Hard enough to match the pain of my pop not seeing me,7 SO / SO / With that disdain in my membrane With that disdain in my membrane8 / Got on my pimp game / f.u.c.k the world my defense came / Then DeHaven introduced me to the game / Spanish Jose introduced me to cane / I'm a hustler now / / Got on my pimp game / f.u.c.k the world my defense came / Then DeHaven introduced me to the game / Spanish Jose introduced me to cane / I'm a hustler now / My gear is in My gear is in9 and I'm in the in crowd / And all the wavy light-skinned girls is lovin me now / and I'm in the in crowd / And all the wavy light-skinned girls is lovin me now / My self-esteem went through the roof man I got my swag My self-esteem went through the roof man I got my swag10 / Got a Volvo from this girl when her man got bagged / Plus I hit my momma with cash from a show that I had / / Got a Volvo from this girl when her man got bagged / Plus I hit my momma with cash from a show that I had / Supposedly knowin n.o.body paid Jaz wack a.s.s Supposedly knowin n.o.body paid Jaz wack a.s.s11 / I'm getting ahead of myself, by the way, I could rap / That came second to me moving this crack / Gimme a second I swear / / I'm getting ahead of myself, by the way, I could rap / That came second to me moving this crack / Gimme a second I swear / I will say about my rap career I will say about my rap career / / Till '96 Till '9612 came n.i.g.g.as I'm here / Goodbye / [ came n.i.g.g.as I'm here / Goodbye / [Jay-Z's mom] Shawn used to be in the kitchen / Beating on the table and rapping / And um, until the wee hours of the morning / And then I bought him a boom box / And his sisters and brothers said that he would drive them nuts / But that was my way to keep him close to me and out of trouble / Shawn used to be in the kitchen / Beating on the table and rapping / And um, until the wee hours of the morning / And then I bought him a boom box / And his sisters and brothers said that he would drive them nuts / But that was my way to keep him close to me and out of trouble / [ [Jay-Z] Goodbye to the game all the spoils, the adrenaline rush / Your blood boils you in a spot knowing cops could rush Your blood boils you in a spot knowing cops could rush13 / / And you in a drop you're so easy to touch And you in a drop you're so easy to touch14 / No two days are alike / / No two days are alike / Except the first and fifteenth pretty much Except the first and fifteenth pretty much15 / And "trust" is a word you seldom hear from us / / And "trust" is a word you seldom hear from us / Hustlers we don't sleep we rest one eye up Hustlers we don't sleep we rest one eye up16 / And a drought can define a man, when the well dries up / / And a drought can define a man, when the well dries up / You learn the worth of water without work you thirst till you die You learn the worth of water without work you thirst till you die17 / YUP / And n.i.g.g.as get tied up for product / / YUP / And n.i.g.g.as get tied up for product / And little brothers ring fingers get cut up And little brothers ring fingers get cut up18 / To show mothers they really got em / And this was the stress I live with till I decided / To try this rap s.h.i.t for a livin / I pray I'm forgiven / For every bad decision I made / / To show mothers they really got em / And this was the stress I live with till I decided / To try this rap s.h.i.t for a livin / I pray I'm forgiven / For every bad decision I made / Every sister I played Every sister I played19 / Cause I'm still paranoid to this day / And it's n.o.body fault I made the decisions I made / / Cause I'm still paranoid to this day / And it's n.o.body fault I made the decisions I made / This is the life I chose or rather the life that chose me This is the life I chose or rather the life that chose me20 / If you can't respect that your whole perspective is wack / Maybe you'll love me when I fade to black / If you can't respect that your whole perspective is wack / Maybe you'll love me when I fade to black / If you can't respect that your whole perspective is wack / Maybe you'll love me when I fade to black / If you can't respect that your whole perspective is wack / Maybe you'll love me when I fade to black

HISTORY1 / FEATURING CEE-LO / FEATURING CEE-LO.

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By the Third Time They Were Singing Along. (1:10) Now that all the smoke is gone / (Lighter) / And the battle's finally won / (Gimme a lighter) / Victory (Lighters up) is finally ours / (Lighters up) / History so long so long / So long so long / In search of Victory In search of Victory2 she keeps eluding me she keeps eluding me3 / If only we could be together momentarily / / If only we could be together momentarily / We can make love and make History We can make love and make History4 / Why won't you visit me? until she visit me / I'll be stuck with her sister her name is Defeat / She gives me agony so much agony / She brings me so much pain so much misery / Like missing your last shot and falling to your knees / / Why won't you visit me? until she visit me / I'll be stuck with her sister her name is Defeat / She gives me agony so much agony / She brings me so much pain so much misery / Like missing your last shot and falling to your knees / As the crowd screams for the other team As the crowd screams for the other team5 / I practice so hard for this moment Victory don't leave / I know what this means I'm stuck in this routine / / I practice so hard for this moment Victory don't leave / I know what this means I'm stuck in this routine / Whole new different day same old thing Whole new different day same old thing6 / All I got is dreams n.o.body else can see / / All I got is dreams n.o.body else can see / n.o.body else believes n.o.body else but me n.o.body else believes n.o.body else but me7 / Where are you Victory? I need you desperately / Not just for the moment to make History / Now that all the smoke is gone / (Lighters) / And the battle's finally won / (Lighters) / Victory is finally ours / (Yeah) / History (yeah) so long so long / So long so long / So now I'm flirting with Death / Where are you Victory? I need you desperately / Not just for the moment to make History / Now that all the smoke is gone / (Lighters) / And the battle's finally won / (Lighters) / Victory is finally ours / (Yeah) / History (yeah) so long so long / So long so long / So now I'm flirting with Death hustling like a G hustling like a G8 / While Victory wasn't watching took chances repeatedly / As a teenage boy before acne before / While Victory wasn't watching took chances repeatedly / As a teenage boy before acne before I got proactive I got proactive9 I couldn't face she / I just threw on my hoodie and headed to the street / That's where I met Success we'd live together shortly / I couldn't face she / I just threw on my hoodie and headed to the street / That's where I met Success we'd live together shortly / Now Success is like l.u.s.t she's good to the touch Now Success is like l.u.s.t she's good to the touch10 / She's good for the moment but she's never enough / / She's good for the moment but she's never enough / Everybody's had her she's nothing like V Everybody's had her she's nothing like V11 / But Success is all I got unfortunately / But I'm burning down the block hoppin' in and out of V / But something tells me that there's much more to see / / But Success is all I got unfortunately / But I'm burning down the block hoppin' in and out of V / But something tells me that there's much more to see / Before I get killed because I can't get robbed Before I get killed because I can't get robbed12 / / So before me Success and Death menage So before me Success and Death menage13 / I gotta get lost I gotta find V / We gotta be together to make History / Now that all the smoke is gone / (Lighters. Up.) / And the battle's finally won / (Lighters. Up.) / Victory is finally ours / (Lighters. Up.) / History so long so long / So long so long / Now Victory is mine it tastes so sweet / She's my trophy wife / I gotta get lost I gotta find V / We gotta be together to make History / Now that all the smoke is gone / (Lighters. Up.) / And the battle's finally won / (Lighters. Up.) / Victory is finally ours / (Lighters. Up.) / History so long so long / So long so long / Now Victory is mine it tastes so sweet / She's my trophy wife you're coming with me you're coming with me14 / We'll have a baby who / We'll have a baby who stutters repeatedly stutters repeatedly15 / We'll name him History he'll repeat after me / He's my legacy son of my hard work / / We'll name him History he'll repeat after me / He's my legacy son of my hard work / Future of my past he'll explain who I be Future of my past he'll explain who I be16 / Rank me amongst the greats either one two or three / If I ain't number one then I failed you Victory / Ain't in it for the fame that dies within weeks / Ain't in it for the money can't take it when you leave / I wanna be remembered long after you grieve / Long after I'm gone long after I breathe / / Rank me amongst the greats either one two or three / If I ain't number one then I failed you Victory / Ain't in it for the fame that dies within weeks / Ain't in it for the money can't take it when you leave / I wanna be remembered long after you grieve / Long after I'm gone long after I breathe / I leave all I am in the hands of History I leave all I am in the hands of History17 / / That's my last will and testimony That's my last will and testimony18 / This is much more than a song it's a baby shower / / This is much more than a song it's a baby shower / I've been waiting for this hour History I've been waiting for this hour History19 you ours / Now that all the smoke is gone / And the battle's finally won / Victory is finally ours / History so long so long / So long so long you ours / Now that all the smoke is gone / And the battle's finally won / Victory is finally ours / History so long so long / So long so long

Bonus Video

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Evolution of My Style. (2:29)

EPILOGUE.

I was over at L.A. Reid's house in New York for a dinner party a couple of years ago when I first met Oprah Winfrey. I've met a lot of powerful people, but Oprah, as everyone knows, is in her own stratosphere. She's also someone who's been vocally skeptical about hip-hop for a long time because of the violence and rawness of a lot of the imagery and language, particularly the use of what she'd call the "n-word." It's ironic that she's also been a champion of other kinds of writing-from poets like Maya Angelou to novelists like Toni Morrison-that also use violent and raw images and language (including the dreaded n-word!) to get at true emotions and experiences. But for her, rap was different, and dangerous, in a way that other forms of art weren't.

Oprah and I ended up talking for a while at that dinner. Somehow, it came up that I'd read The Seat of the Soul The Seat of the Soul, a book that really affected the way I think about life-the book is about karma and what it means to do the right thing and the power of intention. It turns out that the author, Gary Zukav, had been a guest on Oprah's show on multiple occasions, and Oprah expressed surprise that I was also a fan of his work. She didn't expect that of a rapper. I could tell that the way she saw me shifted in that moment; I wasn't exactly who she thought I was.

Oprah and I have since gone on to become friendly acquaintances, after having only observed each other warily from a distance. But it was a fascinating moment to me. Rap, as I said at the beginning of the book, is at heart an art form that gave voice to a specific experience, but, like every art, is ultimately about the most common human experiences: joy, pain, fear, desire, uncertainty, hope, anger, love-love of crew, love of family, even romantic love (put on "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" some time and tell me rap can't be romantic-or if you want to keep it street, put on Mary J. Blige and Method Man's "I'll Be There for You/You're All I Need to Get By"). Of course, in the end, it may not be the art form for you. Oprah, for instance, still can't get past the n-word issue (or the n.i.g.g.a n.i.g.g.a issue, with all apologies to Ms. Winfrey). I can respect her position. To her, it's a matter of acknowledging the deep and painful history of the word. To me, it's just a word, a word whose power is owned by the user and his or her intention. People give words power, so banning a word is futile, really. "n.i.g.g.a" becomes "porch monkey" becomes "c.o.o.n" and so on if that's what's in a person's heart. The key is to change the person. And we change people through conversation, not through censorship. That's why I want people to understand what the words we use-and the stories we tell-are really about. issue, with all apologies to Ms. Winfrey). I can respect her position. To her, it's a matter of acknowledging the deep and painful history of the word. To me, it's just a word, a word whose power is owned by the user and his or her intention. People give words power, so banning a word is futile, really. "n.i.g.g.a" becomes "porch monkey" becomes "c.o.o.n" and so on if that's what's in a person's heart. The key is to change the person. And we change people through conversation, not through censorship. That's why I want people to understand what the words we use-and the stories we tell-are really about.

And that's why I wrote this book. I love writing rhymes. There's probably nothing that gives me as much pleasure. There have been times in my life when I've tried to put it to the side-when I was a kid, so I could focus on hustling in the streets, and when I was an adult, so I could focus on hustling in the boardroom-but the words kept coming. They're still coming and will probably never stop. That's my story. But the story of the larger culture is a story of a million MCs all over the world who are looking out their windows or standing on street corners or riding in their cars through their cities or suburbs or small towns and inside of them the words are coming, too, the words they need to make sense of the world they see around them. The words are witty and blunt, abstract and linear, sober and f.u.c.ked up. And when we decode that torrent of words-by which I mean really listen listen to them with our minds and hearts open-we can understand their world better. And ours, too. It's the same world. to them with our minds and hearts open-we can understand their world better. And ours, too. It's the same world.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.

First and foremost I'd like to acknowledge Dream Hampton. How can I thank you enough? You've lived my words and life for so long that you might need therapy to get back to yours (sorry, Nina). Dream, thanks again for suffering for my art (I mean, you were in Martha's Vineyard but still, ha). You are a G.o.dSEND.

Chris Jackson for your dedication, appreciation of detail, and your tireless work-even following me around Coach.e.l.la (and missing your flight home).

I'd also like to thank all of the people at Spiegel & Grau, Random House, and Rodrigo Corral Design who worked themselves ragged to produce this beautiful book, including Julie Grau, Mya Spalter, Greg Mollica, Evan Camfield, Richard Elman, Penelope Haynes, Rodrigo Corral, Rachel Bergman, Steve Attardo, Laurie Carkeet, Deb Wood, Dean Nicastro, and Sally Berman.

PERMISSIONS ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.

99 ProblemsWords and music by Shawn Carter, Norman Landsberg, John Ventura, Leslie Weinstein, Felix Pappalardi, William Squire, Alphonso Henderson, and Tracy MarrowCopyright 2003 Universal Music-MGB Songs, Universal Music-Careers, Songs of the Knight, WB Music Corp., Ammo Dump Music, Carrumba Music, Bridgeport Music, Inc., Universal-Polygram International Publishing, Inc., and Rhyme Syndicate MusicAll rights for Songs of the Knight controlled and administered by Spirit Two Music, Inc.All rights for Ammo Dump Music and Carrumba Music controlled and administered by WB Music Corp.Used by permission from Alfred Music Publishing Co., Inc., and Hal Leonard CorporationAll rights reserved. Used by permission. Contains elements of "The Big Beat," "Long Red," "99 Problems," and "Straight Outta Compton"American Dreamin'Words and music by Shawn Carter, Sean Combs, Mario Winans, Marvin Gaye, Arthur Ross, Leon Ware, Levar Coppin, and Deleno MatthewsCopyright 2007 EMI April Music Inc., Carter Boys Music, Justin Combs Publishing Co., EMI Blackwood Music, Inc., Janice Combs Publishing, Inc., Marsky Music, Jobete Music Co., Inc., FCG Music, NMG Music, MGIII Music, Steady on the Grind (BMI), Wait That's Mine Music, For My Son Publishing, and Tenyor MusicAll rights for Carter Boys Music, Justin Combs Publishing Co., Jobete Music Co., Inc., FCG Music, NMG Music, and MGIII Music controlled and administered by EMI April Music Inc.All rights for Janice Combs Publishing, Inc., and Marsky Music controlled and administered by EMI Blackwood Music, Inc.All rights for For My Son Publishing and Tenyor Music controlled and administered by The Royalty NetworkAll rights reserved. International copyright secured. Used by permission.Contains elements of "Soon I'll Be Loving You Again"Beach ChairWords and music by Shawn Carter and Chris MartinCopyright 2006 EMI April Music, Inc., Carter Boys Music, and Universal Music Publishing MGB Ltd.All rights for Carter Boys Music controlled and administered by EMI April Music, Inc.All rights for Universal Music Publishing MGB Ltd. in the United States and Canada administered by Universal Music-MGB SongsAll rights reserved. International copyright secured. Used by permission.BewareWords and music by Rajinder Rai, Glen Larson, and Stuart PhillipsCopyright 2003 EMI Music Publishing Ltd. and Songs of Universal, Inc.All rights for EMI Music Publishing Ltd. in the U.S. and Canada controlled and administered by EMI Blackwood Music, Inc.All rights reserved. International copyright secured. Used by permission.Big Pimpin'Words and music by Shawn Carter, Tim Mosley, and Kyambo JoshuaCopyright 1999 EMI Blackwood Music, Inc., Lil Lulu Publishing, Virginia Beach Music, and I Love KJ MusicAll rights for Lil Lulu Publishing controlled and administered by EMI Blackwood Music, Inc.All rights for I Love KJ Music controlled and administered by Kobalt Music Publishing, Inc.All rights reserved. International copyright secured. Used by permission.Blue MagicWords and music by Shawn Carter, Pharrell Williams, Denzil Foster, Thomas McElroy, Terry Ellis, Cindy Herron, Maxine Jones, Dawn Robinson, and Bernhard KaunCopyright 2007 EMI April Music, Inc., Carter Boys Music, EMI Blackwood Music, Inc., Waters of Nazareth, Inc., Two Tuff-E-Nuff Publishing, and USI A Music PublishingAll rights for Carter Boys Music controlled and administered by EMI April Music, Inc.All rights for Waters of Nazareth, Inc., and Two Tuff-E-Nuff Publishing controlled and administered by EMI Blackwood Music, Inc.All rights for USI A Music Publishing controlled and administered by Universal Music Corp.All rights reserved. International copyright secured. Used by permission.Contains elements of "Hold On"; also contains excerpt from the motion picture Frankenstein FrankensteinBreathe Easy (Lyrical Exercise)Words and music by Shawn Carter, Stanley Clarke, Gerald Brown, Michael Garson, Raymond Gomez, August Moon, and William ThomasCopyright 2001 EMI Blackwood Music, Inc., Lil Lulu Publishing, Clarkee Music, August Moon Music, and Harlem Music, Inc.All rights for Lil Lulu Publishing controlled and administered by EMI Blackwood Music, Inc.All rights for Clarkee Music controlled and administered by Songs of Universal, Inc.All rights reserved. International copyright secured. Used by permission.Contains elements of "Got to Find My Own Place" and "Seven Minutes of Funk"Can I Live?Words and music by Burt Bacharach, Hal Davis, Shawn Carter, and Irving LorenzoCopyright 1996 Colgems-EMI Music, Inc., EMI Blackwood Music, Inc., Lil Lulu Publishing, Ensign Music Corporation, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, and DJ Irv PublishingAll rights for Lil Lulu Publishing controlled and administered by EMI Blackwood Music, Inc.All rights for Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC and DJ Irv Publishing controlled and administered by Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, 8 Music Square West, Nashville, TN 37203All rights reserved. International copyright secured. Used by permission.Contains elements of "The Look of Love" (Bacharach/David) 1967 (renewed 1995) Colgems-EMI MusicComing of AgeWords and music by Shawn Carter, Rodolfo Franklin, and James MtumeCopyright 1996 EMI Blackwood Music, Inc., Lil Lulu Publishing, Clark's True Funk Music, and Mtume MusicAll rights for Lil Lulu Publishing controlled and administered by EMI Blackwood Music, Inc.All rights reserved. International copyright secured. Used by permission.Contains elements of "Inside You"Coming of Age (Da Sequel)Words and music by Shawn Carter and Dean Ka.s.seemCopyright 1998 EMI April Music, Inc., Dead Game Publishing, EMI Blackwood Music, Inc., Lil Lulu Publishing, Universal Music Corp., and Swizz BeatzAll rights for Dead Game Publishing controlled and administered by EMI April Music, Inc.All rights for Lil Lulu Publishing controlled and administered by EMI Blackwood Music, Inc.All rights for Swizz Beatz controlled and administered by Universal Music Corp.All rights reserved. International copyright secured. Used by permission.December 4thWords and music by Shawn Carter, Elijah Powell, and Walter BoydCopyright 2003 EMI April Music, Inc., Carter Boys Music, and Oceans Blue Music Ltd.All rights for Carter Boys Music controlled and administered EMI April Music Inc.All rights for Oceans Blue Music Ltd. controlled and administered by Songs of Universal, Inc.All rights reserved. International copyright secured. Used by permission.Contains elements of "That's How Long"D'evilsWords and Music by Shawn Carter and Chris MartinCopyright 1996 EMI Blackwood Music, Inc., Lil Lulu Publishing, EMI April Music, Inc., and Gifted Pearl MusicAll rights for Lil Lulu Publishing controlled and administered by EMI Blackwood Music, Inc.All rights for Gifted Pearl Music controlled and administered by EMI April Music, Inc.All rights reserved. International copyright secured. Used by permission.Dynasty (Intro)Words and music by Shawn Carter and Woodrow Cunningham, Jr.Copyright 2000 EMI Blackwood Music, Inc., Lil Lulu Publishing, H&R Lastrada Music, ASCAP/Sony ATV Tunes LLC, and Stonseee MusicAll rights for Lil Lulu Publishing controlled and administered by EMI Blackwood Music, Inc.All rights reserved. International copyright secured. Used by permission.Early This MorningWords by Shawn CarterCopyright EMI April Music, Inc., Carter Boys MusicAll rights for Carter Boys Music controlled and administered by EMI April Music, Inc.Fallin'Words and music by Shawn Carter, Jermaine Dupri, and Anthony HesterCopyright 2007 EMI April Music, Inc., Carter Boys Music, Shaniah Cymone Music, and EMI Longitude MusicAll rights for Carter Boys Music and Shaniah Cymone Music controlled and administered by EMI April Music, Inc.All rights reserved. International copyright secured. Used by permission.Contains elements of "Fell for You"h.e.l.l Yeah (Pimp the System)Words and music by Shawn Carter, Laurent Alfred, Lavonne Alford, E. Franklin, Clayton Gavin, and Vijay IyerCopyright 2004 EMI April Music, Inc., Carter Boys Music, Ernest Franklin, The War of Art Music, Walk Like a Warrior Music, and I Grade MusicAll rights for Carter Boys Music controlled and administered by EMI April Music, Inc.All rights reserved. International copyright secured. Used by permission.HistoryWords and music by Shawn Carter, Tony Williams, and Veronica SansonCopyright 2009 EMI April Music, Inc., Carter Boys Music, Tony Williams Publishing Designee, and Veronica Sanson Publishing DesigneeAll rights for Carter Boys Music and Bovina Music, Inc., controlled and administered by EMI April Music, Inc.All rights reserved. International copyright secured. Used by permission.Ignorant s.h.i.tWords and music by Shawn Carter, Ernest Isley, Marvin Isley, O'Kelly Isley, Ronald Isley, Rudolph Isley, Christopher Jasper, and Dwight GrantCopyright 2007 EMI April Music, Inc., Carter Boys Music, Bovina Music, Inc., Bug Music-Music of Windswept, Hitco South, and Shakur Al Din MusicAll rights for Carter Boys Music and Bovina Music, Inc., controlled and administered by EMI April Music, Inc.All rights for Hitco South and Shakur Al Din Music controlled and administered by Bug Music-Music of WindsweptAll rights reserved. International copyright secured. Used by permission.Contains elements of "Between the Sheets"Meet the ParentsWords and music by Shawn Carter and Justin SmithCopyright 2002 EMI April Music, Inc., Carter Boys Music, and F.O.B. Music PublishingAll rights for Carter Boys Music controlled and administered by EMI April Music, Inc.All rights reserved. International copyright secured. Used by permission.Minority ReportWords and music by Shawn Carter, Shaffer Smith, Mark Batson, Andre Young, and Dawaun ParkerCopyright 2006 EMI April Music, Inc., Carter Boys Music, Universal Music-Z Songs, Super Sayin Publishing, Songs of Universal, Inc., Bat Future Music, WB Music Corp., Ain't Nothing But Funkin' Music, Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp., Psalm 144 Verse 1 Music, and Alien Status MusicAll rights for Carter Boys Music controlled and administered by EMI April Music, Inc.All rights for Super Sayin Publishing controlled and administered by Universal Music-Z SongsAll rights for Bat Future Music controlled and administered by Songs of Universal, Inc.All rights for Ain't Nothing But Funkin' Music controlled and administered by WB Music Corp.All rights for Psalm 144 Verse 1 Music and Alien Status Music controlled and administered by Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.Used by permission from Alfred Music Publishing Co., Inc., and Hal Leonard CorporationAll rights reserved. International copyright secured. Used by permission.Contains elements of "Non Ti Scordar Di Me" (DeCurtis/Furno)Moment of ClarityWords and music by Shawn Carter and Marshall MathersCopyright 2003 Carter Boys Music and Eight Mile StyleAll rights for Carter Boys Music controlled and administered by EMI April Music, Inc.All rights reserved. International copyright secured. Used by permission.Most KingsWords by Shawn CarterCopyright EMI April Music, Inc., Carter Boys MusicAll rights for Carter Boys Music controlled and administered by EMI April Music, Inc.My 1st SongWords and music by Shawn Carter and Germain de la FuenteCopyright 2003 EMI April Music, Inc., Carter Boys Music, and EMI Music Publishing ChileAll rights for Carter Boys Music controlled and administered by EMI April Music, Inc.All rights for EMI Music Publishing Chile in the United States and Canada controlled and administered by Beechwood Music Corp.All rights reserved. International copyright secured. Used by permission.Contains elements of "Tu y Tu Mirar...Yo y Mi Cancion"My President Is BlackWords and music by Justin Henderson, Christopher Whitacre, Jay Jenkins, and Nasir JonesCopyright 2008 Songs of Universal, Inc., Nappypub Music, Henderworks Publishing Co., Universal Music Corp., Nappy Boy Publishing, West Coast Livin' Publishing, Universal Music-Z Tunes, Universal Music-Z Songs, EMI Blackwood Music, Inc., and Young Jeezy Music, Inc.All rights for Nappypub Music and Henderworks Publishing Co. controlled and administered by Songs of Universal, Inc.All rights for Nappy Boy Publishing and West Coast Livin' Publishing controlled and administered by Universal Music Corp.All rights for Young Jeezy Music, Inc., controlled and administered by EMI Blackwood Music, Inc.All rights reserved. Used by permission.Operation Corporate TakeoverWords by Shawn CarterCopyright EMI April Music, Inc., Carter Boys MusicAll rights for Carter Boys Music controlled and administered by EMI April Music, Inc.Public Service AnnouncementWords and music by Shawn Carter and Raymond LevinCopyright 2003 EMI April Music, Inc., Carter Boys Music and Edgewater MusicAll rights for Carter Boys Music controlled and administered by EMI April Music, Inc.All rights reserved. International copyright secured. Used by permission.Contains elements of "Seed of Love"RegretsWords and music by Shawn Carter and Peter PottingerCopyright 1996 EMI Blackwood Music, Inc., Lil Lulu Publishing, and Mansion and the Yacht PublishingAll rights for Lil Lulu Publishing controlled and administered by EMI Blackwood Music, Inc.All rights reserved. International copyright secured. Used by permission.Contains elements of "It's So Easy Loving You"RenegadeWords and music by Shawn Carter, Marshall Mathers, and Luis RestoCopyright 2001 EMI Blackwood Music, Inc., Lil Lulu Publishing, Eight Mile Style LLC, Martin Affiliated LLC, Marshall B Mathers, Inc., and Jaceff MusicAll rights for Lil Lulu Publishing controlled and administered by EMI Blackwood Music, Inc.All rights for Eight Mile Style LLC, Martin Affiliated LLC, Marshal B Mathers, Inc., and Jaceff Music controlled and administered by Kobalt Music PublishingAll rights reserved. International copyright secured. Used by permission.Soon You'll UnderstandWords and Music by Shawn Carter and Al KooperCopyright 2000 EMI Blackwood Music, Inc., Lil Lulu Publishing, and EMI Unart Catalog, Inc.All rights for Lil Lulu Publishing controlled and administered by EMI Blackwood Music, Inc.All rights reserved. International copyright secured. Used by permission.Streets Is WatchingWords and music by Shawn Carter, Labi Siffre, and David WillisCopyright 1997 EMI Blackwood Music, Inc., Lil Lulu Publishing, M.A.M (Music Publishing) Corp., Universal-Songs of Polygram International, Inc., and Biggie MusicAll rights for Lil Lulu Publishing controlled and administered by EMI Blackwood Music, Inc.All rights for M.A.M. (Music Publishing) Corp. in the United States and Canada controlled and administered by Chrysalis MusicAll rights for Biggie Music controlled and administered by Universal-Songs of Polygram International, Inc.All rights reserved. International copyright secured. Used by permission.Contains elements of "I Got The"SuccessWords and music by Shawn Carter, Ernest Wilson, Nasir Jones, and Larry EllisCopyright 2007 EMI April Music, Inc., Carter Boys Music, Chrysalis Songs, No ID Music, Universal Music-Z Tunes LLC, Ill Will Music, Inc., and Larry Ellis Publishing DesigneeAll rights for Carter Boys Music controlled and administered by EMI April Music, Inc.All rights for No ID Music controlled and administered by Chrysalis SongsAll rights for Ill Will Music, Inc., controlled and administered by Universal Music-Z Tunes LLCAll rights reserved. International copyright secured. Used by permission.Contains elements of "Funky Thing Pt. 1"This Can't Be LifeWords and music by Shawn Carter, Kanye West, Dwight Grant, Brad Jordan, Leon Huff, and Kenneth GambleCopyright 2000 EMI Blackwood Music, Inc., Lil Lulu Publishing, EMI April Music, Inc., Ye Olde World Music, Bug Music-Music of Windswept, Hitco South, Shakur Al Din Music, BB Ski the Chump (ASCAP), and Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.All rights for Lil Lulu Publishing controlled and administered by EMI Blackwood Music, Inc.All rights for Ye Olde World Music controlled and administered by EMI April Music, Inc.All rights for Hitco South and Shakur Al Din Music controlled and administered by Bug Music-Music of WindsweptUsed by permission from Alfred Music Publishing Co., Inc., and Hal Leonard CorporationAll rights reserved. International copyright secured. Used by permission.Contains elements of "I Miss You"This Life ForeverWords and music by Shawn Carter, Eva Darby, Billy Jackson, and Tyrone FyffeCopyright 1999 EMI Jemaxal Music, Inc., EMI Blackwoood Music, Inc., Lil Lulu Publishing, R.L. August Music Co., Twin Girl Music, Songs of Lastrada, BMI/R2M Music, and U-Von MusicAll rights for Lil Lulu Publishing controlled and administered by EMI Blackwood Music, Inc.All rights reserved. International copyright secured. Used by permission.Contains elements of "Are You Lookin'" by Eva Darby and William Jackson, 1973 (renewed 2001) EMI Jexamal Music, Inc., R.L. August Music Co., Twin Girl Music, and U-Von MusicWhere I'm FromWords and music by Shawn Carter, Deric Angelettie, Norman Whitfield, and Ronald LawrenceCopyright 1997 EMI Blackwood Music, Inc., Lil Lulu Publishing, Deric Angelettie Music, Stone Diamond Music Corp., Universal Music-Careers, and Ausar MusicAll rights for Lil Lulu Publishing, Deric Angelettie Music, and Stone Diamond Music Corp. controlled and administered by EMI Blackwood Music, Inc.All rights for Ausar Music controlled and administered by Universal Music-CareersAll rights reserved. International copyright secured. Used by permission.Contains elements of "Let Your Hair Down"Young Gifted and BlackWords and music by Shawn Carter, Antonie Hardy, and Marlon Lu Ree WilliamsCopyright OAK Music Publishing, Inc, EMI April Music, Inc., Carter Boys MusicAll rights for Carter Boys Music controlled and administered by EMI April Music, Inc.Contains elements of "Young Gifted and Black."

ILl.u.s.tRATION CREDITS.

Endpapers: Myriam Babin/Rodrigo Corral DesignDecoded front matter, letters: Simon Lee/Rodrigo Corral Designp1.1 One Eye Open, Myriam Babin/Rodrigo Corral Design; Union Square, Myriam Babin/Rodrigo Corral Design One Eye Open, Myriam Babin/Rodrigo Corral Design; Union Square, Myriam Babin/Rodrigo Corral Designp1.2 boom box, Thomas Mulsow boom box, Thomas Mulsowp1.3 tape recorder, Simon Lee/Rodrigo Corral Design tape recorder, Simon Lee/Rodrigo Corral Designp1.4 Marcy House beneath paper bag, Myriam Babin/Rodrigo Corral Design Marcy House beneath paper bag, Myriam Babin/Rodrigo Corral Designp1.5 Run-DMC, george- dubose.com Run-DMC, george- dubose.comp1.6 Run- DMC alb.u.m cover, Simon Lee/Rodrigo Corral Design Run- DMC alb.u.m cover, Simon Lee/Rodrigo Corral Designp1.7 train tracks, Myriam Babin/Rodrigo Corral Design train tracks, Myriam Babin/Rodrigo Corral Designp1.8 KRS- One: Matt Buck/Rodrigo Corral Design, ill.u.s.tration based on a photograph by Janette Beckman/Getty Images KRS- One: Matt Buck/Rodrigo Corral Design, ill.u.s.tration based on a photograph by Janette Beckman/Getty Imagesp1.9 cracked ground, Alessandro Rizzi/Gallery Stock cracked ground, Alessandro Rizzi/Gallery Stock1.1 The Revolutionary T- shirt, ill.u.s.tration Bonnie Clas/Rodrigo Corral Design; posters on wall, Myriam Babin/Rodrigo Corral Design The Revolutionary T- shirt, ill.u.s.tration Bonnie Clas/Rodrigo Corral Design; posters on wall, Myriam Babin/Rodrigo Corral Design1.2 Jay-Z, Jay-Z, MTV Unplugged MTV Unplugged alb.u.m cover, Def Jam alb.u.m cover, Def Jam1.3 Notorious B.I.G., Bonnie Clas/Rodrigo Corral Design, ill.u.s.tration based on a photograph by Butch Belair/Michael Ginsburg and a.s.sociates Notorious B.I.G., Bonnie Clas/Rodrigo Corral Design, ill.u.s.tration based on a photograph by Butch Belair/Michael Ginsburg and a.s.sociatesnts.1 The D.O.C., The D.O.C., No One Can Do It Better No One Can Do It Better alb.u.m cover, Ruthless alb.u.m cover, Ruthlessnts.2 Jesus pendant, Simon Lee/Rodrigo Corral Design Jesus pendant, Simon Lee/Rodrigo Corral Designnts.3 Malcolm X, Matt Buck/Rodrigo Corral Design, ill.u.s.tration based on a photograph MPI/Getty Images Malcolm X, Matt Buck/Rodrigo Corral Design, ill.u.s.tration based on a photograph MPI/Getty Imagesnts.4 Marvin Gaye, Matt Buck/Rodrigo Corral Design, ill.u.s.tration based on a photograph Detroit Free Press/MCT/Landov Marvin Gaye, Matt Buck/Rodrigo Corral Design, ill.u.s.tration based on a photograph Detroit Free Press/MCT/Landovnts.5 money in shoe box, Simon Lee/Rodrigo Corral Design money in shoe box, Simon Lee/Rodrigo Corral Design2.1 clouds, Steve Satushek/Workbook Stock/Getty Images; clouds, Steve Satushek/Workbook Stock/Getty Images; Boy with June Bug Boy with June Bug, 1963, photograph by Gordon Parks, copyright the Gordon Parks Foundation. Reprinted with permission.2.2 Memphis Bleek, Ben Baker/REDUX Memphis Bleek, Ben Baker/REDUXnts.6 diamond studs, Simon Lee/Rodrigo Corral Design diamond studs, Simon Lee/Rodrigo Corral Designnts.7 building, Myriam Babin/Rodrigo Corral Design building, Myriam Babin/Rodrigo Corral Designnts.8 broken heart, Rodrigo Corral Design broken heart, Rodrigo Corral Designnts.9 Marcy building, Myriam Babin/Rodrigo Corral Design Marcy building, Myriam Babin/Rodrigo Corral Design3.1 water, Andreas Ackerup/Gallery Stock; Negative s.p.a.ce alb.u.m art, Rodrigo Corral Design; view from bridge, Myriam Babin/Rodrigo Corral Design water, Andreas Ackerup/Gallery Stock; Negative s.p.a.ce alb.u.m art, Rodrigo Corral Design; view from bridge, Myriam Babin/Rodrigo Corral Design3.2 bricks, Simon Lee/Rodrigo Corral Design bricks, Simon Lee/Rodrigo Corral Designnts.10 German shepherd, Matt Buck/Rodrigo Corral Design, ill.u.s.tration based on a photograph by Steve Ma.r.s.el/Photonica/Getty Images German shepherd, Matt Buck/Rodrigo Corral Design, ill.u.s.tration based on a photograph by Steve Ma.r.s.el/Photonica/Getty Imagesnts.11 white 1994 Nissan Maxima, 2010 Nissan. 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Hoppe/Corbisp2.9 Russell Simmons, Matt Buck/Rodrigo Corral Design, ill.u.s.tration based on a photograph by Michael Benabib/Retna Russell Simmons, Matt Buck/Rodrigo Corral Design, ill.u.s.tration based on a photograph by Michael Benabib/Retnap2.10 Muhammad Ali, London, 1970, photograph by Gordon Parks. Copyright the Gordon Parks Foundation. Reprinted with permission. Muhammad Ali, London, 1970, photograph by Gordon Parks. Copyright the Gordon Parks Foundation. 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All rights reserved.nts.14 Basquiat art, Basquiat art, Charles the First Charles the First, 1982, 2010 The Estate of Jean- Michel Basquiat/ADAGP, Paris/ARS, New York, photograph by Banque d'Images, ADAGP/Art Resource, N.Y.nts.15 Lorraine Hotel, Joseph Louw/TIME & LIFE Images/Getty Images Lorraine Hotel, Joseph Louw/TIME & LIFE Images/Getty Imagesnts.16 Kurt Cobain, Charles Peterson/Retna Kurt Cobain, Charles Peterson/Retnants.17 cutlery, Simon Lee/Rodrigo Corral Design cutlery, Simon Lee/Rodrigo Corral Designnts.18 Buddha, Rachel Bergman/Rodrigo Corral Design Buddha, Rachel Bergman/Rodrigo Corral Design4.4 view from bridge, Myriam Babin/Rodrigo Corral Design view from bridge, Myriam Babin/Rodrigo Corral Design5.1 handcuffs, Simon Lee/Rodrigo Corral Design handcuffs, Simon Lee/Rodrigo Corral Design5.2 buildings with Empire State Building in background, Myriam Babin/Rodrigo Corral Design buildings with Empire State Building in background, Myriam Babin/Rodrigo Corral Designnts.19 Dizzy Gillespie, Matt Buck/Rodrigo Corral Design, ill.u.s.tration based on a photograph by Herb Ritts/Lime Foto Dizzy Gillespie, Matt Buck/Rodrigo Corral Design, ill.u.s.tration based on a photograph by Herb Ritts/Lime Fotonts.20 Atlas holding globe, Matt Buck/Rodrigo Corral Design Atlas holding globe, Matt Buck/Rodrigo Corral Designnts.21 golden handcuffs, Simon Lee/Rodrigo Corral Design golden handcuffs, Simon Lee/Rodrigo Corral Designnts.22 Pimp C, Nicolas Wagner/Corbis Outline Pimp C, Nicolas Wagner/Corbis Outlinents.23 surveillance cameras, Christoph Wilhelm/Taxi/Getty Images surveillance cameras, Christoph Wilhelm/Taxi/Getty Images5.3 City Hall, New York City, Sami Siva/REDUX; Lady Justice, Ian Nicholson/PA Wire/AP Images City Hall, New York City, Sami Siva/REDUX; Lady Justice, Ian Nicholson/PA Wire/AP Imagesnts.24 record company folders, Rodrigo Corral Design record company folders, Rodrigo Corral Designnts.25 funeral home at 1 Troy Ave., Laurie Carkeet/Rodrigo Corral Design funeral home at 1 Troy Ave., Laurie Carkeet/Rodrigo Corral Designnts.26 geometric shapes, Simon Lee/Rodrigo Corral Design geometric shapes, Simon Lee/Rodrigo Corral Design7.1 sky, Steve Satushek/Workbook Stock/Getty Images; Jay- Z concert, OG/LUXURY MINDZ sky, Steve Satushek/Workbook Stock/Getty Images; Jay- Z concert, OG/LUXURY MINDZ7.2 Madison Square Garden, Bettmann/Corbis Madison Square Garden, Bettmann/Corbisnts.27 Apollo Theater sign, Rudy Sulgan/Corbis Apollo Theater sign, Rudy Sulgan/Corbisnts.28 Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, Andrew D. Bernstein/National Basketball a.s.sociation/Getty Images Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, Andrew D. Bernstein/National Basketball a.s.sociation/Getty Imagesnts.29 Jay- Z, Jay- Z, In My Lifetime In My Lifetime alb.u.m cover, Simon Lee/Rodrigo Corral Design alb.u.m cover, Simon Lee/Rodrigo Corral Designp3.1 Politics As Usual, Myriam Babin/Rodrigo Corral Design Politics As Usual, Myriam Babin/Rodrigo Corral Designp3.2 American fl ag, Willie Stark ONE/MILLION American fl ag, Willie Stark ONE/MILLIONp3.4 Marcus Garvey, Corbis Marcus Garvey, Corbisp3.5 Marcus Garvey's Golden Rule, Renee c.o.x, 1993 Marcus Garvey's Golden Rule, Renee c.o.x, 1993p3.6 arrest photo, New York arrest photo, New York Daily News Daily News/Getty Imagesp3.7 video screen prior to Jay- Z's performance on the pyramid stage during day two of the Glas...o...b..ry Festival, Somerset, PA Photos/Landov video screen prior to Jay- Z's performance on the pyramid stage during day two of the Glas...o...b..ry Festival, Somerset, PA Photos/Landovp3.8 kid on bike in Marcy, Jonathan Mannion kid on bike in Marcy, Jonathan Mannionp3.9 The New York Times The New York Times, Simon Lee/Rodrigo Corral Designp3.10 Obama inauguration, POOL/Reuters/Corbis Obama inauguration, POOL/Reuters/Corbis8.1 White America, Simon Lee/Rodrigo Corral Design White America, Simon Lee/Rodrigo Corral Design8.2 Rick Rubin, Matt Buck/Rodrigo Corral Design, ill.u.s.tration based on a photograph by Michael Muller/Contour by Getty Images Rick Rubin, Matt Buck/Rodrigo Corral Design, ill.u.s.tration based on a photograph by Michael Muller/Contour by Getty Images8.3 Beastie Boys, Laura Levine/Corbis Beastie Boys, Laura Levine/Corbis8.4 Black Panthers, New York Times Co./Getty Images Black Panthers, New York Times Co./Getty Imagesnts.30 Louis Farrakhan, Matt Buck/Rodrigo Corral Design, ill.u.s.tration based on a photograph by Don Emmert/AFP/Getty Images; NYPD vehicle, Jonathan Mannion Louis Farrakhan, Matt Buck/Rodrigo Corral Design, ill.u.s.tration based on a photograph by Don Emmert/AFP/Getty Images; NYPD vehicle, Jonathan Mannionnts.31 Vietnam, Larry Burrows LB Collection Vietnam, Larry Burrows LB Collection9.1 Hurricane Katrina, AP Photo/NASA Hurricane Katrina, AP Photo/NASA9.2 soldier in Iraq, Warrick Page/Getty Images soldier in Iraq, Warrick Page/Getty Imagesnts.32 flag of India, Steve Allen/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images flag of India, Steve Allen/Brand X Pictures/Getty Imagesnts.33 Osama Bin Laden, AP Photo/File; Ronald Reagan, Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images Osama Bin Laden, AP Photo/File; Ronald Reagan, Silver Screen Collection/Getty Imagesnts.34 360 waves, Matt Buck/Rodrigo Corral Design 360 waves, Matt Buck/Rodrigo Corral Design9.3 Young and the Fearless Young and the Fearless, 2004 (boy with toy gun), Arif Mahmood; Cautionary Tales, Rodrigo Corral Design10.1 Black Panther pin, David J. and Janice L. Frent Collection/Corbis Black Panther pin, David J. and Janice L. Frent Collection/Corbis10.2 Paul Robeson, Jonathan Mannion Paul Robeson, Jonathan Mannionnts.35 Black Gangster Black Gangster, by Donald Goines, Rodrigo Corral Design; lighter, Simon Lee/Rodrigo Corral Designnts.36 Public Enemy logo Public Enemy logonts.37 thumbprint and handprint, Rodrigo Corral Design thumbprint and handprint, Rodrigo Corral Designnts.38 basketball hoop, Myriam Babin/Rodrigo Corral Design basketball hoop, Myriam Babin/Rodrigo Corral Designnts.39 hand scale, Simon Lee/Rodrigo Corral Design; dice, Simon Lee/Rodrigo Corral Design hand scale, Simon Lee/Rodrigo Corral Design; dice, Simon Lee/Rodrigo Corral Design11.1 Katrina aerial shot, Vincent Laforet/Pool/Reuters/Corbis; Funeral Parade alb.u.m art, Rodrigo Corral Design; funeral photograph, Luca Tronci/Gallery Stock Katrina aerial shot, Vincent Laforet/Pool/Reuters/Corbis; Funeral Parade alb.u.m art, Rodrigo Corral Design; funeral photograph, Luca Tronci/Gallery Stock11.2 houses destroyed by Katrina, David Howells/Corbis houses destroyed by Katrina, David Howells/Corbisnts.40 Katrina survivors on roof, David J. Phillip/Pool/Reuters/Corbis Katrina survivors on roof, David J. Phillip/Pool/Reuters/Corbisnts.41 black orchid, Simon Lee/Rodrigo Corral Design black orchid, Simon Lee/Rodrigo Corral Designnts.42 Stevie Wonder, Stevie Wonder, Songs in the Key of Life Songs in the Key of Life alb.u.m cover, Motown alb.u.m cover, Motownnts.43 black nationalist fl ag, Simon Lee/Rodrigo Corral Design black nationalist fl ag, Simon Lee/Rodrigo Corral Designp4.1 Come and Get Me, Myriam Babin/Rodrigo Corral Design Come and Get Me, Myriam Babin/Rodrigo Corral Designp4.2 University of Hip- Hop, Myriam Babin/Rodrigo Corral Design University of Hip- Hop, Myriam Babin/Rodrigo Corral Designp4.3 Little Orphan Annie, and 2010, Tribune Media Services, Inc. All rights reserved. Little Orphan Annie, and 2010, Tribune Media Services, Inc. All rights reserved.p4.4 three card monte, Simon Lee/Rodrigo Corral Design three card monte, Simon Lee/Rodrigo Corral Designp4.5 Rakim, Matt Buck/Rodrigo Corral Design, ill.u.s.tration based on a photograph by Carol Friedman/Corbis Rakim, Matt Buck/Rodrigo Corral Design, ill.u.s.tration based on a photograph by Carol Friedman/Corbisp4.6 city buildings, Myriam Babin/Rodrigo Corral Design city buildings, Myriam Babin/Rodrigo Corral Designp4.7 Notorious B.I.G., Dana Lixenberg/Corbis Outline Notorious B.I.G., Dana Lixenberg/Corbis Outlinep4.8 The Voice In Your Head Is Right alb.u.m art, Myriam Babin/Rodrigo Corral Design The Voice In Your Head Is Right alb.u.m art, Myriam Babin/Rodrigo Corral Design12.1 Slick Rick, Janette Beckman Slick Rick, Janette Beckmannts.44 man with shadow, Rodrigo Corral Design man with shadow, Rodrigo Corral Designnts.45 Pieta, Alinari/Art Resource, N.Y. Pieta, Alinari/Art Resource, N.Y.nts.46 puddle refl ection, Margaret Murphy Photography puddle refl ection, Margaret Murphy Photographynts.47 Scarface, Grant Delin/Corbis Outline Scarface, Grant Delin/Corbis Outlinents.48 Al Pacino as Tony Montana, Matt Buck/Rodrigo Corral Design, ill.u.s.tration based on a photograph by UNIVERSAL PICTURES/Alb.u.m/Newscom Al Pacino as Tony Montana, Matt Buck/Rodrigo Corral Design, ill.u.s.tration based on a photograph by UNIVERSAL PICTURES/Alb.u.m/Newscom13.1 Christ the Redeemer, Bert Kohlgraf/Flickr/Getty Images; Instant Karma alb.u.m artwork, Rodrigo Corral Design; water, Nadav Kander/Gallery Stock Christ the Redeemer, Bert Kohlgraf/Flickr/Getty Images; Instant Karma alb.u.m artwork, Rodrigo Corral Design; water, Nadav Kander/Gallery Stock13.2 ocean, Andreas Ren/Gallery Stock ocean, Andreas Ren/Gallery Stock13.3 cross mural, Myriam Babin/Rodrigo Corral Design cross mural, Myriam Babin/Rodrigo Corral Design13.4 bible mural, Myriam Babin/Rodrigo Corral Design bible mural, Myriam Babin/Rodrigo Corral Designnts.49 beach/dunes, Alex Telfer/Gallery Stock beach/dunes, Alex Telfer/Gallery Stocknts.50 compa.s.s, Rodrigo Corral Design compa.s.s, Rodrigo Corral Designnts.51 rosary, Simon Lee/Rodrigo Corral Design rosary, Simon Lee/Rodrigo Corral Designnts.52 fallen angel, engraving by Gustave Dore, photograph by Hulton Archive/Getty Images fallen angel, engraving by Gustave Dore, photograph by Hulton Archive/Getty Images14.1 clouds, Kim Ripley; Our Life alb.u.m artwork, Rodrigo Corral Design; buildings, Myriam Babin/Rodrigo Corral Design clouds, Kim Ripley; Our Life alb.u.m artwork, Rodrigo Corral Design; buildings, Myriam Babin/Rodrigo Corral Design14.2 Lauryn Hill, Everett Collection/Rex USA Lauryn Hill, Everett Collection/Rex USAnts.53 Maya Angelou, Aaron Rapoport/Corbis Maya Angelou, Aaron Rapoport/Corbisnts.54 Chi- Lites, Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Chi- Lites, Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Imagesnts.55 CBS logo, and 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All rights reserved. CBS logo, and 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All rights reserved.nts.56 Jay- Z fans, Ben Watts/Corbis Outline Jay- Z fans, Ben Watts/Corbis Outline

Notes on Lyrics PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT.

Back to Lyrics 1. This is Just Blaze's voice, although he recorded it in a way that made it sound older, like a political speech from the Black Power era captured on a distant tape recorder. This is Just Blaze's voice, although he recorded it in a way that made it sound older, like a political speech from the Black Power era captured on a distant tape recorder.2. A simple double entendre of "Roc-A-Fella," our company, which we call the Roc, and "rock," common slang for crack because of the way the c.o.ke crystallizes when you cook it. I drop the "frying pan" into the next line to keep the comparison going. In the line after that I complete the connection between selling rock and selling the Roc, supplying the streets and supplying the music biz. Both take ruthlessness. In fact, the music industry is the fire to the crack game's frying pan. A simple double entendre of "Roc-A-Fella," our company, which we call the Roc, and "rock," common slang for crack because of the way the c.o.ke crystallizes when you cook it. I drop the "frying pan" into the next line to keep the comparison going. In the line after that I complete the connection between selling rock and selling the Roc, supplying the streets and supplying the music biz. Both take ruthlessness. In fact, the music industry is the fire to the crack game's frying pan.3. The The flier/flyer flier/flyer h.o.m.onym also carries the momentum of the h.o.m.onym also carries the momentum of the fire/supplier fire/supplier rhyme for one more line. rhyme for one more line.4. The D.O.C.'s "No One Can Do It Better" was an early cla.s.sic of the West Coast's golden age. The D.O.C.'s "No One Can Do It Better" was an early cla.s.sic of the West Coast's golden age.

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5. This line combines two separate pieces of slang-"check" means to collect, "cheddar" means money-to create a third piece of new slang-"a food inspector"-that only makes sense if you decode the first two phrases. "Check cheddar" is an alliteration that adds force to the image. This line combines two separate pieces of slang-"check" means to collect, "cheddar" means money-to create a third piece of new slang-"a food inspector"-that only makes sense if you decode the first two phrases. "Check cheddar" is an alliteration that adds force to the image.6. My friend Strict uses the phrase "finish your breakfast" as a way of saying that you need to finish your job up strong. My friend Strict uses the phrase "finish your breakfast" as a way of saying that you need to finish your job up strong.7. In these four lines I use five different variations on "do" and "dude" (plus "jewels," whose hard "j" sounds almost like a "d") to create a percussive rhythm within the beat. In these four lines I use five different variations on "do" and "dude" (plus "jewels," whose hard "j" sounds almost like a "d") to create a percussive rhythm within the beat.8. "Jay-Z sported a white T emblazoned with Che's image, perhaps a case of game recognizing game ..." -Elizabeth Mendez Berry, "The Last Hustle," "Jay-Z sported a white T emblazoned with Che's image, perhaps a case of game recognizing game ..." -Elizabeth Mendez Berry, "The Last Hustle," The Village Voice, The Village Voice, November 25, 2003. November 25, 2003.

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9. Just to amplify the connection I'm trying to make between revolutionaries and hustlers, I invoke Malcolm's famous "By Any Means Necessary" slogan. Just to amplify the connection I'm trying to make between revolutionaries and hustlers, I invoke Malcolm's famous "By Any Means Necessary" slogan.

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10. A drought in the game is when the supply or demand starts to dry up-and that's when resourceful hustlers have to start getting creative. If that means getting violent, the "brainstorming" might just lead to someone getting wet, as in b.l.o.o.d.y, which is why you need to get your umbrella out, for protection. It's a dramatic, violent image to convey the way desperation and hunger can explode. A drought in the game is when the supply or demand starts to dry up-and that's when resourceful hustlers have to start getting creative. If that means getting violent, the "brainstorming" might just lead to someone getting wet, as in b.l.o.o.d.y, which is why you need to get your umbrella out, for protection. It's a dramatic, violent image to convey the way desperation and hunger can explode.11. Here's where life gets "complex." I'm innocent because I didn't invent the game; the game came to the hood via a bunch of people from the outside: the big drug suppliers, the gun merchants, the corrupt officials who, at best, let it happen, or, at worst, were actively involved. 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. 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. Here's where life gets "complex." I'm innocent because I didn't invent the game; the game came to the hood via a bunch of people from the outside: the big drug suppliers, the gun merchants, the corrupt officials who, at best, let it happen, or, at worst, were actively involved. 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. 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.12. And it's not just the material spoils that keep you going: You start getting addicted to the thrill of it, the adrenaline rush of going to see your connect in a small building in Harlem in a lobby that you've never been in, where you go in with a bag of money and come out with a bag of work. Or the feeling when you come around the corner back home and all eyes turn to you because everyone knows who you are-you represent something successful and free and dangerous, all at once. You have the best car, the best jewelry, the whole package. You taste a strange kind of fame. It's as addictive as the s.h.i.t you're selling, and just as deadly. And it's not just the material spoils that keep you going: You start getting addicted to the thrill of it, the adrenaline rush of going to see your connect in a small building in Harlem in a lobby that you've never been in, where you go in with a bag of money and come out with a bag of work. Or the feeling when you come around the corner back home and all eyes turn to you because everyone knows who you are-you represent something successful and free and dangerous, all at once. You have the best car, the best jewelry, the whole package. You taste a strange kind of fame. It's as addictive as the s.h.i.t you're selling, and just as deadly.13. "The ghetto people knew I never left the ghetto in spirit." -Malcolm X "The ghetto people knew I never left the ghetto in spirit." -Malcolm X14. You can put a new shirt on your back, slide a fresh chain around your neck, and acc.u.mulate all the money and power in the world, but at the end of the day those are just layers. Money and power don't change you, they just further expose your true self. You can put a new shirt on your back, slide a fresh chain around your neck, and acc.u.mulate all the money and power in the world, but at the end of the day those are just layers. Money and power don't change you, they just further expose your true self.15. Elizabeth Mendez Berry wrote in her essay: "Squint and you see a revolutionary. But open your eyes to the platinum chain around his neck: Jay-Z is a hustler." No doubt. It's a simple truth, but complex, too. Ident.i.ty isn't a prison you can never escape, but the way to redeem your past is not to run from it, but to try to understand it, and use it as a foundation to grow. Elizabeth Mendez Berry wrote in her essay: "Squint and you see a revolutionary. But open your eyes to the platinum chain around his neck: Jay-Z is a hustler." No doubt. It's a simple truth, but complex, too. Ident.i.ty isn't a prison you can never escape, but the way to redeem your past is not to run from it, but to try to understand it, and use it as a foundation to grow.

AMERICAN DREAMIN'

Back to Lyrics 1. This is really where it begins, in a room with your feet up with your dudes. Too young to shave, dreaming about the big body Benzes you're gonna push. Obviously for me, it's in Marcy, but this could be anywhere-a bas.e.m.e.nt in the midwest, a backyard in Cali, an Oldsmobile somewhere down South. The danger is that it's just talk; then again, the danger is that it's not. I believe you can speak things into existence. This is really where it begins, in a room with your feet up with your dudes. Too young to shave, dreaming about the big body Benzes you're gonna push. Obviously for me, it's in Marcy, but this could be anywhere-a bas.e.m.e.nt in the midwest, a backyard in Cali, an Oldsmobile somewhere down South. The danger is that it's just talk; then again, the danger is that it's not. I believe you can speak things into existence.2. "Pitch" was slang for a hustle. Hustlers hoped to take a "mound" of work and turn it into a mountain of money. A mound is also the place you pitch from-which is why "we need a town." "Pitch" was slang for a hustle. Hustlers hoped to take a "mound" of work and turn it into a mountain of money. A mound is also the place you pitch from-which is why "we need a town."3. This song samples Marvin Gaye's "Soon I'll Be Loving You Again," a track that transports you to a blue-lit room in the seventies; you can practically smell the smoke from a joint coming out of the speakers. This song samples Marvin Gaye's "Soon I'll Be Loving You Again," a track that transports you to a blue-lit room in the seventies; you can practically smell the smoke from a joint coming out of the speakers.

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4. Our aim is the same as everyone, shooting for the American dream of success and wealth, but the target is a little different: Instead of trying to land in college or in a good job, I'm trying to get rich in the streets. Our aim is the same as everyone, shooting for the American dream of success and wealth, but the target is a little different: Instead of trying to land in college or in a good job, I'm trying to get rich in the streets.5. The image of bags of c.o.ke the size of pillows connects with the image of a kid dreaming. The image of bags of c.o.ke the size of pillows connects with the image of a kid dreaming.6. In this verse I jump from it being about starving, a real and literal need, to desiring a 600-series Benz. It happens that quickly in the Life, too, in the real-life equivalent of two bars. In this verse I jump from it being about starving, a real and literal need, to desiring a 600-series Benz. It happens that quickly in the Life, too, in the real-life equivalent of two bars.7. Initially the decision to hustle is freestyled. These kids in the cipher, the ones with their feet up and the dreams of foreign cars, have absolutely no idea how to go into business, e