Rewind: Jay-Z's "Decoded"

I found myself Googling people, places and things while reading "Decoded." I knew about the old school MC's that he bigged up in his book, but what I didn't know was how much time Jay-Z spent under raps, pun intended. He put in a lot of time alongside notable artists before he finally made it big. I found some of the embarassing, obscure videos he mentioned (Jaz O's "Hawaiian Sophie" featuring Jay-Z was a riot!) He discussed seasons where he sold out, others where he stuck to his guns. He painstakingly detailed his rise to and transition from street hustle.

I enjoyed some parts of the book: his connection to Che Gueverra...his boycott of Cristal beverage...how Rocawear oddly came into being...how he ended up on the Obama campaign trail...

I loved his musical descriptions. I was particulary engrossed by his breakdown of "99 Problems," which is about anythiing BUT a b*&%$.

And so, friends, I found TONS to admire when it came to "Decoded." Still, there was no firework attachment or enthusiasm. It's not because I'm not a hip hop lover. I grew up crushing Pac and Biggie and Goodie Mob and OutKast. At times, I felt like a fly on the wall as Jay-Z masterfully described hip-hop's infant, toddler, youth, teen and, finally, full-grown phases. And, surely, my aloofness certainly isn't on account of the book being poorly-written. "Decoded" is a valuable addition to today's Black literary landscape. In the world of hip-hop memoirs, I'm sure "Decoded" is in a class of its own. This isn't my area but it's hard to doubt this prediction. I should also mention here that I was gripped by his segment of Oprah's Masterclass show. I felt a sense of familiarity as he described Marcy Projects, his album titles and more. It was purely accidental. Yet, watching the documentary was a great supplement to reading his book.

Why did it take all of my strength to finish the book by our MBC meeting date: September 17th?

I don't quite have the answer...and I can only speak for myself. I just know that it was a laborious read, for me. Make no mistake, though, I needed to read "Decoded." I understand Jay-Z much better. And I comprehend his cult-like following. Speaking of cult, I was thrilled to here his take on spiritual matters. To be sure, his spiritual leanings (dubbed himself  "J-Hova") often stirs controversy. Now I have a more enlightened stance on the matter. I find Jay-Z to be likeable, but I don't know that I would call consider him honorable. Still, I was elated when he and wife Beyonce' announced their pregnancy on the MTV VMA's. After reading his book, I found myself thinking, "there's no way their union would have been possible, had it not been for the power of music." The truth is that Jay-Z and Beyonce grew in far different eras, locations, social and economic realities.

 MBC friends, I rate "Decoded" 7 out of 10 (highest) stars.