Jay-Z recently did what he rarely does: speak out in reference to all of the Illuminati chatter going on in the streets and on the web. In an interview he did with Sky Magazine (Delta Air) he responds to the haters who accuse him of being apart of a secret society: “I may sound a little arrogant but I just think people can’t handle when somebody is successful. Something has gotta be wrong; you gotta be down with some higher power. And I guess when someone else is successful it makes you feel like maybe you’re a failure. So it can’t be you, it has to be some other force.” Here’s my take on Jay’s “controversial” statement that has the web and the streets talking yet again:

The more you spend hating the less you spend hustling.

As Jay-Z stated preemptively, some people are likely to take his words as arrogance. But if you know the principles of success and have learned the lessons of failure, then Jay’s statement will strike you as profound. When you hate on someone else’s hustle it adversely impacts you more than it does the person who is the recipient of your hate. Though hating has certainly gone on long before the Internet, the web has really given the anonymous person a platform to hate, hate, hate….in the blogs, forums, Twitter, Facebook, etc., on anyone who is doing their thang in life. If you invest so much energy hating how are you going to have enough strength, skill and stamina to hustle, hustle, hustle in your own life?

It seems that in this era, too many of us no longer seek inspiration, but validation of our cynicism. Spending time and energy trying to discredit the next man’s (or woman’s) success does not increase the probability of your success. Another person’s success or failure doesn’t determine your fate. Many of us hate so much that it’s as if we’re praying for the next man’s downfall. Why is that? His setbacks WILL NOT move you forward.

Now, let’s be clear: criticism has value but constant hate will only leave you bankrupt figuratively and even literally.

Though Jay-Z’s statement in Sky magazine reflects his personal perspective on haters, he’s actually making a much broader point about success vs. failure that relates to us all. You don’t have to be in Jay-Z’s position to experience hate from the haters- you may be successful in your own right and have relatives, friends, foes or strangers practically making it their life’s mission to discredit your accomplishments. The roots of their resentment of your success are their own failures. If their experiences aren’t equal or greater than yours, than somehow, someway, your growth and progress is fraudulent.

Of course, we know that’s completely ridiculous!

I wrote in a previous post that the root cause of Jay-Z hate is the immortality of both Biggie and Pac. But really, it’s much deeper than that, hating on great success didn’t start and won’t end with Jay-Z. Whether you’re a rap superstar/entertainment mogul or just an everyday person hustling above and beyond everyone around you, your success will always be criticized and scrutinized. I do think Jay-Z is in a unique position however. Most black males (in fact, most people-period.) will never get close to reaching his level of success. Those who have never related to him are dismissive of his success while many of even his most loyal fans may feel little to no connection with him now that he has become so successful. He’s in another whole stratosphere and some folks think bashing his success brings him down to earth- to their level of mediocrity.

Jay-Z may have talked explicitly about the Illuminati allegations in Sky Magazine but he has addressed the core issue- the relationship between one’s successes vs. another’s failures, countless number of times throughout his musical career. I’ve written extensively about this in my book. But for now, let me give you two examples:

Over 15 years ago, Jay-Z told us that we Can’t Knock the Hustle. It’s far deeper than a catch phrase. Can’t knock the hustle reflects a mindset that is intended to keep YOU focus on YOU.

Quick story: When I was in high school, I used to read classic street books about the pimp game by legendary authors, Donald Goines and Iceberg Slim. During this time, I got in a conversation with one of my uncles (who is a straight up professional) about pimps and after he finished bashing the pimp game, I told him, “Hey, you can knock the hustle.” Needless to say, he was somewhat stunned by my statement. Our conversation turned into an argument. I explained to him that I was not condoning the pimp game, but I wasn’t living “the Life” and refused to judge the the next man’s hustle. My self-righteousness does not equate to my success.

Now, that story is somewhat extreme because the pimp game is obviously not widely played or accepted by the broader society, but the point is, don’t dwell on knocking another person’s hustle, just focus on yours.

Second example: When Kanye West’s So Appalled came out, all the buzz seemed to be on Jay-Z’s verse because some of his lyrics appeared to be a diss to Hammer. When I first heard the song, the lines in reference to Hammer (which I believe were less of a diss to Hammer and more of a word of caution to us all) were barely on my ears’ radar because I was too focused on these gems:

Dark Knight feeling
Die and be a hero
Or live long enough to see yourself become a villain
I went from the favorite, to the most hated
But would you rather be- underpaid or overrated?
Moral victories is for minor league coaches
And ‘Ye already told you, “We Major”, you cockroaches.

These lyrics from So Appalled have a connection with the statement Jay-Z made in the Sky magazine article.

Let’s take a look at these insightful lyrics line by line:

Dark Knight feeling
Die and be a hero
Or live long enough to see yourself become a villain

As long as you’re not too successful, people will love and celebrate you. When Jay speaks of dying, it can be taken literally or metaphorically. Successful people become heroes in a sense, as long they can still be “touched” by those inspired by their accomplishments. But once you reach that next level, and now you can no longer be “touched”, you live long enough to see yourself become a villain. This is the gift and the curse of success.

I went from the favorite, to the most hated
But would you rather be-underpaid or overrated?

One moment-people cheer you on, and in the next moment- all you hear are boos! Take sports for example: We love a team when they play hard and win a championship but once that team dominates the league and become a dynasty, we root for them to lose!

Jay’s next point is on-point: The purpose of your hustle is not to receive praise but to make progress. Think about it: Would you rather be overrated at your job-or underpaid? When your focus is on your hustle, you’re not really concerned whether your performance is considered overrated, as long as you reap what you sow and get what you’re worth!

Moral victories is for minor league coaches
And ‘Ye already told you, “We Major”, you cockroaches.

Jay-Z drops a pretty clever baseball analogy here, but his insight outshines his wit. When you’re in the pursuit of success, you can’t settle for moral victories. Close doesn’t cut it. As part of the title of my book states, “good is not enough”. You don’t hustle to be good, you hustle to be great. In the game of life don’t play for moral victories, PLAY TO WIN.

While his song lyrics are a plentiful source of food for thought, Jay-Z continues to drop gems in his interviews. His conversations in the media have nothing to do with Illuminati and everything to do with illuminating the path to greatness.

Stop. Watch. Read. Listen.

I’ve stated before that the fall out between Beanie Sigel and Jay-Z disappoints me. Bleek is Jay’s protégé, the once 15-year old kid that is now a grown man still riding with Jay. If you’re going to see Jay-Z live you’re likely to see Bleek right there on stage with him. While Bleek is Jay’s loyal protégé who has always had great potential, Beanie Siegel is (or was) Jay’s enforcer. I’ve always said that Beanie has the rawest talent of any MC in the history of Hip-Hop. As far as lyrical ability Beans is right there with the best (including Jay). He has all of the tools of a great MC but it seems like he lacks certain important qualities that hinders his development as an artist.

Jay has expressed his concerns in regards to Bean’s artistry and overall success in his lyrics:

Beans, I ain’t trying to change you
Just give you some game
To make the transition
From the street to the fame

“Blueprint (Momma Loves Me)”
Blueprint
Jay-Z

I stated earlier that Beans has the rawest talent I have ever heard in Hip-Hop. There are several meanings of the word “raw” but here’s the meaning that best fits my opinion of Bean’s talent:

Raw: untempered and unrefined

My “10 Greatest MCs of all Time” list has been the same for several years. I’ll share it with you one of these days but I can tell you right now that Beanie Sigel can hold his own lyrically with ANY of the MCs on my list. Period.

Beans gave two of the most vivid lyrical performances I’ve ever heard on these classics:

This record is quite insightful about, ironically, betrayal, and really shows Beans’s lyrical brilliance.

Beans paints the picture of prison so vividly in this song. This record is like cinema. Hey, it pretty much made up mind to never get locked up!

It seems like Beans’s career has suffered and stalled because of bad judgement and a lack of discipline in his artistry and in his business. The talented brother has had some success the “issues” he’s had in his personal life are long and well-documented. I’m pulling for him to get things right but it wouldn’t be a stretch to suggest that some of his personal issues have had an adverse impact on his artistry and business interests.

Unless you don’t follow Hip-Hop that closely you’re aware of the “beef” Sigel has with Jay-Z. Beans has made what seems like an album’s worth of diss songs directed toward Jay. Beans’s main problems with Jay seem to be business-related and not personal.

If I could ask him a couple of questions in regards to his beef with Jay, they would be:

Why do you think making diss songs every other day directed toward Jay will increase the likelihood of resolving your business disputes with him?

and

How does dissing Jay over and over and over again advance or revitalize your career?

Some may say that Nas’s beef with Jay-Z revitalized the great Queensbridge MC’s career. I agree. But there’s a major difference between Nas’s beef with Jay back in the day and Bean’s beef with Jay: Jay shot first and Nas responded, strongly, I might add.

And also, the timing for the Jay-Z/Nas showdown was right. Hip-Hop was clamoring for it. Not too many people seem to care all that much about Beans vs. Jay. No one segment of Hip-Hop’s audience has that much emotionally invested in the beef.

The streets have some interest but it’s far from being at a fervor pitch and the conflict is barely on the mainstream audience’s radar.

(Speaking of the Jay vs. Nas, I might go in-depth about the legendary battle one of these days. You might be surprised by my opinion. But of course, when and if I write about it, I’m going to come hard with insight NOT emotion.)

If Beans looked at the flawed strategy that other MCs have unsuccessfully used: taking shots at Jay, calling him out over and over again with no or very little response from him, he would had realized that his all out assault is very unlikely to re-ignite his career.

Beans’s many diss songs at Jay may generate so-called “buzz” on YouTube, Twitter and on Hip-Hop sites on the Internet but that doesn’t mean that people who watch, read or listen online are even remotely interested in his actual career.

In the long list of Jay’s foes, Nas stands alone.

(Of course Jay and Nas are cool with each other nowadays. I want to hear more Jay-Z/Nas collabos!)

Unfortunately, Beans comes across as “just another MC” who has dissed Jay-Z.

If we go down the long list Jay-Z attackers and compare each one of them to Hov…

Who is relevant?

Who is not?

Beanie Siegel is a good MC with great talent who is undisciplined, consistently makes poor judgment and has a flawed artistic and business strategy.

Sigel could be completely justified for having beef with Jay (I don’t know one way or the other) but his constant, redundant verbal attacks on Jay-Z essentially makes him look like a bitter, disgruntled employee which is really too bad because Beans’s talent is too great to be confined to the way too common “pro wrestling” beef strategy that MCs with much less talent than him use to get attention.

I won’t go into detail, but I think a much better strategy for Beans would be to try to do as many features and collaborations as possible giving passionate, insightful and skillful lyrical performances and then try to capitalize off that buzz.

In now way am I indicting Beans (no pun intended). I love his talent. I missed the Roc the way it was and it wouldn’t surprise me one bit if Jay is truly the one who deserves the most blame for the crew’s dismantle. I absolutely loved the collaborations between Jay and Beans. Those two cats had great chemistry. I miss that- a lot. Beans is definitely the kind of MC and man that you want with you in battle- for real. Jay-Z has given Beans “game” (guidance) throughout his career but as Jay stated in “Blueprint (Momma Loves Me)”, Beans have had a difficult time fully making “the transition”.

(Watch from the beginning up to 1:50)

“If my life is a movie then Sigel be the sequel”

“It’s On”
Jay-Z

The transition from the streets to any kind of legitimate success is a challenge but MUST be done.

You won’t sustain your success, or even succeed at all with raw talent alone.

Is there someone, such as a mentor, giving you “game” on how to make the transition in your life?

How will you receive that “game” and how will you respond?

I remember reading Cedric Muhammad’s 2-part column on how-to market Beans and let’s just say that I thought it was a rather ambitious plan (meaning: unrealistic. Lol). Me and Cedric had a laugh about that in a conversation we had a couple of months ago. Though I think it’s unlikely that anyone currently around Beans or Beans himself have the kind of vision Muhammad laid out in the 2-part column, I agree with Muhammad’s general premise:

Beanie Sigel is a MC with great talent and potential whose career could be revitalized and even be greater than his days with the Roc if he (and the people around him) fully commit to artistic, business and even community activist excellence.

Some of you may want to know:

Why won’t Jay-Z respond to Beans’s attacks?

He did, for like 2 minutes…

Many believe that part of Jay’s verse on Drake’s “Light It Up” is directed at Beans. I agree. Of course, there have been several MCs no longer down with the Roc that have dissed Jay, so his lyrics could be directed toward all of them collectively:

Drake, here’s how they gon’ come at you
With silly rap feuds trying to distract you
In disguise in the form of a favor
The Barzini me, watch for the traitors
Uh, I done seen it all, done it all
That’s why none of these dum-dums could done him off

One of my first pieces published on “The Book of Hov” was about Jay’s lyrics on “Light It Up”.

“Silly rap feuds” not only distract those they target, they distract those who do the “shooting”. Beans’s tireless verbal attacks toward Jay are done in hopes of rattling him. Beans continuously baits Jay in hopes that he will respond. Jay, I think wisely sees a response as a distraction from his ambitious grind. What I don’t think Beans realize is that his verbal attacks toward Jay serve as distractions from his own ambitions.

I think Jay’s indirect responses at his attackers are actually insightful and show how strategically sound he is as an artist and businessman.

Jay has so many attackers that it doesn’t make sense to create specific diss songs for each MC who attacks him. He would waste a whole year just responding to any and everyone who takes a shot at him. Responding to everyone who disses him is a waste of his artistic talent. It also doesn’t make much business sense because diss songs may generate millions of plays on YouTube but don’t sell.

Jay is at the point in his career where he simply does not need a “pro wrestling” beef strategy to generate interests in his projects.

The summer’s ours, the winter too
Top down in the winter, that’s what winners do
And to these niggaz I’m like, Windows 7
You let ‘em tell it they swear, that they invented you
And since no good deed go unpunished
I’m not as cool with niggaz as I once was
I once was, cool as the Fonz was
But these bright lights turned me to a monster

I didn’t talk about this in my previous post about these lyrics but I think it’s interesting that Jay states that “no good deed go unpunished”. It seems like he’s basically saying:

People are often unappreciative of the guidance and support you give them and will even attack you (verbally and/or physically), particularly when they’re going through a tough time.

This unfortunate dynamic in relationships (such as the mentor/protégé relationship) is why Jay states:

I’m not as cool with niggaz as I once was
I once was, cool as the Fonz was
But these bright lights turned me to a monster

Jay seems to have greater perspective on the motivation and meaning behind Bean’s verbal attacks toward him than Beans does himself.

This kind of fall-out may happen in your mentor/protégé relationships and in other relationships that you have with those in your life.

Jay’s lyrics can give us some insight on how and why things go wrong in both our personal and professional relationships and what to learn from conflicts in order to become even more determined and focused as we move on and move forward.

What to look out for next week: We’ll dig further into the mentor/protégé relationship taking a look at Jay-Z and Memphis Bleek’s lyrics on “Coming of Age (Da Sequel)”. Also, I’ll share the song that I believe is the best rap collaboration ever made, reveal the similarities between that song and the great tradition of jazz music and how the song can serve as inspiration for YOU and ME as it relates to the “collaborations” in our day-to-day lives.

Not long after I published my latest post about Jay-Z’s verse on the “Go Crazy” remix (around 2:00am), Kanye West tweets that the remix to his new song, “Power” is complete and ready for the world to hear! I was anticipating the release of the remix because the song was rumored to feature no other than Kanyeezy’s “big brother”, J-Hov himself. So, there I was, in the wee hours of the morning, one of few (or one of several hundred thousand- who knows), listening to the “Power” remix, another “cutting edge” collaboration between two of the biggest and most insightful MCs in the rap game. And to no surprise… I was blown away!

Listen to the “Power” remix while checking out the Jay’s lyrics:

“Is this thing on?
I thought they silenced us ‘Ye
Power to the People…

We’re living in that 31st century, futuristic fly shit
The penthouse is the projects and everybody flies private
New watches (you know what time it is)
Watch us (you see us)
They can’t stop us
The prophets
Beotches!

Rumble, young man, rumble
Life is a trip so sometimes we gon’ stumble
You gotta go through pain in order to become you
But once the world numbs you, you’ll feel like it’s only one you
Man, you got the power to do anything you want to
Until you ask yourself, “Is that what it’s all come to?”
Looking at life through sunglasses in the sunroof
Do you have the power to get out from up under you?
Fuck all these labels, fuck what everybody wants from you
They trying to Axel Rose you
Welcome to the jungle!
To be continued, we’re on that Norman Mailer shit
In search of the truth even if it goes through Taylor Swift
Tell her this!”

“Power” (Remix)
Jay-Z

When I first heard this verse “I got it” but I didn’t fully “get it”. You can enjoy the beats and rhymes upon the first listen. But sometimes you have to listen to Jay’s lyrics several times before the meaning really sink in.

While conspiracy theorists listen for “hidden” references and speculate what they mean, I listen for insights that illuminate how to deal with challenging situations in my life. Of course, this enlightening process doesn’t occur while listening to every Jay-Z song. But I think (at least I hoped) I’ve already shown in the last couple of months how many of Jay’s lyrics can have a greater impact on your mind (think) than on your body (dance…or at least doing the 2-step if for those who don’t dance).

When we listen to Jay’s verse, it’s like we’re all listening to a conversation that he is having with Kanye (and by the way, Kanye RIPS it on this remix). But their “conversation” can give us insight on how we can gain and sustain power in our own lives.

Let’s get right into it:

We’re living in that 31st century, futuristic fly shit
The penthouse is the projects and everybody flies private
New watches (you know what time it is)
Watch us (you see us)
They can’t stop us
The prophets
Beotches!

Jay gives us a little intro before he goes in with his verse. Some listeners will miss the message while trying to visualize the imagery of living in the “31st century” where “the penthouse is the projects”. The statement Jay is making is that he and Kanye are forward thinkers, ahead of their time.

And yes, the artist IS a prophet.

Don’t think backwards.

Now, let’s get into the verse…

Rumble, young man, rumble
Life is a trip so sometimes we gon’ stumble

Jay starts off with sharp wit using a phrase popularized by the greatest of all time, Muhammad Ali, to describe life’s journey. Jay rhymes with a purpose so I don’t think Jay’s boxing reference is just thrown out. In this double entendre Jay states that life is like the movement in a boxing ring.

Muhammad Ali was known for his footwork. As a boxer, he was a big, strong man that could move with ease. He was like a dancer in the ring that could knock your ass out! So I think Jay is telling us that no matter how well we “move” through life there’s going to be times when we “stumble”, when things don’t go our way and we “fall down” but of course we have to get back up and keep moving like the G.O.A.T. did in the boxing ring.

Let’s continue…

You gotta go through pain in order to become you
But once the world numbs you, you’ll feel like it’s only one you

Some of us don’t fully realize that struggle is apart of success. The struggle you go through and the pain you feel due to the struggle makes you who you are. I think it’s very profound for Jay to tell listeners that they won’t get the power until they experience the pain.

Once you acquire knowledge and experience AND insight, the pain in your life is easier to bear, in fact, you become “numb” to the pain to some degree, which puts you in the position to overcome anything.

It’s as if Jay is saying that going through life’s journey itself gives you power.

Man, I just don’t know how this guy comes up with this stuff! Whenever I’m amazed by something he says in his rhymes, I think about his now infamous creative process. The fact that Jay doesn’t write none of this stuff down leaves me in awe!

Let’s move on…

Man, you got the power to do anything you want to
Until you ask yourself, “Is that what it’s all come to?”

Regardless of who you are, where you’re from and what you’re going through, the power is in your hands to be who you want to be. The meaning of power and its impact does not only apply to Presidents, C.E.O.’s, Kings, etc. YOU have the power. I have the power. If we use our power in our lives we can succeed.

Let’s keep it going…

Looking at life through sunglasses in the sunroof
Do you have the power to get out from up under you?

This is a very interesting line. Let’s visualize what he’s describing- looking up into the sky through a sunroof while wearing sunglasses. The vision of someone doing this would be dim and impaired. So the question Jay poses to us is:

Will we be able to overcome our impaired vision (or in some cases, complete lack of vision) to get clarity in our lives?

Here’s more…

Fuck all these labels, fuck what everybody wants from you
They trying to Axel Rose you
Welcome to the jungle!

Jay tells Kanye to not give credence to how others characterize him. He’s telling Kanye not to be a prisoner to the expectations of others and don’t allow himself to be defined by labels that others put on him.

Do you think YOU could benefit from this advice?

I know I can.

The Axel Rose/jungle line is consistent with Jay’s wittiness in his rhymes but he’s not spitting these lyrics just for the sake of being clever. When Jay uses the word “jungle” in his “conversation” with Kanye, I think he’s referring to the media but being in a “jungle” in a broader sense symbolizes the struggle to survive in a tough world.

Here are the last lines…

To be continued, we’re on that Norman Mailer shit
In search of the truth even if it goes through Taylor Swift
Tell her this!

No one… and I mean NO ONE in Hip-Hop makes the kind of cultural references that Jay regularly does in his lyrics. His references are smart but what really fascinates me is how well they fit the message he’s sending to listeners.

Norman Mailer was a world renowned author considered an innovator in the new journalism genre. New Journalism “superimposes the essay onto the nonfiction novel” (from Wikipedia).

Mailer had a legendary literary career and was basically a master at writing non-fiction.

Jay tells us bluntly that he and Kanye are in search of the truth. The truth is found in us, in terms of finding out who we are, and then we seek out the truth through the experiences we have in life. If one is in search of the truth he is in search of knowledge of self.

The artist, for example, paints, sings, dance, rhymes, not to just entertain or enlighten his audience. His art is a never-ending journey in search of knowledge of self.

Don’t get caught up in the Taylor Swift reference. We’re all aware of Kanye’s “personal” incident with the young country singer that played out on the public stage. The actual incident is inconsequential to us (no offense Taylor Swift fans). There’s not a lot that we can learn for it in terms of our own lives.

The majority of people who listen to this remix will waste 5 minutes and 16 seconds focusing on “the response” to the Taylor Swift incident. The focus should be on the insights that Jay and Kanye are sharing with us about truth itself and the turbulent journey we all face in search of it.

The Norman Mailer reference is so ill on many levels and I could devote an entire blog post to this one line alone. But for the sake of time, I’ll simply say the reference seems to suggest (among other things) Jay’s (and Kanye’s) commitment to search for the truth and to tell-it-like-it-is (to the whole world) when they find it.

What Jay tells Kanye in this verse is being shared with us: In your search of the truth, for knowledge of self, you’re going to stumble. But keep searching with strong conviction to find out who you are and to use the power that is in you to change your life and maybe even change the world.

I started publishing “The Book of Hov” in June and when I took a look back at my previous posts, I noticed that most of my writings thus far have been about Jay-Z’s verses from collaborations he’s done with other MCs. Now, there are plenty of great, insightful lyrics by Jay performed on his official solo albums. But the fact that I have already written extensively about Jay’s contributions on other peoples’ projects demonstrates his ability to make the projects of others hot (or hotter), while sharing with them and their audiences his profound insights about life and the hustle.

Case in point: Jay-Z’s verse on Young Jeezy’s “Go Crazy (remix)”

Ok, check out the lyrics while listening to Jay’s verse (he starts rhyming around 1:02):

“Uh, more than a hustler I’m the definition of it
Master chef, Lord of the kitchen cupboard
More than a street legend, homie it’s Hova
More than a relief pitcher, I’m the closer
The Mariano of the Marriott, ah
If money talks, the whole world’s bout to hear me out
See I’m a hustler’s hope. I’m not his pipe dreams
So when they speak of success, I’m what they might mean
Attract money my worst color is light green
My favorite hue is Jay-Z blue
Don’t follow me youngin, follow my moves, I’m not a role model
A bad influence got the world drinkin gold bottles
When Puff was in that tub spillin Mo’
I was at my video, Cris’ on the speedboat
In my lifetime nigga, go through your research
St. Thomas, my nigga, that was me first
Chrome shoe’d the GS, I came feet first
In the game like a baby born, a breech birth
I got the keys if you need work
I can Kingpin you a line, a dime at a time, uh!
My niggas love it when I talk like this
My corporate people start bugging cuz I talk like this
The corporate thugs is like, “Nah, Hov, talk that shit”
The dope boys go crazy when they hear that boy Jay-Z”

“Go Crazy”(Remix)
Jay-Z

Young Jeezy is one of my favorite MCs from this new generation. I’m talking as if he’s much younger than me when in fact we’re the same age. I like Jeezy because he comes across authentic. His style is different from Jay’s but like Hov, you can hear swagger AND intellect in his lyrics.

When I listen to Jeezy, I can tell that he grew up in my era. He’s a hustler and a student, a follower and a leader. He’s one of the leading MCs in this era but he has clearly “followed the moves” (remember this phrase) of others before him like Jay-Z. I get this sense that he genuinely respects Jay as a street hustler, a MC and a “corporate thug”, even though he’s had great success in all of those roles in his own right.

The “Go Crazy” (Remix) was on Jeezy’s major debut album, “Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101”. The album, released in 2005, went platinum and solidified him as an upcoming star. As I stated earlier, Young Jeezy is one of the leading MCs in this new generation of Hip-Hop, a major factor in the South’s emergence. “Go Crazy”, the original and the remix are hustlers’ anthems.

I would say that Jeezy’s fan base leans younger and grittier than Jay-Z’s broader fan base. Basically, Jeezy’s core fan base is the same core fan base that hung onto Jay’s every word 14 years ago. It’s just that the “streets” that followed Jay are now grown up. Cats like Jeezy represent that core fan base that’s been riding with Jay since ’96. Younger hustlers like Jeezy were living the life that the older Jay rhymed about on the “Reasonable Doubt” album.

Now, younger hustlers are living the life that Young Jeezy rhymes about.

Jay-Z was a student in the game. He was a player in the game. He was a leader in the game. Now, he’s an icon in the game. I think Jay’s appearance on the “Go Crazy” remix was important because it allowed him to do 3 things: Co-sign an up-and-coming MC from the same ilk, show that he’s still got “it”, and inspire and motivate Jeezy and the “Snowman’s” audience to succeed not in spite of but because of experiences from their past.

He’s playing “OG” on this record as he has done many times before and since on other MCs’s projects.

Now, we’re about to get into the lyrics from Jay’s verse but I’m not going to tackle each rhyme, line-by-line, instead, I’m going to jump around a little to the most profound parts of the verse.

Let’s do this…

Uh, more than a hustler I’m the definition of it
Master chef, Lord of the kitchen cupboard
More than a street legend, homie it’s Hova
More than a relief pitcher, I’m the closer

Jay starts the verse off by saying that he’s “the definition” of a hustler which means that he epitomizes what it means to think and act like one. People consult the dictionary (online or an actual book) when they want to know the definition of a word.

But what’s the definition of “definition”?

Definition: a concise explanation of the meaning of a word or phrase or symbol; a clarity of outline.

Jay tells listeners that if they want a concise explanation of what it means to be a hustler look no further than him. I like the “clarity of outline” meaning of  ”definition” and it fits the message Jay sends; that his words and actions can bring some clarity to the art of hustling.

Are you “just” [insert what you do here] or the definition of it?

I like the “master chef” and “street legend” lines but I want to focus on this line…

“More than a relief pitcher, I’m the closer”

In baseball, a relief pitcher comes into the game to take over the pitching if the starting pitcher gets hurts, gets tired or doesn’t play well. A closer is a pitcher that specializes in, as the position title suggests, closing out games. He is essentially the most valuable relief pitcher on the team.

I think the point Jay makes with the relief/closer analogy is that he’s able to “finish the job”, any goals that he sets out to accomplish- he does. The line is about finishing strong whatever you start.

See I’m a hustler’s hope. I’m not his pipe dreams
So when they speak of success, I’m what they might mean

This is my favorite line in Jay’s verse. He’s speaking directly to cats caught up in the street life. He states that the way his life has turned out gives hope to those in the streets. He wants it to be known that getting out of “the Life” and being successful legitimately is not a pipe dream, it’s a worthwhile ambition that’s reachable.

To those living that street life: If Jay-Z (and others) can make it out and succeed, you can too.

To those living the square life: Your goals are not pipe dreams. Hope is the strong relentless belief that you can accomplish anything that you want in life.

Check out this line…

Don’t follow me youngin, follow my moves, I’m not a role model

I think Jay made a very insightful statement about leadership in this line. Jay tells us: It’s not about him. It’s not about his walk, his talk, his style, his image…

He’s telling us: Don’t follow me- the man, follow my moves, be inspired by the hustle itself. The hustle can take you to the top of the rap game, or to the top of ANY game that you play.

Earlier in the post I stated that Jay was a student of the game who became a player in the game that then was elevated to a leader in the game and now he’s an icon in the game….

My use of the word, “game” could mean: the Hip-Hop music industry and/or the illicit drug trade.

(And actually, Jay could be seen as once a student, player, leader and now icon in another “game”. More on that a little later)

Jay has served as inspiration for those in the drug game and those in the music game. It’s true that his words (his song lyrics) have inspired others (after all, that’s what The Book of Hov is all about) but his actions, his success in business for example, speak louder than anything he could ever say in an interview or on a song.

I don’t want to get off-topic and start ranting but I think in one line Jay has given us insight on what the true role of leadership should be in our in our schools, in our churches, in our households, in our communities, in our businesses and organizations, in our country and in the world.

Admiration and inspiration is not about following people; seduced by their charisma, style, popularity, smooth talking, good looks, bravado, etc. Admire and become inspired by ACTIONS that have lasting IMPACT on the lives of others.

Let’s continue…

Chrome shoe’d the GS, I came feet first
In the game like a baby born reversed, a breech birth

When he rhymes about coming into the game “feet first”, like a “breech birth”, I think he’s stating that he was firmly “on his feet”, smart, experienced and prepared when he came into the rap game.

It seems like he’s telling hustlers the importance of being mentally and physically prepared when they leave the street life to pursue legitimate success.

It’s a really complex line that’s quite brilliant and it kind of gives you some perspective on Jay’s intricate  mind during the creative process of conceiving rhymes.

Moving on…

I got the keys if you need work
I can Kingpin you a line, a dime at a time, uh!

This line seems to be directed at up-and-coming MCs in the game. He uses a double entendre (of course!) positioning himself as a “kingpin” in the rap game who has “work”. In some ways with this line Jay is mentoring other MCs while challenging them.

Here are the last lines…

My niggas love it when I talk like this
My corporate people start bugging cuz I talk like this
The corporate thugs is like, “Nah Hov, talk that shit”
The dope boys go crazy when they hear that boy Jay-Z

Jay speaks to the “corporate thugs” in these lyrics; not necessarily the criminal minded, but the more career-minded professionals and entrepreneurs. He’s talking to young men and women who  are changing the face of the corporate world with street swag.  Jay resonates with the dichotomy many ambitious people go through when they have to navigate “through a room full of vultures” (see: I.Z.Z.O.) to reach their final destination: overwhelming success and security.

“Dope boys” is simply slang for drug dealers but by the time Jay-Z gets to the end of this verse, he’s “expanded” the definition of “dope boys” to mean ANYONE that’s hustling to be the very best in the game they play.

“The dope boys go crazy when they hear that boy Jay-Z”!!

There are several lessons to be learned from Jay’s verse on the “Go Crazy” remix. I think on his verse Jay brilliantly connects with players in the street game, music game, 9 to 5 game and the corporate executive game; people from different worlds that share the same passion- the hustle.

“Go Crazy” is a great anthem for ALL hustlers and Jay’s verse doesn’t just celebrate the hustle, it inspires us to not just be hustlers but to become the definition of it, to hustle with a purpose.

Let me first say that the Jay-Z/Kanye West collabo is truly special. Kanye, the talented producer and MC is the most artistic cat in the rap game and Jay is one of (if not THE) greatest lyricist the rap game has ever heard. They both are at their best on “Diamonds from Sierra Leone” remix. They both just “get it” when it comes to creating music that entertains and inspires. Frankly, I could get in-depth on Kanye’s lyrics in this remix because his words are just as profound as Jay’s. But while Kanye’s rhymes actually fit the premise of the song, Jay-Z goes “off-topic” yet manages to deliver one of the best lyrical performances about having the will to succeed in the midst of uncertainty.

Read the lyrics while you listen to Jay’s verse:
(*Jay starts rhyming around 2:25)

“The chain remains, the game is intact
The name is mine, I’ll take blame for that
The pressure’s on but guess who ain’t gon’ crack
Haha, pardon me, I had to laugh at that
How could you falter when you’re the Rock of Gibraltar?
I had to get off the boat so I could walk on water
This ain’t no tall order, this is nothing to me
Difficult takes a day, impossible takes a week
I do this in my sleep
I sold kilos of coke
I’m guessing I can sell CDs
I’m not a businessman
I’m a business, man
Let me handle my business, damn
Kanyeez you got me, Freeway then Foxy
YG’s, Tiar’, ‘merie, Peedi watch me
Bleek could be one hit away his whole career
As long as I’m alive he’s a millionaire
And even if I die he’s in my will somewhere
So he could just kick back and chill somewhere
Oh yeah, he don’t even have to write rhymes
The Dynasty like my money, last three lifetimes
Shirley Bassey’s in the rear saying exactly
What I been saying practically my whole career
A diamond is forever, I been mining this forever
Now the Louis Vuitton Don’s timing couldn’t be better
People lined up to see the Titanic sinking
Instead we rose up from the ash like a phoenix
If you waiting for the end, the Dynasty sign
And what seem like forever is a mighty long time

“Diamonds from Sierra Leone (Remix)”
Jay-Z

We’re going to get into these lyrics but I think it’s important that before we do, we put these lyrics in proper context.

Kanye West released the “Late Registration” album that this song is on in late summer of 2005. By this time, there was a lot of uncertainty surrounding Roc-a-fella Records as a label. Of course, “the Roc” was (and is) more than just a record label, it was a movement. The end of the partnership between Jay, Damon Dash, and Kareem ‘Biggs’ Burke took the industry and fans by storm and had everyone (including Roc-a-fella artists) choosing sides (Jay vs. Dash & Biggs).

Jay faced (and continues to face) plenty of criticism during this time. Some questioned his business acumen, some questioned if his artistry would falter or flourish without Dash & Biggs and some questioned his character in regards to why and how his business and personal relationship with Dash & Biggs became strained and ultimately ended.

I think it’s safe to say that after Jay, Kanye West was the Roc’s most bankable star, the one with the greatest talent AND potential. West’s “Late Registration” album was a huge success and the original Diamonds from Sierra Leone song was the album’s first single and a nice hit.

So you know he had to do a remix!

And who better to put on the remix then the “God MC” himself…

At the time of the release of the remix, Jay hadn’t released anything “official” on the solo tip (we won’t count the “Unfinished Business” album he did with R. Kelly) since “The Black Album” in late 2003. It would be another year before the release of his “come back from retirement” album, “Kingdom Come”.

So, here is Jay, in 2005, “in his retirement” going all in on the remix of one of the biggest songs of that summer…

And he kills it!!

By the way, we’ve heard Jay’s foes (and former ones like Nas), critics and your everyday Jay-Z haters claim that Hov is known to get “murdered” lyrically by other MCs he collaborates with. I, of course, think those claims are way overstated. In fact, in my opinion, most of his collaborations are complete contrasts to those claims.

Remember what Kanye stated on “Big Brother”, his ode to Jay off West’s “Graduation” album?

“On that “Diamonds” remix I swore I spazzed
Then my big brother came thru and kicked my ass”

To be fair, Kanye definitely held his own on the “Diamonds” remix but the point is Jay always “shows up” lyrically and I think his presence in the studio (or just the fact that he’s featured in the song) motivates and inspires his collaborators to bring their A-game.

Now, let us go all in and break down the lyrics in his verse…

The chain remains, the game is intact
The name is mine, I’ll take blame for that
The pressure’s on but guess who ain’t gon’ crack
Haha, pardon me, I had to laugh at that

Jay rhymes about how “the chain remains” which sounds like a double entendre referring to the diamond encrusted platinum Roc-a-fella logo hanging from a necklace or/and the roster of artists who are linked together in solidarity.

He’s stating that in spite of doubts, the Roc movement that he co-founded, anchored and lead is still strong and moving forward. I like the way he rhymes that “the game is intact” because he’s telling us that the hustle is untouched and not impacted in such a way to alter the course of the movement. Jay could’ve abruptly stopped rhyming after the very first line and he would have proved his point while giving us something to think about in regards to our own lives.

But he continues taking responsibility for what some saw as, let’s just say “unethical” conduct when he obtained the rights to use the Roc-a-fella name. He acknowledges the pressure for the Roc movement to succeed without the co-leadership of Dash & Biggs but lets us all know that he has no intention of “cracking”.

Jay’s tone when he makes this statement is confident without any shred of doubt. So, in the midst of doubts by foes, critics, haters, fans, the music industry and artists apart of the Roc movement, Jay sounds completely convinced that success will continue and grow.

I know from experience that it’s extremely difficult to be optimistic when you’re in an atmosphere permeated by doubt. Jay is so optimistic that he laughs off even the suggestion that he wouldn’t be able to perform both as an artist and a hustler under intense scrutiny and criticism.

I think we can all benefit from having that kind of steadfast optimism.

Let’s move on…

How could you falter when you’re the Rock of Gibraltar?
I had to get off the boat so I could walk on water

One of the things I like about Jay’s lyrical prowess is his ability to make smart cultural references. What do I mean by this? Well, a favorite technique used by MCs is to inject pop culture references in their lyrics but Jay’s references accentuates his insight in the context of the rhyme and causes even the most thought provoking listener to actually think.

Imagine actually thinking while listening to music??

(I’m being sarcastic of course)

Follow me now as I attempt to reveal the genius in this line…

When I first heard this song when it came out 5 years ago, I have to admit that I didn’t catch the double entendre and I didn’t know what the ‘Rock of Gibraltar’ is, therefore, I didn’t fully grasp what Jay was saying in the line.

But since I have a “trained ear” that intently listens for profound insight in any shape or form I sought out clarity.

In this line, Jay asks a rhetorical question. The word, “falter” caught my attention.

Falter: to walk unsteadily; to hesitate in purpose or action.

I wanted to find out what the heck is the “Rock of Gibraltar”?

It’s basically a very massive rock made of limestone located at the entrance of the Mediterranean Sea. It was used as fortress against the Germans in World War II. You can read more about it, but here’s the key point: the Rock of Gibraltar is a symbol of strength.

“Despite long sieges it seemed that there was nothing that could destroy the Rock or its people. This history has inspired the saying, “solid as the Rock of Gibraltar”, which is used to describe a person or situation that cannot be overcome and does not fail.” (from Wikipedia)

Ok, still with me?

In the next line he states that he “had to get off the boat so that he “could walk on water”, which is a biblical reference, a miracle performed by Jesus Christ.

Is it all coming together now?

The double entendre is:

The act of walking on water without faltering. (a miracle performed by Jesus)

and

Having faith and fortitude to be able to overcome any challenge without wavering.

Now, remember the context of this line as it relates to what Jay was going through at the time.

I truly believe that this line can change the way you and I think about and confront the uncertainties of the future.

But Jay has much more to say…

This ain’t no tall order, this is nothing to me
Difficult takes a day, impossible takes a week

When it comes down to it, challenges you face in life is only as difficult as you see them. It’s not about being naïve it’s about self-empowerment. Many of us get defeated by difficult challenges in our lives or try to run from even having to confront them because we lack faith and fortitude.

And the challenges or the goals that we deem to be “impossible” to overcome or achieve keep us in a permanent state of fear and self-doubt.

Taking just a day to achieve the difficult and just a week to achieve the impossible is not to be taken literally of course. But Jay’s statement reveals the significance he attaches to “inner strength” (mind, heart and soul) to overcome challenges and achieve greatness.

We all need that inner strength if we want to have great things happen in our lives.

Let’s continue…

I do this in my sleep
I sold kilos of coke, I’m guessing I can sell CDs

Jay rhymes that his experiences in the drug game gives him confidence that he can have continued success in the rap game. I don’t think he’s saying that because he was a drug dealer, he has what it takes to succeed in the corporate game.

Once again, it’s the mindset that makes all of the difference in terms of the outcome. On the one hand, he’s stating that the overall conditions of the drug game are higher risk than what he would ever go through in the rap music/corporate game. But on the other hand, Jay understands that being successful in different circumstance requires the valuable skill of adaptability.

How can your past successes serve as powerful assets in your present and future endeavors?

I’m not a businessman
I’m a business, man
Let me handle my business, damn

This is one of Jay’s more popular rhymes, a favorite among the mainstream media like Forbes. I’m in the Internet marketing field and I study branding. This lyric is about creating a brand from your ideas, your goals, your image, etc.

Jay states that he’s more than just a businessman, he’s a business, a brand. But branding doesn’t only apply to artists in the entertainment industry or a business selling widgets. Self-promotion plays a major role in professional success for you and I.

You, are a brand, and your brand makes you either an asset or a liability in your career, in your community in organizations that you’re apart of, etc.

Kanyeez you got me, Freeway then Foxy
YG’s, Tiar’, ‘merie, Peedi watch me

I don’t want to completely glaze over this line but Jay is simply giving us the line-up of artists apart of the Roc movement at that time.

I like these lyrics here…

Bleek could be one hit away his whole career
As long as I’m alive he’s a millionaire
And even if I die he’s in my will somewhere
So he could just kick back and chill somewhere
Oh yeah, he don’t even have to write rhymes
The Dynasty like my money, last three lifetimes

These lyrics reveal the strong loyalty that Jay and Memphis Bleek have for each other. If you remember, Bleek came in the rap game as Jay’s protégé’. It’s my understanding that Jay took Bleek on the road with him when he was just 15 years old. Bleek is in his early 30’s, around my age, so we’re talking about a mentor/protégé relationship that goes back almost 20 years.

I was watching Jay-Z’s live performance at Radio City Hall the other night and Bleek was right there joining Jay on stage, backing him up on several songs.

It seems like their bond is still going strong…

The best way I would describe Bleek is he’s a talented MC with incredible potential that never had that breakthrough (like Jay had with “Vol. 2… Hard Knock Life) to take his career to the next level.

Bleek is solid, not great, but he comes across as the kind of MC (and guy) that you would want with you in a foxhole.

Bleek has always been “one hit away his whole career” but Jay makes a statement that shows not only his loyalty to Bleek, he shows his gratitude and respect for Bleek’s loyalty to him.

Jay states that because of the bond he and Bleek have for each other, he’ll make sure that Bleek is financially secure even if he’s no longer here. This lyric is about bonding, loyalty, gratitude and security. While some alleged that Jay is self-centered, his bond with Bleek clearly shows how much he values loyalty. Now I don’t know if these lyrics are factual and actually reflect Jay’s thinking and actions regarding his relationship with Bleek. It’s the spirit of the lyrics that can have an impact on how we look at our own relationships.

Here’s more…

Shirley Bassey’s in the rear saying exactly
What I been sayin’ practically my whole career
A diamond is forever, I been mining this forever
Now the Louis Vuitton Don’s timing couldn’t be better

Ms. Bassey sings that “Diamonds are forever” in the background while Kanye and Jay-Z get their rhyme on. Here, it sounds like Jay is making a vow to succeed long-term.

The “mining/diamonds” double entendre is clever and fits nicely with the statement Jay is making about his vision and commitment to the movement he leads.

Jay rhymes that Kanye’s emergence came at the “perfect time” because West has shown that he’s clearly a force to be reckoned with in his own right in the music game.

Which just makes the movement stronger…

People lined up to see the Titanic sinking
Instead we rose up from the ash like a phoenix

Jay tell us that critics, detractors, enemies, the industry and maybe even so-called allies want to see the movement fail and end (that can still be said to this day, by the way). But instead of “sinking” the movement, led by the “God MC” himself, “rose like a phoenix.

This line is incredibly insightful…

“The Titanic was the largest passenger steamship in the world when she set off on her maiden voyage from Southampton, England to New York” (from Wikipedia).

It was “designed by some of the most experienced engineers and used some of the most advanced technologies available at the time” (from Wikipedia).

In other words, the ship was the strongest, the most powerful and the most formidable. This could very well describe Roc-a-fella’s dominance in the rap game during the several years leading up to the Diamonds remix. When Jay rhymes about people “lining up” to see the Titanic sinking, it reflects the desire for others to see the Roc fail.

Don’t be stunned when you come to the realization that some want to see you fail. If you’re successful but faced with tough challenges that threaten your downfall there will be some who would rather “line up” to watch you fail then support your efforts.

A phoenix that rises from the ashes symbolizes a rebirth. Jay tells us that in the midst of doubt, he and the Roc had a sense of renewal destined to be reborn as a even more powerful movement.

As of right now in 2010, this rebirth seems to be embodied by Jay’s Roc Nation.

In the midst of struggle and uncertainty in your life do you have the power, faith and fortitude to rise from the ashes like a phoenix?

Here are the last lines…

If you waiting for the end, the Dynasty sign
And what seem like forever is a mighty long time

Basically, Jay is stating:

You can hope for our downfall but we’re going to keep rising and keep moving forward.

We should become emboldened by the challenges we face in our lives and use pure determination to overcome and succeed.

In the second part of this now infamous freestyle on Hot 97, Jay-Z goes into more detail about his own ascension in the music game and the world of business. His own success can serve as inspiration for your hustle and mine (which, again, is the premise of the Book of Hov). Before I jump right into these lyrics, let me say this: Too many critics of rap music dismiss the song lyrics as pure bravado. I disagree. Many of Jay’s lyrics (like with other MCs in the game) have the power to inspire, and from the inspiration, we aspire.

Inspire: To heighten or intensify

Aspire: To have an ambitious plan or lofty goal

Unfortunately, here’s what happens too often: Instead of being inspired by his accomplishments or aspire to accomplish our own goals…

We hate.

We spend so much time trying to discredit, diminish, or disrespect another man’s hustle. No matter how much we think our hate is justified we’re unable to disguise our struggle with the realization of our own underachievement and failure.

I have never heard Jay’s lyrics about his success as somehow an indictment on my own hustle. I don’t pray for another man’s downfall, I pray (and hustle) for my come-up.

I call Jay’s Hot 97 freestyle “the blueprint for greatness”, but you will NEVER get it (“it”, meaning the inspiration and knowledge you can use in your own hustle) if you’re intent on discrediting or disconnecting.

Speaking of disconnect: Don’t fool yourself, thinking that because Jay’s life is so vastly different from yours, his lyrics can not possibly be applicable to your circumstances. Hell, it’s likely that he has made it out of worst (or at least just as bad) situations that you’re in right now.

(Verse for this discussion starts at 2:30)

Everybody screaming they want the old Hov
But the new and improved Hov, hit like Albert Pujols
Everybody wanna hear me talk that money like Phil Rizzuto
But my mind is on Pluto
Bills that I do fold, I now invest on
Trying to find some loopholes in the IRS
So where I used to have a few hoes, I am just
Concentrating on making a new Hov through sex
I’ve awaken just to try to school those putos
Trying to follow in my shoes with jewels-froze
Better adhere to this text ‘fore you go
Broke- spending more than you accrued on silly baguettes
I know silly begets, silly, you learn on your own
At least my conscience is clear, I’m no longer steering you wrong
Ain’t nothing wrong with baguettes after you get a home
Take care of your home, you can go back and um…

I’m getting courted by the bosses,
The Edgars and Doug Morriss (sss…)
Jimmy I’s and Lyor’s (sss …)
Gotta be more than choruses-sss
They respecting my mind now
Just a matter of time now
Operation take over corporate 
makeover offices (sss…)
Then take over all of it
Please may these words be recorded
To serve as testimony that I saw it all before it
Came to fruition, sort of a premonition
Uh, uncontrollable hustler’s ambition
Alias superstition like Stevie
The writing’s on the wall like my lady, right BB?
Saw it all before so they all thought I was crazy
Maybe, like a fox I’m cagey
Ah, ah, the more successful, the more stressful
The more and more I transform to Gordon Gekko

In the race to a billion, got my face to the ceiling
Got my knees on the floor, please Lord forgive him
Has he lost his religion, is the greed gonna get him?
He’s having heaven on earth, will his wings still fit him?
I got the Forbes on my living room floor
And I’m so dope to the core, fucker I want more
Time’s most influential was impressive
Especially since I wasn’t in the artist’s section
Had me with the builders and the titans
Had me right with Rupert Murdoch
The billionaire boys and some dudes you never heard of
Word up on Madison Ave is I’m a cash cow
Word down on Wall St. “Homie, you get the cash out”
IPO Hov no need for reverse merger
The boy money talk no need to converse further
The baby blue Maybach like I own Gerber
Boardroom I’m lifting your skirt up
The corporate take (over)…nigga.

“Hot 97 freestyle”
Jay-Z

Ok, let’s jump in…

Everybody screaming they want the old Hov
But the new and improved Hov, hit like Albert Pujols

I’ve heard so many fans calling for the “old Hov”. People with this sentiment are likely stagnant in their own lives. Jay says that he’s “new and improved” which is what we all should strive to be. It’s amazes me how many people fear or even resent their OWN inevitability to change.

If your hustle gets to the level of Albert Pujols’s ability to hit homeruns then you will be VERY successful.

Here’s more…

Everybody wanna hear me talk that money like Phil Rizzuto
But my mind is on Pluto
Bills that I do fold, I now invest on
Trying to find some loopholes in the IRS

Jay states that people want to hear him rhyme about getting money (I’m not going to lie- I’m one of those people) but he has his mind on greater things. Because he’s now in a higher tax bracket, he now looks for loopholes in the IRS tax code.

When you reach a certain level of success, your priorities change and your level of access is raised which creates more opportunities and advantages.

Continue…

So where I used to have a few hoes, I am just
Concentrating on making a new Hov through sex

I won’t say much about this line. It’s kind of out-of-place in the context of the rhyme so I’ll just move on…

I’ve awakened just to try to school those putos
Trying to follow in my shoes with jewels-froze
Better adhere to this text ‘fore you go
Broke- spending more than you accrued on silly baguettes
I know silly begets, silly you learn on your own
At least my conscience is clear, I’m no longer steering you wrong
Ain’t nothing wrong with baguettes after you get a home
Take care of your home, you can go back and um…

Jay states that he’s “awakened” to educate those who try to emulate his style. (Jay uses the Spanish word, “puto”, but don’t take it literally. I honestly think he uses the word just for the sake of the rhyme)

I think it’s interesting that Jay used the word “awakened”. It’s as if he’s saying that instead of giving us the “money talk” that we’re used to hearing, on this freestyle, he’s delivering more substantive advice when it comes to the management of money. He tells us to “adhere to this text”, before we go broke trying to keep up with Joneses. We have to have our financial priorities straight.

Example:

Don’t spend a lot of money on flashy jewelry if you can’t buy a home!

It might seem like pretty basic financial advice but we have to consider Jay-Z’s primary audience: They’re young, impressionable, not as uneducated and financially unsophisticated with a general lack of access and resources particularly when we it comes to financial matters.

This sort of basic, common sense advice won’t give listeners the knowledge they need to buy a home but at least they might start thinking about getting their “house in order” financially so that one day they’ll be ready to own appreciating assets.

Now we’re about to jump into the last part of this freestyle, which happens to be my favorite part.

Matter of fact, listen to the last part again before we continue.

(Starts at 3:07)

I’m getting courted by the bosses,
The Edgars and Doug Morrises (sss…)
Jimmy I’s and Lyor’s (sss …)
Gotta be more than choruses-sss
They respecting my mind now
Just a matter of time now
Operation take over corporate 
makeover offices (sss…)
Then take over all of it

Jay rhymes that at this point of his career (late 2006) he’s now “building” with some of the most powerful and influential people in the music industry and in the world of business period. These powerful (and wealthy) people respect not just Jay’s artistry but his business mind- his hustle. Jay states that it’s “just a matter of time” before he makes his mark in the corporate game.

Guess what??

He did.

It’s an important lesson Jay is telling us here. Jay is not simply name-dropping. He’s telling us that he has lofty ambitions. As he becomes more and more successful he has begun establishing relationships with major players in the music game and in the business world.

We are all ambitious in our own right and it’s important that we build relationships and surround ourselves around people who can play a role in getting us to the next level. Whether your goal is to rise in the corporate world, in the entrepreneurial world, in academics, wherever and whatever-

In life it’s what you know AND who you know!

Jay rhymes about pulling a corporate takeover but I find it telling that he used the term, “corporate makeover”. The term suggests that he’s making a statement about the changing face of the corporate world.

By the way, Young Jeezy popularized the term, “corporate thuggin” but Jay-Z fully embodies the transition from the streets to the boardroom- a transition that more young black men must make.

Moving on…

Please may these words be recorded
To serve as testimony that I saw it all before it
Came to fruition, sort of a premonition
Uh, uncontrollable hustler’s ambition
Alias superstition like Stevie
The writing’s on the wall like my lady, right BB?
Saw it all before so they all thought I was crazy
Maybe, like a fox I’m cagey
Ah, ah, the more successful, the more stressful
The more and more I transform to Gordon Gekko

This recorded freestyle certainly is a testimony that Jay envisioned his success in the business game before it “came to fruition”. What is this called? Faith.

I like how he called his drive to succeed, “uncontrollable hustler’s ambition”. Personally, I need that in my own life! Jay could foresee his success, which is what he means when he says “the writing’s on the wall”.

Jay rhymes that people doubt him but that he’s crazy like a fox, in fact, he’s shrewd, doing what’s in his best interest.

As we pursue our own goals we should be “crazy like a fox”, even cagey because we all have to get to the point where we can demonstrate good judgment and be able to do what’s in our best interest.

When Jay says, “the more successful, the more stressful”, that’s just another way of saying, “Mo’ Money, Mo’ Problems”. I love the Gordon Gekko reference because the fictional character from the film, “Wall Street” had unbelievable drive and ambition. Gekko was about being successful and it’s hard to argue with success. The reference also supports Jay’s ambitions to “take over” the corporate game.

Let’s keep going…

In the race to a billion, got my face to the ceiling
Got my knees on the floor, please Lord forgive him
Has he lost his religion? Is the greed gonna get him?
He’s having heaven on earth. Will his wings still fit him?
I got the Forbes on my living room floor
And I’m so dope to the core, Fucker, I want more

I don’t know if Jay-Z will ever become a billionaire but I wouldn’t bet against him. It’s interesting though, that he contemplates if his pursuit of billions will damage his relationship with God.

It all goes back to the Gordon Gekko reference, the fictional character encouraged greed and lived his life consumed by it. Jay is questioning himself: In being a predator on the prowl for success will he end up being a victim of greed? I think it’s an important question to ask one’s self.

Jay is basically sharing with us his lyrical version of the bible verse, Matthew 16:26.

Great introspective moment.

Will you be a victim of greed in your pursuit of success?

We’re reaching the final stretch…

Time’s most influential was impressive
Especially since I wasn’t in the artist’s section
Had me with the builders and the titans
Had me right with Rupert Murdoch
The billionaire boys and some dudes you never heard of

Jay refers to his appearance on Time 100 Most Influential People list back in 2005- even though he’s seen as being an entertainer, Time put him in the Builders & Titans section of their 100 list.

In other words, Jay-Z’s ambitions are bigger than Hip-Hop.

This is inspiring because it proves that success can take you in directions that you sometimes can’t conceive.

Oh yeah, Jay’s right: at least in my case- most of the people in the Builders & Titans section are billionaires and several I had never heard of.

Let’s conclude…

Word up on Madison Ave is I’m a cash cow
Word down on Wall St. “Homie, you get the cash out
IPO Hov no need for reverse merger
The boy money talk no need to converse further
The baby blue Maybach like I own Gerber
Boardroom I’m lifting your skirt up 
The corporate take (over)…nigga.

Jay rhymes that he’s bankable. He’s a well-known figure, very influential with a sought-after demographic (think: 18-34 year old males), therefore, he is sought after by marketing agencies, shoe companies (remember S.Carter sneakers), etc.

Jay rhymes about “the rush” from investors to take their money out of investment accounts referring to the volatility in the stock market caused by the decline in the economy.

The IPO/Reverse merger reference is really clever and I wasn’t real clear on it when I first heard the lyric. After doing a little digging, I learned that a reverse merger bypasses the long and complex process of going public (IPO). From what I gathered, a reverse merger is not as costly.

So I think the lyric is simply Jay’s way of saying that he’s financially sound which is supported by the next line in which he rhymes about how his money “talks”.

Jay ends this great freestyle reiterating his determination to be successful in the world of business.

This freestyle is applicable to our own pursuit of success. The first part of the freestyle, which I wrote about in Part 1 is about winning the mental game of success. This part of the freestyle is about utilizing the strength of your mental game to take action and succeed.

During the courtship of Lebron James, the New Jersey Nets put up a larger-than-life billboard on the side of a building not far from Madison Square Garden featuring images of billionaire owner Mikhail Prokhorov and Jay-Z (part owner) with the words, “the blueprint for greatness” at the top. Lebron joined Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh on the Miami Heat. But this post ain’t about the NBA, however, the words at the top of the Nets billboard seems like a fitting title for parts I & II of this post and the hot-as-fire freestyle that Jay-Z performed back in 2006.

I don’t know if Lebron would have been the missing piece to the Nets’ blueprint for greatness in the NBA. But I do know that if you want to HEAR the blueprint for greatness, Jay-Z gave it to you 4 years ago in studios of Hot 97 in New York City.

Where were you when you first heard this freestyle?

I been crushing the buildings since Izod socks
I’m so independent, shit I might buy Koch
I might not stop, places to cop
76 floors you can call me the Doc…

Inspired by Basquiat, got my chariots of fire
Everybody took shots, hit my body up, I’m tired
Build me up, break me down, to build me up again
They like, “Hov we need you back so we can kill your ass again”
Hov got flow though he’s no Big and Pac… but he’s close

How I’m supposed to win they got me fighting ghosts…

Same sword they knight you
They gone good night you with
Shit, that’s only half if they like you
That ain’t even the half what they might do
Don’t believe me, ask Michael

See Martin, see Malcolm
See Biggie, see Pac
See success and its outcome
See Jesus, see Judas
See Ceasar, see Brutus
See success is like suicide
Suicide, it’s a suicide
If you succeed prepare to be crucified

Hmm, media meddles, niggas sue you- you settle
Every step you take they remind you, you ghetto
So it’s tough being Bobby Brown
To be Bobby then, you gotta be Bobby now
Now the question is: Is to have had and lost
Better than not having at (all)… man.

Everybody want to be the King til shots ring
You laying in the balcony with holes in your dream
Or you Malcolm X’ed out getting distracted by screams 

Everybody get your hands off my jeans!
Everybody look at you strange, say you changed- 
Uh,
Like you work that hard to stay the same- 
Uh,
Game stayed the same, the name changes
So it’s best for those to not overdose on being famous 

Most Kings get driven so insane
That they try to hit the same vein that Kurt Cobain did

New dangers
So strangers invited to the inner sanctum of your chambers, low chained them,
The enemy’s approaching so raise your draw-bridge and 
drown him in the moat
In the spirit I’m evoking Kurt with…

“Hot 97 freestyle”
Jay-Z

I remember this freestyle very well… who doesn’t, right? When I first heard this freestyle I was completely blown away. Since I’ve revisited this freestyle, listening to it several times over the last 24 hours, I gotta say…

I’m speechless!

Well, not really, I mean, I have plenty to say and plenty to write about but as you listen to this freestyle, it’s really challenging to keep up! You hear what he’s saying, but do you HEAR what’s he’s saying??

You’ll see what I mean as you continue reading…

The “problem” (and it’s a good and a necessary one) with some of Jay’s most profound lyrics is that they require the listener to THINK and some of us are “intellectually lazy” (to be kind) and don’t believe that music has any other purpose but to entertain.

Even some of us sharper cats can slip in the mental game and not get a full grasp on insights, concepts, theories, practices and systems that can be game-changing for our minds and our lives.

This freestyle was so potent (so much so, I had to break it down into 2 parts) that it was literally game changing; in rap music/Hip-Hop culture, the music industry as a whole and in the corporate world.

Could this freestyle be a game-changer (well, at least play a small role) for your hustle?

I’m about to dig into the lyrics but let me give some brief context behind the freestyle:

Jay-Z performed this freestyle live on Hot 97 in New York in late 2006 a month or so before the release of his “Kingdom Come” album. Kingdom Come was seen as his coming-out-of-retirement album. It would be his first album after the break-up of the Roc- at least the version that we all had come to know dating back to 1996.

So, basically, in 2006, 10 years after his debut album “Reasonable Doubt” came out, Jay is moving forward in his career without his partners, Dash and Biggs, and there are questions whether he can continue his success.

“Kingdom Come” was a good album, not a great one. It wasn’t one of my favorites though a few of the songs on the album (such as “Lost Ones”) are in heavy rotation within my personal collection. The album received mixed reviews but was a success.

The freestyle that he did on Hot 97 was sort of like the preliminary to the main event; the Kingdom Come album. In my opinion that freestyle is easily more profound than any song on the Kingdom Come album.

Let’s do this…

I been crushing the buildings since Izod socks

I’m so independent, shit I might buy Koch 

I might not stop, places to cop 

76 floors you can call me the Doc… 



Jay is claiming independence in this lyric. Though I already knew what the word meant, I looked the word up:

Independence: freedom from control or influence of another or others

(http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=independence)

Now I don’t know the inside details of the inner workings or Roc-a-fella Records back then or the breakup. Dash hasn’t said much and Biggs has said almost nothing. Jay himself hasn’t gone in too much depth in interviews about it, so, as fans, our best bet in learning more about the fall out is to listen for clues Jay-Z’s music.

Jay cleverly rhymes about being so independent that he might purchaseKoch, one of the biggest players in the independent record label game. When considering what was going on in Jay’s career during that time his proclamation of independence in the midst of doubts shows the intensity level of his self-determination. Having greater control over one’s destiny is empowering.

Ok, let’s keep going…

Inspired by Basquiat, got my chariots of fire 

Everybody took shots, hit my body up I’m tired 

Build me up, break me down, to build me up again 

They like, “Hov we need you back so we can kill your ass again”

Hov got flow though he’s no Big and Pac… but he’s close

How I’m supposed to win they got me fighting ghosts…

I admit, I didn’t know who Basquiat was until I looked him up. Jean-Michel Basquiat was an artist, becoming the first painter of African descent to gain popularity internationally. He started out doing graffiti and then moved on to Neo-expressionist work. His life has been the subject of films, poems, and books.

And he was from Brooklyn.

I think it’s telling that Basquiat started out doing graffiti, which is as much a part of Hip-Hop culture as MC’ing. He became an influential international star but he started out immersed in Hip-Hop culture on the streets of Brooklyn.

Sounds familiar?

Fast-forward to 2010 and it’s quite clear that Jay-Z has become the international star, born and bred in Brooklyn, that he inspired to be when he performed this freestyle on Hot 97.

When Jay rhymes about “chariots of fire” I don’t think he’s talking about the film, instead, I believe he’s referring to scripture in the Bible in which a chariot of fire appears taking the prophet Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind.

Jay states that people are taking shots at him and though he literally means through words, figuratively, he’s stating that his foes are trying to take him out in a physical sense, which supports the “chariot of fire” reference (he’s using double entendre).

Next, I think Jay is actually referring to the critics (media) and a disloyal and unappreciative public when he talks about being built up, brought down and built up again. He’s telling us that we want him “back” (remember, Kingdom Come was his “comeback” album) just so we can try to bring him down…again.

All great artists face this gift and curse. He is exalted for his talents but at the same time subjected to an intense level of scrutiny because of his talents.

Every MC who has come in the game are compared to Biggie and Tupac, two of the greatest MCs in Hip-Hop history who both were murdered within months of each other and will forever be linked due to their accomplishments and infamous beef.

Jay has certainly been compared to both of these legendary greats. In fact, it seems like he has faced resentment from some of Pac and Biggie’s most rabid fans since he rose to the top of the game just after their murders. Jay acknowledges this in his lyrics stating that there’s no way he can compete (no matter how great his lyrical prowess) with Hip-Hop’s great immortals who are beloved by millions.

Ok, let’s continue…

Same sword they knight you
They gone good night you with 

Shit, that’s only half if they like you 

That ain’t even the half what they might do

Don’t believe me, ask Michael

Here, Jay states that “they” (meaning the media and the public) will hold you in high esteem and then be the same ones who destroy your career. As bad as that sounds, Jay reveals that the final outcome could actually be much worst, citing Michael Jackson as the perfect example.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, we all know Michael Jackson. I personally believe that he was the greatest musical talent the world has ever seen. He was adored by millions all over the world and yet he was relentlessly crucified by the media up until the day he died (and ever since).

(This freestyle was 3 years before Michael’s tragic sudden death)

Let’s keep it moving…

See Martin, see Malcolm 

See Biggie, see Pac
See success and its outcome 

See Jesus, see Judas 

See Ceasar, see Brutus 

See success is like suicide 

Suicide, it’s a suicide

If you succeed prepare to be crucified 


I love this entire freestyle but this is one of my favorite parts. Here, Jay is basically displaying “exhibit A, B, C…”; giving us examples in history of great people who have been brought down in some shape or form.

Martin Luther King, Jr.: Black Christian minister who was a great civil rights leader (maybe the greatest person America has ever produced). He was assassinated.

Malcolm X: Minister with the Nation of Islam who was a great human rights activist and black nationalist leader. He was assassinated.

Notorious B.I.G.: Considered one of the greatest MCs who ever lived. Representing Brooklyn, he was given the title, “King of New York” by many during his heyday. He was murdered in early 1997 at the age of 24.

Tupac Shakur: A revolutionary MC and social activist who is widely believed to be one of the greatest of all time in Hip-Hop. He was murdered in 1996 at the age of 25.

“See success and it’s outcome”…

Jesus Christ: The son of God. The Messiah. A gift from God to the world to give salvation. He was crucified on the cross and died for the sins of mankind.

Judas: One of Jesus’ apostles. He betrayed Jesus leading to the Son of God’s arrest and crucifixion.

Julius Cesar: Arguably, the greatest dictator of Rome. He was also a great military leader. He played a critical role in the Roman Republic’s transformation into the Roman Empire. He was assassinated by his political opponents.

Marcus Junius Brutus: Considered to be a friend of Cesar, Brutus was a politician of the Roman Republic who led in the conspiracy to assassinate Julius Cesar.

A little history lesson, huh?

Anyway, Jay compares success to suicide. What’s the correlation? Jay is simply showing the relationship between construction and destruction. Another way of looking at it is that both joy and pain can be self-inflicted.

In the last line of this part of the lyric, Jay warns us that success often begets harsh criticism or worst.

Tired yet? Come on, let’s keep digging…

Hmm, media meddles, niggas sue you- you settle 

Every step you take they remind you, you ghetto 

So it’s tough being Bobby Brown 

To be Bobby then, you gotta be Bobby now 

Now the question is: Is to have had and lost

Better than not having at (all)?… man.

Jay rhymes about how the media “meddles”, intruding in on the privacy of people who live much of their lives in the public eye. He then tells us how anybody, from a nobody to a big shot, can bring frivolous lawsuits against him that he settles out of court.

I like this next part…

Jay cleverly uses the title of one of Bobby Brown’s most popular songs to show how the media and the public judge those in the public eye. He states that the media/public consistently watches a star’s every move and characterizes him based on his background.

Jay uses double entendre to make his next point. Bobby Brown has had a music career filled with highs and lows. His life has been a rollercoaster ride; success in music, bouts with drugs, scandals with women, serving jail terms, etc., all played out in the mainstream press and tabloids for the whole world to see. I’m sure that Bobby would agree that it’s tough being Bobby Brown.

I think Jay is making two points here:

On the one hand he’s saying that you are who are. You have to be who you are regardless of where life takes you and in spite of the pressures to be someone else in an effort to appease others.

But on the other hand, Jay could be telling us that even if you change (for the better) some will always see you the way you were “back then”. People will typecast you based on the past completely disregarding your evolution.

We’re heading toward the final stretch…

Everybody want to be the King til shots ring 

You laying in the balcony with holes in your dream 

Or you Malcolm X’ed out getting distracted by screams 
Like you work that hard to stay the same- 
Uh,
Game stayed the same, the name changed 


Jay references the assassinations of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X to give insight on how some people seek success at the highest level but unwilling to sacrifice or take on the risks that always accompanies ambition.

Let’s close it out…

Everybody get your hands off my jeans!

Everybody look at you strange, say you changed- 
Uh,
Like you work that hard to stay the same- 
Uh,
Game stayed the same, the name changes

So it’s best for those to not overdose on being famous 
Most Kings get driven so insane 

That they try to hit the same vein that Kurt Cobain did 
New dangers
So strangers, invited to the inner sanctum of your chambers, low chained them
The enemy’s approaching so raise your drawbridge and 
drown him in the moat 

In the spirit I’m evoking Kurt with…

Jay tells everybody to stop trying to get all they can get from him. He rhymes that some who knew him before all of the success make claims that he has changed. But instead of rejecting their claims, he acknowledges that he’s worked hard and HAS changed…

Wouldn’t you?

He warns those in the game not to “overdose on being famous”. Jay reveals how some who reach the top lose their minds and souls and self-inflict pain and even total destruction on themselves (think back to the “success is like suicide” line).

The Kurt Cobain reference is certainly not used in a way to defame the legendary Grunge star but to give imagery of how success can be self-destructive.

Jay rhymes about how success breeds “new dangers” (think: “Mo’ Money, Mo’ Problems). When you’re in full pursuit of success, highly motivated to get out of your current situation, you don’t think about the negative impact success could have on your life. It’s not to say that success is bad, of course it’s not. It’s just about being able to put even the good things we seek in proper perspective. Jay tells us that those new dangers could be in the form of “strangers” (those we don’t know AND those we think we know) who we let into our private places, both physically and mentally.

Jay states that you’re putting yourself at grave risk when you allow those who you don’t know and/or can’t trust to have access to your valuables (your mind, your network, your loved ones, your skills, your property, your money, etc).

Once again, here’s another brilliant double entendre:

Jay warns us that your enemies are always approaching and on the attack and that you must always be in defense mode with every intention of taking them out.

Jay evokes the spirit of the great Kurt Cobain…

Now, finally, you ask:

“How can we apply this lyric to our lives?”

As you can see, Jay says A LOT in this freestyle and you can discover the knowledge he drops just from the in-depth analysis I attempted to do line-by-line.

But I will say that I think this lyric is cautionary in nature regarding the sacrifice of greatness. This first part of the long Hot 97 freestyle is about getting your mind right in preparation of greatness.

I think Jay brilliantly puts ambition in historical context to show us that greatness has an impact that is life changing. Those who pursue greatness and achieve it will often lose it at the hands of others or due to self-inflicted wounds.

Always remember that some of the ones who lift you up will be the same ones who bring you down.

The first part of this great freestyle is focused on putting your mind to work, (“Don’t be fooled, my game is mental” Jay-Z, from the song, “Can I Live”) understanding the intricacies of greatness.

In part 2 of the freestyle, Jay shows us how to apply what we know to the hustle.

*Thanks to one of the readers, “JMobile” who sent me an email asking to me tackle this infamous freestyle Jay-Z did on Hot 97 in NYC almost 4 years ago.

Next up: “The Blueprint for Greatness” (Part 2): Mastering the art of corporate thuggin.

I’ve been a fan of Jay-Z since the beginning of his career. But way before Jay’s career started, I’ve been what I call a lyricist enthusiast. I study the art of MC’ing. I’m a fan of great MCs; gifted wordsmiths in the rap game. This verse, on the song, “Free Mason”, one of Jay’s most recent lyrical performances, from Rick Ross’s Teflon Don album, demonstrates Jay’s ability to use rhyme to artfully tackle a controversial issue (By the way, Rick Ross also delivered a great lyrical performance on this song).

Here’s the lyrics to Jay’s verse on “Free Mason”:

Niggas couldn’t do nothing with me
They put the devil on me
I would have preferred if niggas squeezed the metal on me
Rumors of Lucifer
I don’t know who to trust
Whole world want my demise
Turn my music up
Hear me clearly: If y’all niggas fear me
Just say y’all fear me
Fuck all these fairy tales
Go to hell
This is God engineering
This is a Hail Mary pass
Yal interfering
He without sin shall cast the first stone
So y’all look in the mirror
Double check yal appearance
Bitch, I said “I was amazing”
Not that “I’m a Mason”
It’s amazing that I made it through the maze that I was in
Lord forgive me, I never would’ve made it without sin
Holy water my face in the basin
Diamonds in my Rosary shows he forgave him
Bitch, I’m red hot
I’m on my third six but a devil I’m not
My Jesus piece flooded but thou shall not covet
Keep your eyes off my cupboard
I’m a bad motherfucker
It’s HOV
Just say you love it

“Free Mason”
From Rick Ross’s Teflon Don album

This verse is Jay’s response to allegations that he worships the devil and is apart of a secret society, blah, blah, blah. I’m not going to go into detail concerning the rumors nor am I’m going to give my personal opinion on it all (though I suspect you know the position I hold on the subject).

Instead, I’ll let Jay give you the scoop:

I’m sure millions have heard this verse with more interest and with more attention than paid to other Jay-Z verses because of the controversy. The verse has received special attention from music journalists.

But this lyric is much deeper than what average ears hear when listening to it and I’m going to attempt to give this verse in-depth analysis because while for Jay it’s personal, there’s a message that lies within that could have a life-changing impact on those who take heed to its underlying theme.

It’s the Book of Hov, baby!

Let’s go…

Niggas couldn’t do nothing with me
They put the devil on me
I would have preferred if niggas squeezed the metal on me

Jay’s stating that his competitors can’t compete and his critics lack any real critique of substance so they make outrageous charges against him (devil worshipping, etc.) in an attempt to bring him down.

I think it’s telling that he says that he would prefer “niggas squeezed the metal” on him. In other words, he would rather die at the hands of another man than to stand by idly while his character is assassinated.

Let’s move on…

Rumors of Lucifer
I don’t know who to trust
Whole world want my demise
Turn my music up

As stated earlier, rumors of devil worshipping/cult/secret society stuff have been circulating on the Internet, in the press, etc. for months and at this point Jay is suspicious of anyone attempting to get close to him. He claims that the “whole world” wants to witness his downfall. But in spite of…

Turn the music up!

Here is the next line…

Hear me clearly: If y’all niggas fear me
Just say y’all fear me

This is where Jay exposes his critics and reveals the root cause of their allegations. According to Jay, fear is what motivates hate. Sounds familiar? (Think racism, sexism, homophobia, etc.) Jay claims that fear of his success turns into hate which can manifest itself in various ways such as, in this case, the lynching of character.

Fuck all these fairy tales
Go to Hell
This is God engineering

Jay writes off the rumors as “fairy tales”, created within his haters’ imaginations. But this is the part I really like (brilliant use of double entendre): Telling his haters to “go to Hell”, Jay proudly claims that his rise is “God engineering.”

Now, what does this mean?

“God Engineering” is another way of saying “God’s will” is to be done. So in the context of the rhyme, Jay states that whatever happens in life is greater than himself, you or I- that it’s God’s will.

You don’t have to be a religious person to understand this belief or embrace it. In fact, people are sometimes burdened by their religious beliefs. God engineering is simply the belief in a higher power- and/or that our lives are subject to a master plan; fate or destiny.

Jay continues with what I think is his best use of double entendre:

This is a Hail Mary pass
Yal interfering

In religious/spiritual terms, the Hail Mary is a prayer.

I won’t go into too much detail here but in Catholicism, a Hail Mary is an intercession between a believer and the Virgin Mary in which the Holy Mother a.k.a., Mother of Christ, acts as a mediator, sending a prayer to God on the behalf of the believer.

A Hail Mary pass in football is when the quarterback throws a long pass downfield in a desperate attempt to score a touchdown before time runs out on the clock.

Here, Jay rhymes about those who attempt to interfere with his spiritual connection to a higher power.

Let’s continue…

He without sin shall cast the first stone
So y’all look in the mirror
Double check yal appearance
Bitch, I said “I was amazing”
Not that “I’m a Mason”

The first line in this part of the lyric is Jay’s take on a well known Bible verse. The actual Bible verse is basically stating that no one is without sin and therefore unfit to judge. Jay is stating that his critics should look at themselves in the mirror and “double check yal appearance” instead of judging him.

Jay then makes clear that in rhymes he spit in the past, he said that he was “amazing” NOT “a Mason”.

Let’s keep it moving…

It’s amazing that I made it through the maze that I was in
Lord forgive me, I never would’ve made it without sin
Holy water my face in the basin
Diamonds in my Rosary shows he forgave him

Jay reveals his own amazement in being able to overcome his past circumstances. But the tone in which he delivers the rhyme and its context within the verse shows that his amazement is not just directed at himself but at a higher power. We know that’s the case because in the next line Jay states that he could not have turned his life around without sin AND God’s forgiveness.

This is where Jay really gets deep…

Jay rhymes about his face being in “holy water” which is used in a religious setting for baptism. Baptism signifies cleansing or a rebirth. This lyric reflects back to the rhyme before it in which Jay spoke of sinning in order to escape the “maze” or circumstances he was in. Once God grants his plea for forgiveness, Jay makes a transition (which we’re witnessing the work-in-progress now) and experiences a rebirth on the road to redemption.

Rosary are a string of beds used in devotional prayer. When Jay says that diamonds are in his Rosary he’s giving listeners a visual that we all recognize. A diamond represents wealth. Wealth is not just about money, it’s about abundance; whether of wisdom, experience, love, etc. This is all Jay’s way of saying that his wealth – in every sense of the word, is a blessing from God.

Forget about Creflo Dollar and Eddie Long, Jay-Z is the man to go to hear the true gospel of prosperity!

Bitch, I’m red hot
I’m on my third six but a devil I’m not
My Jesus piece flooded but thou shall not covet
Keep your eyes off my cupboard
I’m a bad motherfucker
It’s HOV
Just say you love it!

Jay lets it be known that he’s not into the devil-worshipping thing. He uses wit when he rhymes about his “Jesus piece” (jewelry for those who don’t know) being flooded (with diamonds) but warns (in scripture lingo) that others shouldn’t crave after his possessions and advises them against eyeing what he has.

Interesting enough, that lyric seems like typical tough-guy bravado but it’s actually plain ol’ good advice: Don’t lust after what others have- get on your grind and get your own!

He ends the verse telling those who hate to just concede and expose their masked admiration for his accomplishments.

Now, don’t you just love it!

Ok, now, how can we apply this to our own lives?

Jay has laid out a defense in this verse in regards to the devil stuff better than a high-powered attorney could do in court. You and I should vehemently defend our own positions and protect our integrity and character in the midst of attack from haters.

In your life you will (or at least should) gain enough experience and wisdom to understand the causes and motives behind reckless criticism directed toward you. All criticism is not created equal and being able to tell the difference between compassionate criticism and malice is vital.

I don’t want to advocate or condone any particular religious/spiritual belief because I have respect for diversity of thought but I personally believe in the will of God or as Jay says “God engineering” in regards to the experiences and eventual outcome of one’s life.

And even if you don’t believe in a higher power, don’t allow others to put a label on you that is not aligned with your true beliefs.

Contrary to what his critics claim, Jay reveals the role spirituality plays in his life. But this is obviously not a preachy verse or even instructive. This is not a verse with the goal of converting listeners to his worldview.

When I first heard this verse I was listening but not as closely as I wanted to at the time. When I really got a chance to focus and hear what he was saying (I must have listened to his verse over and over again for 30 minutes) it struck me on how introspective Jay is in this verse.

I actually spent a couple of hours dissecting this rhyme because I have to be honest, even though I have a religious background (I grew up in the black church), I wasn’t as clear as I wanted to be on some of the religious/spiritual references but once I realized the meaning behind what he was saying, it all clicked and I could definitely relate.

Rick Ross talked about how he and Trey Songz were in awe as they watched Jay-Z conceive, compose and perform this verse right there on the spot while they all were on the road during the Blueprint 3 tour.

I would have loved to been there in person to see Jay come up with this verse! This lyric is so deep and complex that it’s amazing that he could compose it in the same way he does his other rhymes…and this is one of the few times that it was documented.

It took me a couple of hours to tear this verse apart for in-depth analysis yet according to Rick Ross, Jay composed the lyrics in 2-3 minutes!

By the way: In no way am I attempting to frame this verse as religious. I am not trying to connect Jay to any doctrine. This verse does have spiritual overtones however.

I have to say: I can see some in the religious community denouncing Jay-Z’s religious/spiritual references in this verse. Essentially, this verse adds fuel to the firestorm of controversy. But I think what Jay does in this verse is repudiates all of the sensationalized rumors while challenging conventional wisdom when it comes to salvation.

There is no doubt in my mind that this verse is completely over the head of 98% of those who have listened to it. People are either unwilling or unable to “get it”.

Jay’s verse on “Free Mason” can encourage us to dig deep within our own psyche to fully understand the power within ourselves that makes us who we are. The lyrics can also inspire us to tap into that power, which serves as a compass directing us to our own glorious destiny.

Let me first start off by saying that I’m really glad that Jay and Nas squashed their now infamous, legendary beef because it opened the door for what I think all lyrical enthusiasts such as myself was salivating for: collaborations by Jigga man and Esco; two of the greatest lyricists of all time in Hip-Hop. I hope they will collaborate more in the future. Both MCs spit pure fire on this record. Anyone who questions Jay’s lyrical genius need only to listen to his verse on “Black Republican” as proof of why he is one of the best.

Here’s the lyrics in Jay-Z’s verse off “Black Republican”:

Huddlin over the oven, we was like brothers then
Though you was nothin’ other than a son of my mother’s friend
We had governin’, who would of thought the love would end
Like ice cold album, all good things
Neva thought we sing the same song that all hood sang
Thought it was all wood-grain, all good brain
You wouldn’t bicker like the other fools talk good game
Neva imagine all the disasters that one good reign
Could bring…
Should blame, the game, and I could
It’s kill or be killed, how could I refrain?
And foreva be in debt, that’s neva a good thing
To the pressure for success can put a good strain
On a friend you call best, and yes it could bring
Out the worst in every person, even the good and sane
Though we rehearsed, it’s just ain’t the same
When you put in the game at age sixteen
Then you mix things: like cars, jewelry, and miss things
Jealousy, ego, and pride, and this brings
It all to a head like coin, cha-ching
The root of evil strikes again, this could sting
Now the team got beef between the post and the point
This puts the ring in jeopardy – indefinitely

“Black Republican” (off Nas’s Hip-Hop is Dead album)

Jay’s verse is about (that’s right!) drug dealing, of course! Jay’s use of metaphor in this verse may just be the best I’ve ever heard.

I think this verse is much more cautionary than inspirational. What he does in this verse is tell a story that really gives the listener an insight into the root causes of the rise and eventual fall of a criminal enterprise.

The story he tells is actually happening in inner cities throughout the U.S. and around the world.

Here’s a summary of the story: Jay is a partner in the drug game with another hustler. They grew up together. They were tight; best friends who started getting money together in the drug trade. But tension and conflict develops in their relationship due to debt, jealousy, etc. which threatens their livelihood and their lives.

The verse is really quite typical of Jay and the subject matter is pretty common within his work and many (probably too many) MCs. But Jay takes an all too common theme in Hip-Hop music to another level…

Let’s look into the verse deeper…

We had governin’, who would of thought the love would end..

This line reveals that the relationship between the two was a partnership built on order, discipline, and organization. That is kind of rare particularly in the black underworld which Jay-Z states in the next line of the verse:

Neva thought we sing the same song that all hood sang

We don’t see as much organization within the black criminal underworld as we have seen from Italians, Hispanics, Irish, Asians, etc. The “same song” that Jay is referring to is total disorder and distrust that essentially brings down criminal enterprises.

Let’s keep it moving…

Neva imagine all the disasters that one good reign
could bring..
Should blame, the game, and I could
It’s kill or be killed, how could I refrain?

In the criminal underworld there’s violence and it ultimately comes down to you either kill or get killed…or get out if you’re lucky.

And foreva be in debt, that’s neva a good thing

Jay’s got that right! You definitely don’t want to be indebted to anyone forever. Although it’s not good to be indebted to anything forever which may be the larger point that Jay is making. The gang culture is an example of how once you get involved – you don’t get out. In spite of the perceived “perks” of the drug trade, being in the game is ultimately a burden.

Let’s continue…

To the pressure for success can put a good strain
On a friend you call best, and yes it could bring
Out the worst in every person, even the good and sane

I think Jay makes a good point here. Pressure is a good motivator. It can be a strain on you mentally and physically but when the pressure is from the pursuit of success then it’s worth it.

But also, pressure puts a strain on relationships. It’s one of the reasons why many believe that you don’t mix friendship with business. And when we’re talking about criminal business; the nature of the operation essentially guarantees conflict.

Let’s dig further…

Though we rehearsed, it’s just ain’t the same
When you put in the game at age sixteen
Then you mix things: like cars, jewelry, and miss things
Jealousy, ego, and pride, and this brings
It all to a head like coin, cha-ching
The root of evil strikes again, this could sting

Most get into the drug trade at a young age. Here, Jay rhymes about how “rehearsing” isn’t the same as the real thing. And when you’re young (and poor) and gain access to cars, jewelry and women (miss things), it can turn your life upside down. What you think you want can sometimes be what destroy you.

Success (and the trappings that come with it) begets jealousy, ego, pride, etc. and it all results in conflict, which in the drug trade could prove to be deadly.

Clever line here…

The root of evil strikes again, this could sting

Jay is referring to how money (the root of evil) is often what causes painful conflict among people.

Jay ends the verse with this great metaphor…

Now the team got beef between the Post and the Point
This puts the ring in jeopardy – indefinitely

Jay is comparing the conflict between he and his partner with players’ positioning and movement and ultimate objective on the basketball court.

To follow, view this diagram of a b-ball court

The Point on a basketball court is the top of the key. The High Post surrounds either side of the free throw line and the Low Post is either side of the foul line even with the basketball hoop. The ring is the basketball hoop. (Jay could be saying, “This puts the reign (not ring) in jeopardy but the metaphor still fits)…

“Beef” between the Point and the Post in basketball could mean being shut down defensively or players at those positions on the court not being on the same page offensively.

When a team has the ball, the goal is to score, which is of course done by throwing the basketball into the hoop (ring). A team can score more easily and frequently when they can get the ball to a player on the post (higher percentage shot). The average team will struggle when they can’t get the ball inside and have to rely too much on outside shooting.

Now it’s not my intention to give a basketball clinic in this writing piece because I’m far from a b-ball expert but Jay brilliantly uses a basketball metaphor when rhyming about beef in the drug game.

But keep following me here…

What Jay-Z is saying is that in the drug trade beef between “players” on the same team puts the success (and mere existence) of a criminal enterprise in jeopardy- indefinitely.

How can this verse be applied to our lives?

Well, I think that we should have a clear understanding of the dynamic that exists in both our personal and professional relationships. There is pressure to succeed and we will face it and feel it from others and ourselves. Success of any kind can (and mostly likely will) generate jealousy and conflict. This is largely due to ego and pride.

Don’t become seduced or intoxicated by success and its trappings. The “root of evil” is not just a factor in the drug trade but in almost every aspect of life. Beef of any kind with anyone over anything can put your interests and/or your overall well being in jeopardy.

If you’re dealing with any sort of conflict in your life right now, Jay’s verse on “Black Republican” put things in perspective.

Jay-Z is a master at metaphors and double entendres and this rhyme (along with the one I’m going to blog about in the next couple of days or so) demonstrates his genius at using metaphors to make a profound point. Before I continue, let me just say that the falling out between Jay and Beans depresses me; not literally mind you, but the point is, I thought those two had incredible chemistry together. Jay was obviously the anchorman on the Roc but Beans was Jay’s right-hand man and I still believe this today: Beans has the most raw talent of any MC that I’ve ever heard.

Here’s the lyrics in Jay-Z’s last verse off “It’s On”:

See, what you’ve got here’s a full-blown twister
You’re nothing but hot air
It’s not fair
The reason why we lead the pack
This is a marathon
You start off fast then you’re wheezing in the back
So even if I slack, I got enough leeway
To put out “The Reason” by the Mac
Philadelphia Freeway
And I’m back, without leaving
I’m here, but you can’t see him
I gave you the Blueprint but you can’t be him

“It’s On”
From Beanie Siegel’s “The B. Coming” album

By the way, I personally think Beans made a critical mistake publicly dissing Jay in public and on what seems like 100 diss songs (and I’ll go into more why I feel that way one day in the future).

But anyway, in this song Jay and Beans is basically saying, “We, the Roc, are the truth. We’re a movement that’s moving at a higher level. We can’t be stopped.”

Beans is really in rare form on this record. Some fans and critics claim that Jay often gets “murdered” on collaborations. Of course, I disagree with that. As great as Jay is lyrically, he doesn’t have a dynamic voice or style. He’s not the loudest or most aggressive MC. But in any given Jay-Z collabo, he’s almost always the most skilled, the most confident, the most experienced and the most insightful MC.

Let’s examine this lyric…

See, what you’ve got here’s a full-blown twister
You’re nothing but hot air…

Jay-Z compares his crew to a full-blown twister. A twister is just another name for a tornado, which is basically a very violent windstorm. While Jay says his crew is a full-blown twister, YOU (meaning his rivals) is “nothing but hot air”…

Check out Jay’s cleverness: “Hot air” in a literal sense cannot compare to a “full-blown twister”. But the term “hot air” is also slang meaning: empty, exaggerated talk. So what Jay is saying is that his crew is the “real deal” while his rivals are just full of talk with no action or bark with no bite.

Let’s continue…

“The reason why we lead the pack, this is a marathon
You start off fast then you wheezing in the back”

Jay uses another metaphor to describe his crew’s reign over Hip-Hop at the time. A marathon is of course a long race. He’s comparing the rap game to a marathon. The rap game is not a sprint. In a sprint, it’s important to have a great start and to go as fast as you can right through the end because a sprint is a very short race.

But because the rap game is a marathon, it’s about endurance and stamina. So Jay is saying that his crew “leads the pack” in the marathon that is the rap game because others “start off fast” and end up “wheezing in the back”; they lack the ability to endure. They have no conditioning. They seek overnight success instead of longevity in the game.

Let’s keep it moving…

So even if I slack, I got enough leeway
To put out “The Reason” by the Mac, Philadelphia Freeway…

What Jay-Z is saying here is that his crew picks up each other’s slack.

Lastly…

And I’m back, without leaving
I’m here, but you can’t see him
I gave you the Blueprint
But you can’t be him

This is simply a clever play on words by Jay yet it’s a powerful statement in which Jay claims that he’s at such a higher level than his rivals that what he says and does is completely over their heads (which I think could be said about even some of his most loyal fans as well). Finally, Jay states that even with him giving his competitors “the blueprint” to success in the rap game, he still can’t be compared or replaced.

Now, how can this lyric be applied to you and I?

Don’t be full of talk and no action. Talk is cheap. It’s what you do that will make the greatest impact on your life. Life is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. Seek stability in your life and don’t get seduced by overnight, short-term success. Seek longevity in your all of the goals that you set.

In conclusion, others can give you support, guidance and inspiration. But your own determination should be your greatest source of motivation to succeed. Others may give you the blueprint but you will have to find you own way, blaze your own path.