Last night I was visiting one of my favorite websites, BlackElectorate.com when I saw an article that grabbed my attention. Apparently, Michael Eric Dyson, author, television political/social pundit and college professor is teaching a sociology course at Georgetown University about the social and cultural significance of Jay-Z’s music and career. Of course, when I heard about this I literally fell out of my chair. It’s quite remarkable to see just how far Hip-Hop music and culture has come. For much of its history, Hip-Hop has gotten very little respect but now it’s being studied in the halls of higher education.

Jay is not the first MC to have his work critically analyzed and lectured in universities (I heard about courses being taught about Tupac), but clearly Jay has reached a level not seen by any other MC and his music is arguably the most deserving of dissection by Dyson at Georgetown University. I’m a fan of Dyson. I’ve read a few of his books (I’m a big fan of Marvin Gaye and Dyson wrote a book about the legendary soul singer’s life).

Dyson is critical but also very fond of Hip-Hop culture. He’s often in the media defending Hip-Hop from the critics and educating the mainstream about the genius within the culture. I have a lot of respect for him and his work. He’s probably most qualified professor in the world to teach a course about Jay-Z. But, if there’s a course about Jay-Z’s music and career being taught anywhere in the world, my question is: Why isn’t ‘The Book of Hov’ on the required reading list?

Jay-Z’s Decoded, Greenburg’s Empire State of Mind and Bradley’s Book of Rhymes are on the required reading list for students taking Dyson’s course. I read Jay-Z’s and Greenburg’s books and they both are excellent. I’m sure Bradley’s book is a good read. With that said, I hate to do a ‘shameless plug’, but…my book, I Will Not Lose! and writings published on this very blog would be a valuable contribution to the coursework about the impact of Jay-Z. Hey, Professor Dyson: Like we used to say back in the day…”Holla at your boy!”

On the song This Can’t Be Life Jay-Z rhymes about his struggles to turn his life around and at the end of his verse he says, “Don’t worry. If it was meant to be, it’ll be-soon.” I’ve always believed this in my own life. I’ve struggled, and not just financially, to turn things around. I’ve relied heavily on my own faith and optimism and from a variety of sources of inspiration such as the lyrics of Jay-Z, to keep me focused and on track despite experiencing painful setbacks. The lyrics of a rap superstar and businessman may be inspiring-but they won’t change your condition-only you can.

A business-focused biography about Jay-Z was released March 17: Empire State of Mind: How Jay-Z Went From Street Corner to Corner Office. Of course, I bought the book because I’m a big Jay-Z fan and a student of business and entrepreneurship. The book is a quick and fascinating read. The author, Zack O’Malley Greenburg, goes into detail about Jay’s business moves in the streets and in the corporate environment (I found the chapter “Champagne Secrets” particularly intriguing). Greenburg’s book, Empire State of Mind digs deep into the business mind of Jay-Z while my book, I Will Not Lose! show how Jay’s mindset (revealed through his song lyrics) can influence and inspire your mentality and hustle.

After reading Greenburg’s Empire State of Mind I’ve become even more inspired by Jay-Z, the businessman, just as I’ve been inspired by Jay-Z, the MC. His lyrics have been a strong source of inspiration for me, evident by the book I wrote. Make no mistake about it- the breakdown of Jay-Z’s lyrical genius found in my book and the intricate details of Jay-Z’s hustle found in Greenburg’s book can have an impact on your life but the choices you make and the hustles you take on-are yours. When I first heard Jay-Z, he “told” me, that I Can’t Knock the Hustle, well, that’s true, but you also have to take ownership of your hustle and its results, both the successes and failures.

Jay-Z’s words or actions may inspire but it’s your words and actions that bring about change.

The Life Forever (Black Gangster) is one of Jay-Z’s most underrated songs. Here’s part of the hook from that song: “I’m stuck in this life forever/The more things change, the more they stay the same/Who I am to change the game/You gotta move quick like heroin and cocaine/The block’s hotter than it’s ever been.” The song’s lyrics about the stress and drama in the illegal drug game are applicable to the situations you or I go through in our own lives. Honestly, at this point in my life, I can definitely relate to the sentiment expressed in Jay’s lyrics from This Life Forever.

Think about it: We’re all “stuck in this life forever” until the day we die. In life, “the more things change, the more they stay the same.” You have the power to change certain things but you can’t really “change the game”, you simply have to play to win it. Being “stuck” in the game may seem disheartening but Jay-Z sounds quite determined as he recites the hook to This Life Forever. He’s doesn’t sound sorry for himself, does he? He has accepted the hand he’s been dealt and intends on playing his hand to win.

Me and my niggas spending half the day, plottin
How we gon’ get this math today without getting blast away

I’ve spent “half the day-plotting” on how I can make something special happen in my life for the betterment of my family and myself. I can really relate to this line because through the years my plots to “get this math” (money) have not always been on the up-and-up. But even when you have every intention to do the “right” thing, you face the risk of failure and setback.

I wake up to the same problems after today.
Life is harsh…

You will face the same challenges tomorrow that you face today. One thing that doesn’t change in life-having problems. You can change where you live, work, attend school or who you associate with, but problems will be a constant in your life. Of course, every problem has at least one solution that contributes to the overall improvement and evolution of your life.

Had to hustle in a world of trouble
Trapped in; claustrophobic

Even if you’re at peace in your own life, you-we, all live in a “world of trouble”, a world in which we MUST hustle in order to break free from our afflictions. The trapped in/claustrophobic line is clever; it accurately depicts how we all feel at one time or another when it comes to predicaments that we’re likely to find ourselves in.

America don’t understand the demographics I tapped in

Jay-Z represent those who have great ambitions in the midst of going through great struggle. Cultural icons such as Jay, have put a new face on the great American success story. Many of us can relate to his humble beginnings and the “harsh” tales of hustle and struggle.

My lyrics is like the Bible
Made to save lives

Comparing song lyrics to scriptures in the Bible may seem like blasphemy to some but it’s really not that serious. No words can be compared to religious text whether found in the Bible, Koran, Tanakh, etc., but I hope I have shown in this blog and my book that many of Jay’s lyrics are quite profound and can certainly inspire.

In the midst of all your misery nigga, stay fly
Never let ‘em see you frown, even smile when you’re down
Shit, I floss on my off-days
Fuck what they all say

I tackle the above lines in my book, I Will Not Lose!

No matter what challenges you face in life, “stay fly”. Don’t let your life become defined by what you go through, but how you go through it. Personally, I’m determined to “floss on my off-days”. Everyday of your life isn’t bright but even when things seem dim your hustle can be the light that shines and illuminates life-saving and life-changing solutions to your problems.

I’ve been going through some things in my life over the last six months but I’m turning the corner and moving forward, and through it all I’m more determined than ever. The lyrics (particularly the hook) from This Life Forever have been in my head for the last few days. The lyrics have helped to renew my confidence and given me a more intense and inspired sense of urgency to “hustle in a world of trouble” until I achieve greatness.

I strongly encourage you to do the same….

Today is your boy’s birthday and the greatest gift I can give myself is the gift of progress. I always say that my life is a work-in-progress. After working on my book for the past 6 months, I must say that it feels good to be done. Of course, I’m far from done; the “real” work now begins to promote the book. But anytime you conceive an idea, plan it out, put into action and complete it-you’ve made progress. I wouldn’t be completely honest if I told you that “I Will Not Lose!” is just for you; writing the book has been therapeutic for me. I have every intention for the book to contribute as much to my own personal development as I hope it does to yours.

I’m a hustler. I don’t say that as a boast, in fact, being a hustler is a gift and a curse. Hustling is a game of high-risk/high reward. It’s safer, more practical and ensures more stability when you settle, especially in times like these.

The word, “hustler” is often misused and misunderstood. In Hip-Hop, the word is often synonymous with a drug dealer. But a drug dealer is only one of many types of hustlers. A true hustler is one whose mind is sharp and “moves ideas” fast. A true hustler “fails fast”-he fails more than the average person but that’s because he “moves” (in mind, body and spirit) faster and more frequently than everyone else.

I think Jay-Z’s “On to the Next One” is a hustler’s anthem (no one MC has made more of them than Jay-Z, though 50 Cent, who is a great hustler in his own right, has made several) that gives a perfect picture of the hustler’s mind frame- if he succeeds, he’s “on to the next one”. If he fails, he’s “on to the next one.” If he’s successful, he strikes while the iron is hot and when he fails, he does so quickly and moves on in order to discover his next opportunity.

Since I started publishing this blog and subsequently, writing the book, “I Will Not Lose!”, the most poignant feedback and support I have received have been from true hustlers. Some of them (like the professional ones doing their thing in corporate America) might not call themselves “hustlers”-but they are and they know it, the label “hustler” just has a negative connotation in mainstream of society. The reality is it takes hustle to be successful whether you’re in corporate America or one of those “Roc Boys”.

“I Will Not Lose!” is for hustlers regardless of the stage of your personal development.

“I figure frauds never hit a lick before
So they don’t know the feeling when them things get across…”
“Roc Boys”

The above lyrics connects with me-I don’t I have experience smuggling dope into the country and then “moving” it on the streets-but I know how it feels “when them things get across”; the process of turning nothing into something; the great challenge of making things happen when the odds are against you.

As for “I Will Not Lose!”, I don’t know how far it will go or how high it will reach- the text in the book won’t make you rich…and it won’t make me rich either. It’s your hustle and mine that will have us enjoying the “sweet smell off success” and then “reaching the next level” (two of the seven sections in “I Will Not Lose!”).

Last night, President Obama gave the “State of the Union” address here in the America. While the direction of your country is of vital importance, you must make a brutally honest assessment of the state of YOUR hustle. Where are you going in your life?

Though “I Will Not Lose!” has just been released and has yet to set the world on fire, I’m already humbled by the feedback and endorsements I’ve received from those who read advance copies. But the book is not about me, or Jay-Z, it’s about you. I expect the book to spark more passionate debate about Jay-Z’s legacy and his position on Hip-Hop’s “greatest of all time” list, but what I really hope is that all of you who “dream and scheme” will refer to the book as a source of inspiration and follow its blueprint to realize your personal greatness.

My book, “I Will Not Lose! The blueprint to greatness when good is not enough” is available today. You can purchase a copy here.

Release date: January 26, 2011.

• Price: $9.97
• Over 300 pages of  ”street-smart” personal development advice.
• PDF format (other formats for e-readers like Amazon’s Kindle available soon after release)
• Will be available on 01/26/11 for purchase (via Paypal) on the book’s website and on this blog.
• Will be available on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble online and other sites soon after its release.
• Won’t be available in print on the date of release- but as for the future, I hope so!
• Note: About 30% of the book contains updated versions from some of the writings on this blog.

*Check out the blog in the next couple of weeks for more info.

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 who 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!

One thing that to this day still disappoints is the break-up of the original Roc-a-fella crew. I would argue that they had the longest run than any crew in the history of Hip-Hop. Lead by Jay-Z, Damon Dash and Kareem “Biggs” Burke (all co-founders of Roc-a-fella records), that crew was full of talented all-stars. Of course, I’m partial because everyone knows that Jay-Z is my favorite rap artist and I’m basically a Roc loyalist. The original Roc was in their prime in my era (I was about 21, 22 when they were at their peak). They rolled like a tight-knit family. I think it’s ashamed that “The Dynasty” didn’t last longer because as a unit, they were really quite impressive, at one point dominating the rap game.

In being as objective as possible, I’ve said for the record that Jay may equally share the blame with Dash and Biggs for the break-up. Who knows, maybe Jay deserves the lion’s share of the blame for the Roc breakup! I just know that as a fan I miss that clique and primarily because I would have loved to have seen how the careers of those on the roster would have grown and developed. Now, aside from the explosive career of Kanye West, the careers of the other artists from the Roc fam is either in decline or over.

Of course, some of you might be saying, “Hold up, the Roc is still alive! It’s just not called Roc-a-fella anymore, it’s Roc Nation now.” Well, technically you’re right but as much as I love Jay-Z’s music, his new outfit, Roc Nation, has yet to really grab me. You have to understand that I came up in the “crew love” era. The “crew love” era is when you grow up together in tight-knit groups; or crews, cliques, squads…you get the idea. Back in the 80’s, 90’s through at least the first five years or so of the 2000’s, Hip-Hop was about how tight, how deep and how thorough the crew as a whole rolled. There is still some of that “crew love” in Hip-Hop but it isn’t as pronounced now as it was in my era.

Roc Nation follows the new business model in the music industry. It’s a very different movement than what Roc-a-fella was in the 90’s-early 00’s. The entertainment company’s roster has artists from various music genres, not just Hip-Hop. The artists signed to Roc Nation are talented and show promise but I just don’t get that tight-knit family vibe that Roc-a-Fella had.

Let me be clear: I’m still all in when it comes to Jay’s artistry (and business moves). I’m as inspired by Jay today as I was when he released his debut album Reasonable Doubt. I think J. Cole and one of Jay’s newest signees, Jay Electronica, are very talented cats; both could make a huge splash in the music industry. But that’s all yet to be seen. The verdict is still out on whether Roc Nation will truly be a dominant force in the music industry but it’s hard to bet against Jay’s vision.

The one constant in Jay’s career (other than his lyrical prowess and hustle mentality) from Reasonable Doubt to Blueprint 3 has been his bond with Memphis Bleek. Jay-Z talked about his relationship with Bleek in his memoir, “Decoded”:

“Today he’s [Bleek] running his own label-and still touring with me. I can’t even count the times over the years niggas have tried to bait Bleek into a battle with me about his position. They don’t see the respect I have for him or the strength of character it takes for him to play a supporting role while he’s also trying to build his own thing. Bleek has turned out to be one of the most secure guys I’ve met or done business with, which is ironic, given that he started off being the youngest.”

From Decoded

I write about the mentor/protégé relationship between Jay and Bleek frequently in my upcoming book, “I Will Not Lose! The blueprint for greatness when good is not enough.” I can relate to their bond because of my own experiences. Bleek is around my age and I’ve typically hung out with guys 5, 10 years older than me like in the case with him and Jay. I’ve always found a special connection with older cats. Whether they were straight up street, highly educated people, businesspersons or spiritual leaders, I seek association with those who know more and have done more than myself. We all should embrace being mentored and then take on the responsibility of mentoring others.

After reading Jay talk about his relationship with Bleek in Decoded, I must say that it doesn’t surprise me that people have tried to get in Bleek’s ear and pit him against Jay. Others have turned on Jay (I was really surprised when Beanie Sigel did), so why not Bleek, right? Wrong. Bleek has shown the kind of maturity and character that often those older than him lack. I’m sure Bleek has had plenty of disagreements with Jay but the fact that he is still riding with his man who put him on over 15 years ago when he was just a kid, demonstrates the strength of Bleek’s loyalty.

But what really grabbed my attention is when Jay states that other people don’t realize just how much respect he has for Bleek. Jay respects Bleek’s character and security in himself and though he didn’t say this, it would be fair to say that Jay has played a major role in Bleek’s development as an artist, businessperson and as a man. I think one of Jay’s best contributions to the game is the role he has played as mentor to Bleek. Some of you may be thinking, “Bleek never became a big star!” That’s true, but I would argue that Bleek is a star because he has shined brightly playing his position in a supporting role. And let’s give credit to Bleek- he has had a respectable career as an artist and is C.E.O and founder of Get Low Records. Obviously, Get Low hasn’t exactly set the music world on fire but when it comes to Bleek’s overall grind- he has nothing to be ashamed of.

The truth is the protégé doesn’t always eclipse his mentor. But through his own knowledge, experience and character, he earns the respect of his mentor and everyone else. People diss the role of the supporting player while they sit on the bench or watch the game from the cheap seats. I respect the team player as much as I respect the star. I was glad to see Jay talk a little about his relationship with Bleek in Decoded. I’m actually more intrigued by their bond and business relationship than Jay’s marriage to Beyonce. I think we should all take notice of how Jay and Bleek have hustled together through thick and thin.

The mentor/protégé relationship is a win-win and if the protégé is strong and secure in himself he one day becomes the mentor’s equal. You can learn a lot from listening and watching others who have both succeeded and failed many more times than you. I had a conversation on this very subject last night with a good friend of mine. Seek out guidance and direction from those who know more and have done more. And don’t try to reinvent the wheel, do what’s already proven, just put your swagger to it. Hustle with those who share your passion, determination, thoroughness, curiosity, intelligence, persistence, confidence and most of all-respect.

I really enjoyed reading Decoded. Jay shared a lot of great insight in the book. I thought Dream Hampton’s writing was excellent. I wrote last week that I think the memoir elevated Hip-Hop culture because the book is well written, smart and makes a compelling argument of Hip-Hop’s greatness and potential. Jay comes across as a very intelligent guy. In society, perception becomes reality but perception is “intellectually lazy” and often lacks depth. An ex-crack cocaine dealer is not perceived as being an inspirational figure. A rapper is not generally perceived as truly being an artist. Of course rappers are artists; at least the best ones are. Jay is certainly an artist and his journey from drug dealing to making music to making strong moves in the business world is, in my humble opinion, is very inspirational.

Though it may be a term that even Jay himself might shun, Jay-Z is: “a Hip-Hop intellectual”. The word “intellectual” can have a bourgeoisie connotation for some but an intellectual is simply someone who thinks frequently, sharply and deeply. Jay shows a high level of intellect in Decoded. But it’s his lyrics that have apparently made quite an impact on young professionals in the business world. I’m not surprised.

“My corporate thugs be like, ‘Yeah, Jigga talk that shit”
“Go Crazy (Remix)”
Jay-Z

“My friend Steve Stoute, who spends a lot of time in the corporate world, tells me about young execs he knows who say they discovered their own philosophies of business and life in my lyrics. It’s crazy”.
Jay-Z from “Decoded”

I don’t think it’s so crazy at all, Jay.

Since I started “Book of Hov” back in June 2010 I’ve received emails from people from all walks of life who share with me how Jay-Z’s lyrics have had an impact on their lives. I’ve gotten emails from entrepreneurs, Ivy League college students with promising futures and corporate professionals whom have all thanked me for writing the Book of Hov and shared with me how Jay’s lyrics deeply resonate with them. Malik Corbett, publisher of BU Magazine Exchange, has a background selling products and services to Wall Street firms and told me that Jay’s music connects with many professionals working in New York’s financial district. A few weeks ago I received an email from the managing director of an investment-banking firm expressing his interest and appreciation for Jay’s insightful lyrics about ambition. It really is amazing.

I think corporate professionals connect with Jay because “game recognizes game.” Entrepreneurs, businesspeople and corporate professionals are highly driven individuals. According to Jay, he was a highly driven street hustler back in the day and today he’s a highly driven artist and businessman. Jay wasn’t on the corporate world’s radar until recent years. The corporate world took notice of Jay once he made major moves in their environment. But the truth is Jay has always been a hustler and businesspeople in the legitimate world are hustlers. Many people in the corporate world “get it” because they live and hustle by the universal principles of success that Jay shares in his lyrics.

What disappoints me is how people who claim to be true Hip-Hop heads and are often the ones who need inspiration the most, fail to “get it”. This was part of my motivation to write my book, “I Will Not Lose! The blueprint for greatness when good is not enough.”- I want my book to have broad appeal but I really hope it will cause Jay’s most loyal and most disadvantaged fans (and even the haters) to listen differently and more deeply to his lyrics. But I want my book to do much more than that. I want the book to promote inspiration, whether it’s found in the lyrics of Jay-Z, your favorite MC or anywhere else.

I’m sure many of you have noticed a dip in the frequency of published posts on the blog in the last month or so. The reason for this is because I’m writing a book (and working on several projects in my Internet marketing career). I won’t reveal too many details yet but it’s a self-help book inspired by the lyrics of Jay-Z. My posts will be less frequent (about once or twice a week) until I complete the book. The book will be published and on sale online by the first of the year, 2011. My last handful of posts and everything I post on the blog from now on until the publication of the book will essentially be sneak peeks inside the book.

The book:

I Will Not Lose!
The blueprint to achieving greatness for those who got next.
*Inspired by the song lyrics of Jay-Z

I encourage you to keep reading “The Book of Hov” and please feel free to contact me with any feedback. The blog is not going anywhere! Send me an email sharing your thoughts on how specific lyrics by Jay-Z have inspired you. If you give me permission to, I may include your personal experiences in the book. In the next few weeks, I’ll be inviting readers of The Book of Hov to sign-up to be added to the pre-notification list so that those interested can buy the self-help book early and at a discount before its official release date.